Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) and Georgia Reproductive Specialists (GRS) Announce Merger, Joining Two Award-Winning Practices to Bring World-Class Reproductive Care to the One in Eight Couples Who Face Infertility

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The leadership teams of Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) -- with 25 locations throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. -- and Georgia Reproductive Specialists (GRS) -- with three locations across the Greater Atlanta metro -- announced today that GRS will merge with SGF. By combining the successful clinical, scientific, and operational approaches under the brand "SGF Atlanta," the merger offers an exceptional opportunity to provide enhanced fertility services to more patients in Atlanta and surrounding areas.

Shady Grove Fertility, the largest, privately-owned fertility practice in the nation, was founded in 1991 by Michael. J. Levy, M.D., and Arthur Sagoskin, M.D. Today, the practice, under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Mark Segal, offers evidence-based fertility solutions that have resulted in more than 40,000 babies and counting. The practice is amidst its 26th year of continued growth with new opportunities and expansion on the horizon.

Georgia Reproductive Specialists, the third largest IVF practice in the Greater Atlanta region, was founded in 2000 by Mark Perloe, M.D., and provides high quality reproductive healthcare that focuses on the patient as a partner. GRS provides advanced, innovative, high value infertility care in a nurturing environment. The practice stands behind its high success rates with an approach to care that complements well the model followed by SGF.

"Among the reasons we're excited about this collaboration is because it connects practices and providers who share similar values and goals. SGF has been at the forefront of many advances and services that have helped patients access care. A practice of this size offers a unique advantage and current and new GRS patients will benefit from a range of financial packages pioneered by SGF. Among them, SGF's signature Shared Risk 100% Refund Program for IVF and Donor Egg that will bring a new affordable guarantee option to the patients of Greater Atlanta," remarks Dr. Perloe. 

Uniting the two brands seemed like an easy decision, especially as the two practices already share a unique talent in the form of internationally renowned Scientific Director of IVF and Embryology Laboratories, Dr. Michael Tucker, one of the world's top scientists in early human reproduction, widely known for his breakthrough achievements in assisted reproductive technology.

"I have long admired being among the remarkably dedicated physicians, embryologists, and specialty staff of both practices. Each share the same patient-centric care model, and this merger synergistically combines the unique skills of each practice and provides a tremendous advantage to patients. While patients at GRS will benefit from interacting with the same staff they've come to know and trust, new benefits include a full range of affordable treatment packages and electronic medical records that make for seamless communication, among others," adds Dr. Tucker.

"We are thrilled at the prospect of joining forces with SGF. We recognize the position they have earned among the nation's leaders in reproductive medicine. Their clinical expertise and cutting-edge technology have led to more successful pregnancies than any other center in the nation. That makes for a practice we are proud to align ourselves with," shares Desireé McCarthy-Keith, M.D., MPH, of GRS.

Shady Grove Fertility provides a full range of diagnostic and treatment options to help heterosexual and same-sex individuals and couples achieve their family building goals, as well as elective and oncofertility egg freezing.

"The face of infertility looks very different today than it did even a few years ago. Each member of the GRS medical team is highly trained and brings equal parts clinical expertise and human compassion to their role in helping to build families. Drs. McCarthy-Keith, Perloe, and Namnoum are among the most accomplished in our field, showing a demonstrated commitment to advancing science, education and advocacy—all tenets we find necessary in leading a reputable practice," remarks SGF's Medical Director, Eric A. Widra, M.D.

"I have known Dr. Tucker for decades, and over the last few months have come to know the other members of the clinical and management teams. We have developed a mutual admiration and respect for one another. We share much of the same business, medical, scientific, and operational values and culture. The true success of this merger will be measured by the growing numbers of individuals and couples who achieve their dreams of parenthood, which we firmly believe will happen. We are delighted by this new partnership," adds Segal.

About Shady Grove Fertility

Shady Grove Fertility is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence offering patients individualized care, innovative financial options, and pregnancy rates among the highest of all national centers. 2016 commemorated 25 years of Shady Grove Fertility providing medical and service excellence to patients from all 50 states and 35 countries around the world, and over 40,000 babies born -- more than any other center in the nation. Today, 38 physicians, supported by a highly specialized team of more than 700 Ph.D. scientists, geneticists, and staff care for patients in 25 locations throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Shady Grove Fertility physicians actively train residents and reproductive endocrinology fellows and invest in continuous clinical research and education to advance the field of reproductive medicine through numerous academic appointments and partnerships such as Georgetown Medical School, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the University of Maryland, and the National Institutes of Health. More than 1,700 physicians refer their patients to Shady Grove Fertility each year. For more information, call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com.

About Georgia Reproductive Specialists

GRS offers a full range of reproductive medicine and fertility treatments, including diagnostic testing and treatment options from simple drug therapy and surgical procedures to assisted reproductive technologies (ART), for both men and women. The board certified physicians of GRS offer more than 50 years of combined experience in reproductive medicine and infertility treatment and are experts in female and male reproductive disorders. The staff of over 40 includes skilled and experienced clinical and technical professionals, embryologists, counselors, and administrators who care for patients in Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, and Buckhead, GA. In addition, the renowned clinical laboratory staff of scientists is credited with developing cutting-edge techniques used by infertility specialists around the world. The GRS on-site diagnostic laboratory is fully accredited and features the most advanced technology used in in vitro fertilization, thorough semen and hormone analysis, sperm preparation, and the assisted reproductive technologies. A personalized medical team, led by a board certified reproductive endocrinologist, ensures that patients receive the highest possible medical care, specialized support programs, educational resources, and financial management options. For more information, call 404-843-2229 or visit IVF.com.

SOURCE Shady Grove Fertility