Shady Grove Fertility welcomes Dr. Brad Swelstad to the Virginia Medical Team. Dr. Swelstad sees patients out of SGF’s Woodbridge, VA office, and provides a full range of state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options for female and male infertility, elective fertility preservation, fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment, and LGBTQ family building.
Brad B. Swelstad, M.D. earned his medical degree from St. George’s University and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. He then went on to complete a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Johns Hopkins Hospital, during which time he received a Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) stem cell research grant for his work related to germline stem cells in the adult human ovary.
As a former Howard Hughes medical scholar, Dr. Swelstad has received several academic and clinical honors during his career, including Outstanding Resident in OB/GYN and the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society Scholarship, a merit-based award for excellence in research. He has served as both medical director of a fertility practice and university clinical instructor for OB/GYN residents.
Dr. Swelstad is a fellow of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and is board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
MORE ABOUT DR. BRAD SWELSTAD
Q: WHY DID YOU BECOME A REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
A: My love for science and solving complex problems is one reason I went into medicine. During my obstetrics and gynecology residency, I truly enjoyed bringing life into the world. I quickly found reproductive endocrinology to be the perfect mix of all the things I love about medicine. It allows me to solve challenging and complex medical cases, to help others in a meaningful way, and to see that same joy on my patient’s faces when they find out they are pregnant. It is very rewarding to work with highly motivated individuals to overcome obstacles in starting a family.
Q: WHO INSPIRES YOU?
A: My patients constantly inspire me. They have such persistence and determination to overcome the struggles of infertility. The look of excitement on a patient’s face when they find out they are pregnant is what keeps me motivated.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND WHY DO YOU ENJOY THEM?
A: I enjoy cooking and grilling all types of cuisines. I have many appliances at home to help me master the culinary arts. My kitchen has a sous vide, Instant Pot, pasta machine, bread machine, ice cream machine, you get the idea. In addition to being an amateur chef, I have a deep appreciation for coffee. I experiment with my own cold brews and nitro coffee.
I also enjoy the outdoors by hunting, fishing, hiking, and whitewater rafting. I was even a rafting guide in college for 3 years on the Yellowstone River in Montana, which required me to live in a tepee all summer.
Q: WHAT ABOUT SGF MAKES YOU THE MOST PROUD?
A: It makes me very proud to be part of a practice responsible for the births of over 50,000 babies. SGF has a world-class reputation for providing the highest quality fertility care. Even though SGF is a large practice, there is still a feeling of family amongst all the employees. I truly enjoy working in an office where everyone enjoys talking about the countless patient success stories.
Q: WHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?
A: My bucket list could also be a to-do list with my family. My wife has added salsa dancing lessons and my children have requested a tree fort to be on the list. Also, I would like to be a contestant on The Amazing Race with my wife and spend a week with adventurer and survivalist, Bear Grylls.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO HELPING PATIENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING?
A: When a patient is struggling, I always put myself in their shoes. I listen and connect with the journey of each couple. I remind them their perseverance to start a family is what got them this far and then help them maintain a positive outlook. Patients can trust that they are in the hands of a caring physician that is creating individualized treatment plans to help them achieve their dreams.
Q: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
A: I am a detailed oriented, persistent, optimistic, and caring gentleman. I also have a great sense of humor and get excited by new advances in technology.
Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT WOULD SURPRISE MOST PEOPLE?
A: When I was dating my wife, I owned more cookbooks than medical textbooks. I have also constructed musical instruments like a Native American flute and several aboriginal didgeridoos.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brad Swelstad, please call our New Patient Center at 1-877-971-7755 or complete our online form.
