Patient Testimonial
I had a wonderful experience with IVF at Shady Grove. The staff were incredibly friendly and supportive throughout the entire process. I am especially grateful for Dr. Sally Vitez, whose positivity and expertise made a significant difference. I couldn’t be more thankful for her and the entire team!

Dr. Kim is an amazing doctor and person. Since our first encounter with him, we just knew we were in the right hands. He is so very detailed, thorough, and kind hearted. He makes you feel comfortable from the moment you meet him.

Dr. Barnard is absolutely lovely and answered all my questions. She is very personable and kept us updated throughout the whole fertility process.

Dr. Barnard was extremely nice and helpful throughout the whole process. My wife is now pregnant and we couldn’t be happier!

Dr Barnard is the kindest doctor that I have ever met. She shares your joy and pain. She clearly has her patients best interest and takes the time to explain things in easy understandable terms. She enjoys working through ideas to find solutions.

SGF has helped us achieve our dream of creating a family. Thanks to Dr. Barnard and all of the SGF staff that helped us along the way. She really loves what she does and always looks out for what is best for her patients.


Biography

Ellie Andres, PA-C, earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Elon University in North Carolina. She then continued her studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and completed her Master of Medical Science in the Physician Assistant Program.    

Ellie comes to SGF with over a decade of experience as a Physician Assistant, including time spent in Medical Endocrinology and Reproductive Endocrine & Infertility. 

Since joining SGF in 2022, Ellie’s responsibilities include counseling patients on various fertility treatments, performing monitoring, baseline and saline ultrasounds, intrauterine inseminations (IUI), endometrial biopsies, mock embryo transfers, HSGs and more. 

Ellie currently cares for patients as a physician assistant at SGF Carolina’s Raleigh location.  

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Biology: Elon University North Carolina
  • Master of Science in Medical Science – Physician Assistant: Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
  • Perform ultrasounds including baseline, monitoring, and obstetrical   
  • Perform intrauterine inseminations (IUI)  
  • Perform hysterosalpingograms (HSGs)  
  • Perform saline sonograms/mock embryo transfers (SIS/MET)  
  • Perform urgent care evaluations for pain and/or bleeding  
  • Perform gynecological procedures such as endometrial biopsies   
  • Perform physical exams   
  • Review lab results and assist in clinical decision making for patients   
  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine
  • American Academy of Physician Assistants
  • North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants 
  • Triangle Association of Physician Assistants

Q&A

Having been a Physician Assistant for over a decade, I truly feel there is nothing more rewarding than helping families of all walks of life build their desired family. The connections made with patients during what is often a difficult and stressful journey are priceless. I am excited to continue my career in this field with Shady Grove Fertility.

I enjoy spending time with my family, outdoor activities and listening to true crime podcasts.

I am a Raleigh/Cary native and have an identical twin sister!