Shady Grove vs Columbia Fertlity

[Anonymous]

I have been recommended Dr. Widra in SG and Dr. Sacks in Columbia. Any thoughs on any of this two doctors? Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

I've seen both and IMHO, Sacks is the better doctor and Shady Grove has the better lab.

[Anonymous]

I've also seen both doctors! Dr. Sacks definitely has a better bedside manner- he's simply great. However, I do have faith in Dr. Widra as well, though he may not be as touchy feely. Given that Shady Grove has the better lab (which in the end is crucial), you may want to opt for SG.

[Anonymous]

Look up the CDC statistics on IVF results. When I was going through this, Shady Grove's numbers were much better.

You can google it.

FWIW, my son was conceived through an IUI done by Dr. Widra. But I would go by the numbers when making your decision.

[Anonymous]

PP here. Here's the link. Unfortunately, they're from 2005, but maybe you can ask the clinics for their updated numbers.

http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/ART2005/clinics05.asp

[Anonymous]

I agree the lab and stats are most important in the end. Also, at both practices, you'll end up seeing multiple doctors (at least for IVF) and I think on the whole Shady Grove has better physicians than Columbia. Having started with Columbia and ended up successful with Dr. Widra, I swear by him -- he's a straight shooter and very skilled.

[Anonymous]

Is it true that Shady Grove will only take cases that are more likely to be successful, hence their high stats? And, what does a "better lab" mean exactly?

[Anonymous]

No, I do not believe the rumor about Shady Grove being more picky.

I am 41, with a history of being a poor responder (to the stimulation drugs) and poor embryo quality -- basically I didn't produce a lot of eggs and the ones that were fertilized tended to be of poor quality. However, Shady Grove took me on and I am now pregnant with twins -- thru IVF with my own eggs.

In any practice you see, there may be a doctor who does not think you are a good candidate for IUI or IVF based upon their experience and your results. So someone who is given a poor prognosis by one clinic may be more accepted by a different doctor at a different clinic.

[Anonymous]

I don't believe SG is picky either - everyone I know, with nearly every sort of IF issue went there.

And hey, if they do accept you, you'll have good odds.

[Anonymous]

I'm also wondering what "a better lab" means?

[Anonymous]

What about Shady Grove compared to Dominion and Dr. Sacks compared to Dominion - does anyone have any experience comparing those?

My preference is to do natural cycle IVF, which I know Dominion offers. But I have lots of friends who love Dr. Sacks and I always thought I'd go to him if it were necessary. And my OB generally likes to send his patients to Shady Grove, so I'd also consider them (Georgetown location).

[Anonymous]

I had Dr. Widra at SGF and will say, although I was initially very put off by his brusque manner, he knew what to do and I got pg on my second IUI with minimal drugs. He can be very short and condescending when you ask any questions, which severely annoyed me. But in the end he was right about my diagnosis and treatment, and I am now 18 weeks pg, and that's what matters to me. Granted, if my treatment hadn't been successful so quickly his attitude would have driven me absolutely crazy, since you get increasingly concerned as IF issues persist.

[Anonymous]

SG doesn't turn away people to help odds. I was 41 and for 2006 had a cancelled IVF- we only had $ for one more attempt and in 2007 i got pregnant- and have a healthy full-term baby- also had 4 failed iuis in 2007, poor responder, max of 3 eggs produced, etc. with SG and never heard for me to leave.. Dr greenhouse is highly recommended.. even emails patients- top notch.

[Anonymous]

Just wanted to say that I LOVED Dr.Widra, and so did two of my friends. All three of us have children now (6 amongst us)!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks all for your comments and encouragement. I have an appointment with Dr. Widra next week.