Lisa K. Shanahan, DO

My ambition to become a doctor started as a young girl watching the television show ER in the 1990s. I was fascinated by how healthcare providers responded to patients in medical need.

I decided I was meant to be an obstetrician–gynecologist in medical school. Serving as a primary care provider in an office setting and also performing deliveries in the hospital spoke to my interest in preventive medicine and my love of procedures. I was further inspired by two mentors—physicians who took me under their wings and led by example in serving their communities and advocating for patients.

As an obstetrician–gynecologist, I perform many procedures, including primary and repeat cesarean deliveries, vaginal deliveries, hysteroscopy, and operative laparoscopy. I also provide preventive gynecologic care and develop long-term relationships with my patients. I enjoy building a connection with patients and providing guidance and education for their medical care so they can make informed decisions.

At NYU Langone, I serve a wide variety of patients. I manage both low- and high-risk pregnancies and safely deliver newborns. I manage several gynecologic conditions and develop a partnership with my patients to identify their health and pregnancy care goals. I believe it is important to recognize that the body is an interconnected system and to promote overall wellness through a complete understanding of a patient’s health.

As the medical director of the family care suite postpartum unit at Tisch Hospital, I strive to provide patients with excellent care and support in their transition to a new family dynamic. I work with our nurses and pediatricians to nurture the bond of the birth parent and baby. I also serve as the medical director of perinatal mental health, where my team of obstetricians, psychiatrists, and social workers provide therapy and medication management during pregnancy and the postpartum period. In both roles, I have the unique opportunity to address aspects of a person’s pregnancy and postpartum journey, providing the attention needed for best outcomes.

I am honored to be a part of the pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experience of my patients.