Lessons from Local Leaders:

Dr. Fady Sharara

Restoring Hope, One Family at a Time: The Story of Dr. Fady Sharara and the Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine

For over two decades, Dr. Fady Sharara, founder of the Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine (VCRM) in Reston, Virginia, has been one of the most trusted names in fertility care.
Since opening his doors 23 years ago, Dr. Sharara has combined science, compassion, and faith to help thousands of couples experience one of life’s greatest miracles—becoming parents.

A Calling Found in Compassion

When Dr. Sharara entered medical school, he wasn’t sure which path to take. He explored both cardiology and obstetrics, but nothing quite resonated—until he discovered the emerging specialty of reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

“The first day I started doing that elective, I knew this was my calling,” he recalls.

After completing his OB/GYN residency at George Washington University and a three-year fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Sharara spent several years in academic medicine before opening his own practice. His goal was simple yet profound: to treat every patient the way he would want to be treated.

The Heart Behind Fertility Care

Dr. Sharara describes infertility as one of the most emotionally charged diagnoses a person can receive.

“For some couples, being told they’re infertile feels like being told they have cancer,” he explains.

That empathy drives his deeply personal approach. At VCRM, no two patients are treated alike. Each couple’s journey begins with a thorough evaluation—because, as he says, “It takes two to tango.”

Roughly 40% of infertility issues stem from the female, 40% from the male, and 20% from a combination of both. Understanding this delicate balance is key to effective treatment.

And while many clinics take a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Sharara’s team focuses on customized solutions—honoring the individuality of each couple’s situation.

A Boutique Approach to Modern Medicine

When founding VCRM, Dr. Sharara envisioned a center that stood apart from today’s corporate-driven healthcare model.

“Medicine has become so impersonal. You go to a big practice, and you might never see the same doctor twice,” he says. “I wanted something different.”

That vision became a boutique fertility practice, where patients are known by name, not by number.
His office is intentionally small—ensuring that every patient receives the personalized attention they deserve.

This close-knit structure allows for constant communication between doctors, embryologists, nurses, and staff—creating a seamless, supportive experience for each couple.

“We handhold our patients through the process,” Dr. Sharara explains. “They know us, and we know them.”

The Evolution of Fertility Medicine

Over the past 20 years, the field of reproductive medicine has advanced dramatically—and VCRM has been at the forefront of many of those breakthroughs.

Dr. Sharara was among the first in the D.C. region to introduce egg freezing in 2003, foreseeing its importance long before it became mainstream.

“The biggest regret I hear from patients is not freezing their eggs sooner,” he says.

He educates women on understanding their fertility timeline:

• Women are born with about 1.2 million eggs, and that number declines over time.
• By age 37, egg loss accelerates dramatically.
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, and stress can speed up this decline.

For women not ready to start families in their 20s or early 30s, egg freezing can be a life-changing option.

“It’s not an insurance policy,” he cautions, “but it’s a powerful way to preserve your future.”

Science Meets Innovation

VCRM continues to embrace new technology to enhance success rates and patient outcomes. The center recently introduced AI-driven embryo monitoring, using time-lapse imaging to capture every stage of embryo development.

“This technology helps us identify the healthiest embryos to transfer—potentially increasing success rates even further,” says Dr. Sharara.

Other cutting-edge advancements include genetic testing of embryos (PGT-A) to minimize miscarriage risk, and the potential for future breakthroughs like growing eggs or sperm for individuals who currently cannot produce them.

“We’re entering an age where AI and automation will transform fertility care,” Dr. Sharara notes. “Our goal is to use every tool available to bring patients closer to their dream of parenthood.”

The Human Side of Hope

Despite the technological sophistication, the foundation of VCRM remains deeply human.

“We’re not just here for science—we’re here for hope,” he says.

Dr. Sharara and his team view themselves as cheerleaders for their patients, walking alongside them through every emotional high and low.
When patients return with their newborns or send Christmas cards featuring their “VCRM babies,” it’s the most rewarding part of his work.

“When patients bring their children back to see us—it’s magical. That’s why we do what we do.”

A Message to Women Everywhere

Dr. Sharara’s advice is clear and heartfelt: don’t wait.
If something doesn’t feel right—irregular cycles, unexplained delays, or uncertainty about fertility—get tested early.

“You are your own advocate,” he emphasizes. “Don’t wait for someone else to tell you it’s time. Early action gives you options—waiting limits them.”

As fertility challenges become more common, education and proactive care are more important than ever.
Through compassionate guidance and cutting-edge science, Dr. Fady Sharara and the Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine continue to turn heartbreak into hope—one family at a time.

Reach Dr. Fady Sharara Below