Brad Swelstad, M.D.

Board Certified Board Certified

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Fair Oaks Location Fair Oaks, VA
Schedule Appointment or 1-888-761-1967
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Swelstad has somehow perfected the difficult balance of being thoroughly educated and up to date in his field and patient and kind enough to make you feel important to him.

Dr. Swelstad and his entire team are fantastic. I cannot recommend them highly enough. He is attentive, compassionate, and has a very calming demeanor. The whole office are polite and comforting, special shoutout to Jean for her genuine caring demeanor all the time.

Dr. Swelstad is AMAZING! He took the time to listen to me, the first doctor which I felt actually listened to me.

Dr. Swelstad is an excellent physician. Caring and compassionate. I trust his medical advice and recommendations.

Dr. Swelstad was a great doctor. He was always calm and reassuring and willing to go over everything I asked.

Dr. Swelstad has amazing bed side manner and he is very informative.

Biography

Brad B. Swelstad, M.D. earned his medical degree from St. George’s University and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. He then went on to complete a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Brad B. Swelstad, M.D., earned his Doctorate of Medicine from St. George’s University and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. He then went on to complete a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Swelstad received a Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) stem cell research grant during his postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins for his work related to germline stem cells in the adult human ovary.

As a former Howard Hughes medical scholar, Dr. Swelstad has received several academic and clinical honors during his career, including Outstanding Resident in OB/GYN, and the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society Scholarship, a merit-based award for excellence in research. He has served as both medical director of a fertility practice and university clinical instructor for OB/GYN residents.

Dr. Swelstad is a fellow of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and is board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

His personal interests include fly fishing, white water rafting, photography, soccer, tennis, skiing, running, and cooking. Dr. Swelstad often enjoys brewing his own nitro coffee and playing the didgeridoo, an instrument he learned to play while he was doing clinical research in Australia.

Dr. Swelstad joined Shady Grove Fertility in November 2018 and sees patients at SGF’s Fair Oaks, VA location.

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Education

  • Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Methodist Hospital
  • Fellowship: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2022-2024)
  • Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top Doctor (2024)
  • Maryland Technology Development Corporation & Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund Grant, Johns Hopkins, 2010 – 2012
  • Midwest Reproductive Symposium Fellow Scholar, 2012
  • Pacific Coast Reproductive Society In-Training Scholarship, 2010
  • Dr. Perry Klein Outstanding Resident in OBGYN, 2007-2008
  • Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Award, 2008
  • ACOG District XI and TAOG Junior Fellow, 2008
  • Houston Gynecological & Obstetrical Society Research Grant, 2006
  • Resident Research Competition Award, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2004
  • Howard Hughes Scholars fellow, University of Wisconsin – Madison, 1997
  • Letters and Science Honors Society, University of Wisconsin – Madison, 1997
  • Medical Society of Virginia
  • Maryland State Medical Society
  • Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology
  • Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
  • Pacific Coast Reproductive Society
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
  • American Medical Association
  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine
  • Swelstad BB, Bazley FA, Kolp L, Garcia J, Zacur H and Kerr CL. “Expansion of Human Germline Progenitor Stem Cells in the Adult Ovary with ESC-like Properties.” Submitted for publication.
  • Swelstad BB, Balhara KS, Pashai N, Wallach EE, and Kerr CL. “Stem Cells of the Reproductive Tract of Women.” Open Journal of Regenerative Medicine. 2(1):1-7, 2013.
  • Swelstad BB and Muasher SJ. Requests for Mild Ovarian Stimulation for In-Vitro Fertilization.In: Sharif K, ed.Assisted Reproduction Techniques: Challenges & Management Options.Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing, pages 146-149, 2012.
  • Gunderson CC, Swelstad BB, Zacur HA. “An update on Hormone Replacement Therapy.” Postgraduate Obstetrics & Gynecology. 31(22):1-7, 2011.
  • Brezina P, Purcell O, Ducie J, Swelstad B, Yates M, Christianson M, and Kolp L. “Breakage of Suture Material Leading to Fascial Dehiscence.” Middle East Fertility Society Journal. 16:87-89, 2011.
  • Swelstad BB and Kerr C. “Current protocols in the generation of pluripotent stem cells: theoretical, methodological and clinical considerations.” Journal of Stem Cells and Cloning: Advances and Applications. 2010(3): 13-27, 2009.
  • Swelstad BB. Injury to Inferior Epigastric Artery. In: Toy EC, Cleary LJ, Ross LM, Papasakelariou C, eds.Case Files: Anatomy, 2nded.New York:McGraw-Hill, pages 117-122, 2008.
  • Swelstad MR, Swelstad BB, Rao VK, and Gutowski K.A. “Management of Gestational Gigantomastia.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 118: 840-848, 2006.
  • Katada A, Vos J, Swelstad BB, and Zealer DL. “A Sequential Double Labeling Technique for Studying Changes in Motoneuronal Projections to Muscle Following Nerve Injury and Reinnervation.” Journal of Neuroscience Methods. 155(1):20-27, 2006.
  • Bement WM, Benink H, Mandato CA, and Swelstad BB. “Evidence for Direct Membrane Retrieval Following Cortical Granule Exocytosis in Xenopus Oocytes and Eggs.” Journal of Experimental Zoology. 286:767-775, 2000

Q&A

My love for science and solving complex problems is one reason I went into medicine. During my obstetrics and gynecology residency, I truly enjoyed bringing life into the world. I quickly found reproductive endocrinology to be the perfect mix of all the things I love about medicine. It allows me to solve challenging and complex medical cases, to help others in a meaningful way, and to see that same joy on my patient’s faces when they find out they are pregnant. It is very rewarding to work with highly motivated individuals to overcome obstacles in starting a family.

My patients constantly inspire me. They have such persistence and determination to overcome the struggles of infertility. The look of excitement on a patient’s face when they find out they are pregnant is what keeps me motivated.

I enjoy cooking and grilling all types of cuisines. I have many appliances at home to help me master the culinary arts. My kitchen has a sous vide, Instant Pot, pasta machine, bread machine, ice cream machine, you get the idea. In addition to being an amateur chef, I have a deep appreciation for coffee. I experiment with my own cold brews and nitro coffee.

I also enjoy the outdoors by hunting, fishing, hiking, and whitewater rafting. I was even a rafting guide in college for 3 years on the Yellowstone River in Montana, which required me to live in a tepee all summer.

 It makes me very proud to be part of a practice responsible for the births of over 100,000 babies. SGF has a world-class reputation for providing the highest quality fertility care. Even though SGF is a large practice, there is still a feeling of family amongst all the employees. I truly enjoy working in an office where everyone enjoys talking about the countless patient success stories.

My bucket list could also be a to-do list with my family. My wife has added salsa dancing lessons and my children have requested a tree fort to be on the list. Also, I would like to be a contestant on The Amazing Race with my wife and spend a week with adventurer and survivalist, Bear Grylls.

When a patient is struggling, I always put myself in their shoes. I listen and connect with the journey of each couple. I remind them their perseverance to start a family is what got them this far and then help them maintain a positive outlook. Patients can trust that they are in the hands of a caring physician that is creating individualized treatment plans to help them achieve their dreams.

I am a detailed oriented, persistent, optimistic, and caring gentleman. I also have a great sense of humor and get excited by new advances in technology.

When I was dating my wife, I owned more cookbooks than medical textbooks. I have also constructed musical instruments like a Native American flute and several aboriginal didgeridoos.

2024 Shady Grove Fertility

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