On June 12, 2019, Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) celebrated the one-year anniversary of the IVF Center opening in Fairfax, Virginia.
“The buildout completion of the Virginia surgery center represents an important milestone in the history of SGF. While SGF has had a presence and served the Virginia patient community for more than 25 years, the surgery center expands on that commitment to provide the very best in care to our patients,” says Mark Segal, Chief Executive Officer of SGF.
To recognize the success of its inaugural year and honor the late Dr. Stephen Greenhouse for his tireless efforts in bringing the center to life, SGF held a dedication ceremony in his loving memory. Over 100 people were in attendance, including Dr. Greenhouse’s wife, three sons, parents, sister, fellow SGF physicians, staff members, and referring physicians.
Segal began the dedication ceremony looking back on Dr. Greenhouse’s passion and commitment to opening the Virginia IVF Center.
“Dr. Stephen Greenhouse was a tireless advocate in the belief that in order for SGF to be considered more than a Maryland-centric IVF program and medical practice, we needed to have a Virginia lab and surgery center.” Segal continues, “Steve’s commitment to this project extended beyond just convincing his fellow partners and board members to fund the project but included making the trip to Richmond with a few of us to convince local healthcare regulators of the need to build another surgery center specifically focused on fertility.”
“He was incredibly proud of the work that was done by the team in bringing this project to fruition, which is why this dedication of the ASC [ambulatory surgery center] in his memory is so fitting,” says Segal. “For the many patients whose lives he touched, as an amazing physician in practice for more than 20 years, for the thousands more who’ll be seen for the years to come, his spiritual presence will always be a factor that will continue to drive our success and live in our hearts for many generations.”
Dr. Greenhouse’s wife, Robyn, delivered a touching tribute about his legacy and why he was so proud to be a part of the SGF family.
“I believe Stephen would say that Shady Grove Fertility’s greatness comes from more than one doctor working hard. If I were to ask him, he would probably say a good practice takes everyone working together for the benefit of each patient. From all of the behind-the-scenes work—the IT department, marketing department—to those who answer that first phone call about scheduling an appointment. The front desk staff, the sonographers, the nurses. To the doctor that sits before the patient, it couldn’t all be done without everyone working together. For this reason, I believe Stephen would turn the spotlight on each and every one of you to thank you for your hard work that has made Shady Grove Fertility the success it is today.”
Robyn added, “I hope each time you mention the surgery center and each time you pass by the soon-to-be-revealed sign, you will think of Stephen. I hope you will remember his smile and his compassion for all of Shady Grove Fertility’s patients, and his love for his fellow workers and physicians. I hope these memories will make your day a little brighter. From all of us, his family, we thank you for this incredible legacy.”
Dr. Paulette Browne, Dr. Greenhouse’s former colleague and dear friend, pulled the sheet down to reveal the plaque and shadow box of his lab coat, displayed in the entrance of the Fairfax Procedure Center.
A shadow box of Dr. Greenhouse’s lab coat was also presented to the Fair Oaks, VA office, where he primarily saw patients, and to his wife, Robyn.
As each patient passes through our doors for every procedure, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer, they will know and feel the legacy of Dr. Stephen Greenhouse.
About Stephen J. Greenhouse, M.D.
Dr. Stephen Greenhouse passed away Saturday July 28, 2018. He is survived by his wife Robyn, and his three sons, Ryan, Tyler, and Dylan.
Dr. Greenhouse will be remembered at SGF and in the Washington, D.C. medical community by the thousands of lives he touched in both small and large ways. His passion for medicine and for his patients was a driving force behind his professional life. His patients appreciated his expertise and loved him for his generosity of time and attention during a difficult period in their lives. His SGF family has known him as a kind and humorous leader, who always put the well-being of his patients and the staff first. He was a tireless supporter of the SGF practice culture, demonstrating a commitment to patient care with words and actions. Behind the scenes, Dr. Greenhouse helped to manage two of the most demanding aspects of the SGF practice: maintaining a patient-friendly business office and risk management. He always resolved issues in departments with fairness and grace.
On a personal level, Dr. Greenhouse was a dedicated father, husband, son, and brother. He had many friends and was always ready to share a story from the last family bike trip or other vacation, or the latest book he read. He was also a quiet, but involved philanthropist, working to advance the causes he and his family valued.
Dr. Greenhouse is dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and patients.
