Shady Grove Fertility is proud to welcome Dr. Melanie Ochalski to the Pennsylvania Medical Team. Dr. Ochalski will be seeing new patients at SGF’s Lancaster, PA location, providing 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.
Melanie Ochalski, M.D. is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist. She earned her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center–Magee-Womens Hospital.
Dr. Ochalski has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and review articles in many leading scientific journals and has been invited to present at national meetings. She is the recipient of multiple scientific and teaching awards.
Dr. Ochalski is currently a clinical assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Penn State College of Medicine and an assistant clinical professor at Drexel University College of Medicine.
Dr. Ochalski is an active member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and the North American Menopause Society. Her interests include assisted reproductive technologies, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), ovulatory disorders and recurrent pregnancy loss.
MORE ABOUT DR. MELANIE OCHALSKI
Q: WHY DID YOU BECOME A REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
A: I’ve wanted to be a doctor for a long as I can remember. From a young age I had an immense fascination with the science of pregnancy. Through medical school and my OB/GYN residency, I was involved in wonderful series of research projects that explored aspects of the development of normal pregnancy and ovarian function. It was through these projects that I first fell in love with the field of reproductive endocrinology. However, not until I began working with couples trying to conceive, did I know without a doubt that I found what I was meant to do with my life.
Q: WHO INSPIRES YOU?
A: Without question, I am inspired by my patients, who have a dream in their heart of what their family looks like and pursue that vision without hesitation. Most of my patients have busy careers and lives, and the commitment they make to fulfill their dream of becoming parents inspires me to provide the best care possible to achieve that dream.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND WHY DO YOU ENJOY THEM?
A: I’m a novice gardener, but I’ve been at it for the past 6 years. I love the thrill of watching tiny seeds transform into healthy vegetables and beautiful flowers. I share this past-time with my family and it brings us all a lot of joy.
Q: WHAT ABOUT SGF MAKES YOU THE MOST PROUD?
A: I am incredibly proud to be part of the SGF Team because I believe it’s the absolute best place to receive fertility care. My colleagues are among the brightest in the field, and we challenge each other to provide the best care for every patient.
Q: DESCRIBE A TIME WHEN YOU WERE INSPIRED BY A PATIENT.
A: I had a patient who suffered a pregnancy loss after years of trying to conceive. Her nurse in the hospital felt such compassion for her that she offered to carry her next pregnancy. This was not a small favor because she was working as a full-time nurse and had four children of her own. However, she followed through, and eventually gave birth to a healthy baby. Both the parents and the carrier’s family have stayed in close contact with each other and get together often. It is one of the most beautiful stories of selflessness and I love that was part of it.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO HELPING PATIENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING?
A: Many couples who come to a fertility specialist have been through some degree of disappointment and pain. Acknowledging that, I encourage my patients to start over with a clean slate and positive perspective.
Q: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
A: Open- minded.
Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT WOULD SURPRISE MOST PEOPLE?
A: I’m from New Jersey.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Melanie Ochalski, please call our New Patient Center at 1-877-971-7755 or complete our online form.
