Shady Grove Fertility is proud to welcome Valerie R. Libby, M.D., M.P.H., FACOG, to the Atlanta Medical Team. Dr. Libby will begin seeing patients in SGF’s Atlanta – Northside location in late September 2020 and will provide a full range of state-of-the-art, in-house diagnostic and treatment options for female and male infertility, elective egg freezing, LGBTQ family building, and fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment.
Dr. Libby earned her medical degree at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Parkland Hospital, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Libby went on to complete her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University.
Dr. Libby has published several peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, book chapters, and review articles in many leading scientific journals in the fields of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Her specific research interest is fertility preservation and egg freezing. She is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a member of numerous medical organizations.
Dr. Libby’s clinical interests include any aspect of female and male infertility, in particular; making advances in in vitro fertilization, oocyte donation, recurrent pregnancy loss, fertility preservation, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
More about Dr. Valerie Libby
Why did you become a doctor/reproductive endocrinologist?
Dr. Libby: I became a doctor because I love helping people and observing the impact that my father and grandfathers had on their patients and the fulfillment they exude from their profession inspired me to pursue medicine.
Who inspires you?
Dr. Libby: My parents inspire me. My mom inspires me to create a beautiful home and family and my father inspires me to be a kind and innovative leader that tries to always make others feel good about themselves and to be the best physician that treats every patient like their own family.
What about SGF makes you the most proud?
Dr. Libby: There are so many reasons I am honored and thrilled to join SGF Atlanta. The first time I met with SGF, I learned about their core values of integrity, empathy, and increasing access to care—values directly aligned with my own.
As a patient of fertility myself, I understand the financial burden of IVF. SGF mitigates this risk significantly by sharing financial risk with the patients. SGF was the first fertility practice to create a IVF guarantee program and, though other practices attempt to emulate them, SGF provides the most affordable option for patients. Furthermore, SGF is constantly maintaining and improving their standards of care with evidence-based practices.
What is your approach to helping patients who are struggling?
Dr. Libby: First, I listen. I try to fully understand their concerns and struggles. Then, I validate their feelings and let them know they are not alone. I try to empathize with their struggle and connect with my patients. Finally, I attempt to evaluate their issues while explaining to the patient what I think may be the possible cause and how we can attempt to tackle the problem one step at a time.
How would you describe your personality?
Dr. Libby: I am outgoing and very positive and try my best to relate to people. I am a leader and love to mentor others whether they are my patients or my colleagues.
What is something about you that would surprise most people?
Dr. Libby:
- My father, two of my brothers, and uncle are all urologists so, to my mother’s dismay, our dinner conversations often involve the reproductive tract.
- I lived in Kenya for 7 months, speak some Swahili, Italian, Portuguese, and am fluent in Spanish.
- I froze my eggs 4 times
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Dr. Libby: I enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures. I love cooking and eating and therefore trying new restaurants. I also love being outdoors and keeping myself healthy with biking, tennis, and Pilates so I can enjoy those restaurants.
What’s on your bucket list?
Dr. Libby: Well, just like all my patients, I hope to have my own family one day. I love that I deeply understand this desire and can empathize with everyone that walks into my office.
Patients may schedule an appointment with Dr. Libby at SGF’s Atlanta-Northside location by calling 1-877-761-1967 or submit this brief form.
