About Dr. Sujatha Gunnala
Dr. Sujatha Gunnala is a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist, providing fertility services to infertile couples in Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding Metropolitan Areas since 1980. She began this journey after completing Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology from The Medical College of Pennsylvania (MCP), also the First Women’s Medical college in USA, and Fellowship in Reproductive endocrinology and Infertility from MCP and Albert Einstein Medical center in Philadelphia.
Dr. Sujatha Gunnala is a proud mother and a grandmother. She is married to Mr. Suri Gunnala- a Chemical engineer by profession, a successful business person and entrepreneur, devoted husband, and caring father and Grandfather. Dr. Gunnala is a proud mother of Vishal and Vinay, two wonderful, kind hearted human beings with beautiful souls who followed their dreams.
Dr. Vishal Gunnala is a Pediatric intensive care/critical care specialist at Phoenix Children’s hospital. He is married to Dr. Preethi Gunnala, a Radiologist in the valley and they are both are blessed with 3 children, Alaina, Tejal and Devan Ram.
Sujatha’s youngest son, Dr. Vinay Gunnala joined his mother at Southwest Fertility Center one year ago after completing Residency and Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility from Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, setting a Legacy in providing fertility services in the Valley.
Dr. Vinay Gunnala is married to Dr. Thu Huynh, a Doctorate in Neuroscience, and they are blessed with a 22 month old son Dhillan.
Sujatha is the oldest of 8 children and grew up in a simple, pious, middle class family. She was raised by a honest, kind, generous father and hard working, smart, intelligent and strong willed mother. Both parents being very spiritual, instilled good values in their children and shared their limited resources with the poorest of the poor in the neighborhood.
In her own words:
Bio/Background/Family:
After completing Medical studies, post graduate training and fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in Philadelphia in 1980, I founded Southwest Fertility Center in Phoenix. I am married to Suri Gunnala, have two sons and 5 grand children.
Present Title, Work:
M.D FACOG, Fertility Specialist, Founder and Medical Director of Southwest Fertility Center.
I am a symbol of strength because:
I have the God given gifts of hard work, honesty, perseverance and passion in the tasks I take up in life and in my profession. I am grateful to the Divine Power to allow me to help a woman achieve the dream of becoming a mother and a couple becoming parents.
What made you succeed?
Hard work, patience, perseverance. Also, a supportive and understanding husband. With his help, I was able to concentrate and devote more than 100% of my time in my profession and patient care, which helped me to be successful.
Most influencing personality trait you have (succeed or gotten into trouble!):
Being straight forward and frank
Challenges you faced during your success journey:
The world’s first test tube baby was born in 1978. At that time, I was in my first year of fellowship in the fertility field. When I completed fellowship in 1980, In vitro fertilization treatment was still in its infancy. Learning new science and new techniques was a big challenge. We self taught by attending conferences, workshops, visiting centers, exchanging ideas and experiences with friends and colleagues to start the In vitro fertilization program from the ground level like a pioneer. The field now, in the 21st century, is an established and advanced science.
Specific achievement/awards you want to share:
Graduated from Medical school with distinction. I was awarded a gold medal in Internal Medicine for scoring the highest marks, graduated second from University among 300 + graduating medical school class from Osmania University for scoring the second highest in all clinical subjects combined (Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetric & Gynecology, Ophthalmology and ENT). We (myself and our staff) at Southwest Fertility Center strive to achieve successful outcomes for all of our patients. We just came to know from national published data that the pregnancy success rates of our center is above the National average in all age group of women for the year of 2017. I consider it a great achievement and one that is only possible by having a caring and dedicated team at Southwest Fertility center.
Best Memory you want to share with:
When my office called to give me a positive pregnancy result on my very first IVF patient- that day and that person I will never forget! When I first stepped onto the land in Maricopa, the very first sentence that came out of me was that “we should have a temple here.” Now with the grace of Lord Ganesha and the help of hundreds of devotees and volunteers, the Maha Ganapati Temple of Arizona exists.
Your views about Women / Women Empowerment :
Women Empowerment organization is doing a great job in empowering women by networking, educating, mentoring, sharing and guiding women.
Your message to all women:
- Be sincere, honest, respectful, work hard and treat every one equally.
- Leave your egos and control your desires.
- Set a good example for your children.
- Do not compare or compete with your friends or colleagues in materialistic things.
- Learn the culture of society you are living in now, take good things from your homeland and from your adopted land.
- Most importantly, maintain a healthy life style.
