Dr. Erika Johnston is one of Shady Grove Fertility’s newest physicians at SGF’s Richmond, VA location. The new Richmond location will offer a broad array of fertility services, including diagnostic testing, low-tech treatment options such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), highly advanced infertility treatments such as donor egg treatment, oncofertility, andrology services, LGBTQ family building, and egg freezing to name a few.
Dr. Erika Johnston is former Medical Director for Wake Forest Center for Reproductive Medicine. She completed her undergraduate degree at Cornell University and earned her medical degree at State University of New York at Syracuse. She continued on to Thomas Jefferson University where she completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a 3-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) at the University of Connecticut Health Center. Dr. Johnston is board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
WHAT PATIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT DR. ERIKA JOHNSTON
“Dr. Johnston took the time to explain all of our previous test results with us and really listened to our concerns. She explained everything very well and was empathetic and optimistic. I cannot say enough great things about our visit,” remarked a recent Dr. Johnston patient. Another added, “Dr. Johnston is the best doctor I’ve ever had. My health problems in this area are complicated and frustrating, and she never stops looking for ways to help me.”
MORE ABOUT DR. ERIKA JOHNSTON
Q: WHY DID YOU BECOME A DOCTOR/REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
A: I loved science in high school and attended Cornell University where I became a health center volunteer in women’s health during my freshman year. Finding enjoyment in my premed classes was complimented by a large dose of coursework in public health policy. I found that my interest in surgery, technical procedures, and women’s health was a perfect segway into OB/GYN. During residency I was fortunate to have early exposure to reproductive endocrinologists who were excellent surgeons and very thoughtful about the hormonal disorders leading to the patient condition. This medical sleuthing resonated with me and I felt it was a good fit for my interest in problem solving, empathetic patient interactions, and technical procedures.
Q: WHO INSPIRES YOU?
A: I am inspired by my parents who were both the first in their families to attend four year college and graduate programs and worked very hard to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Q: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
A: I am a good listener, empathetic, and energetic with a strong work ethic. I am always focused on identifying a solution to the problem at hand and working through challenges with a positive focus.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND WHY DO YOU ENJOY THEM?
A: I enjoy reading and playing sports with my children. As a family, we enjoy outdoor time and have many fond memories of evening fires and sticky s’mores. I enjoy kayaking and exploring on the waterways of Virginia. I learned to play squash in medical school, and I have had fun playing squash and volleyball with colleagues and friends through the years.
Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT WOULD SURPRISE MOST PEOPLE?
A: I love hydrangeas and have enjoyed growing them in my yard and sharing their stunning blooms with co-workers and neighbors. I can also clam with my toes, but can’t eat them due to food allergy.
Q: WHAT ABOUT SGF MAKES YOU THE MOST PROUD?
A: SGF has such a strong track record of patient-focused, cutting-edge care. I am excited to join such a patient-centered team of highly skilled physicians who aim to keep pace with our quick changing field of reproductive medicine and shape the future direction of the field.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO HELPING PATIENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING?
A: Fertility treatment can be stressful and overwhelming to contemplate in one visit alone. I encourage patients to celebrate small successes and compartmentalize treatment into stages to feel that progress is being made and the goal is getting closer. I try to help patients anticipate what to expect at each visit or procedure to minimize anxiety. I also encourage them to surround themselves with positive support networks to cheer them on along the journey.
Q: DESCRIBE A TIME WHEN YOU WERE INSPIRED BY A PATIENT
A: I was covering our office one weekend when one of my patients suffered a miscarriage while in the office for her visit. It was devastating. She and her spouse were so strong through it all, but helping them that day was so challenging. She was in pain both physically and emotionally. I was inspired by her strength in that moment but also in her willingness to continue in treatment. I am pleased to share that after another attempt, she is the proud mother of two healthy children. They never abandoned hope.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Erika Johnston, please call our New Patient Center at 1-877-971-7755 or complete our online form.
