Phoenix, Ariz. — Valley Perinatal Services is pleased to announce that Sarah L. Pachtman, MD, MSE, FACOG, has joined the practice, bringing extensive expertise in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and a deeply personal commitment to caring for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies. A native Arizonan, Dr. Pachtman returns home after years of advanced training and clinical practice in New York, where she cared for some of the nation’s most complex obstetric patients.
Dr. Pachtman’s journey into medicine began long before medical school. Raised by her mother, an OB/GYN physician, she developed an early appreciation for women’s healthcare while accompanying her on hospital rounds. After losing her mother to breast cancer at age 17, Dr. Pachtman made it her life’s mission to continue the work that inspired her.
“My mother showed me what compassionate women’s healthcare looks like. Returning home to Arizona and caring for the community that shaped me is an incredible privilege.”
Dr. Pachtman specializes in caring for women with high-risk pregnancies and has particular clinical interests in fetal diagnosis, advanced ultrasound, critical care in pregnancy, maternal mental health, IVF pregnancies, and preconception health optimization. As an IVF mother herself, she brings a unique level of empathy and understanding to patients navigating infertility and pregnancy after fertility treatment.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University, followed by a master’s degree and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Kentucky. Her engineering background has shaped her thoughtful, problem-solving approach to medicine, combining innovation with compassionate patient care.
Throughout her career, Dr. Pachtman has been passionate about patient education, believing that informed patients become empowered partners in their own care.
“I want every patient to leave feeling knowledgeable, supported, and confident. My role is to walk beside them, explain their options, and help them make the best decisions for themselves and their families.”
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Pachtman has become a trusted voice in maternal health education through her social media platform, Healthy Mama Doc, where she shares evidence-based information to combat misinformation surrounding pregnancy, vaccines, medications, and maternal mental health. Her work earned her the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Immunization Champion Award in 2023.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Pachtman to Valley Perinatal,” said Chris Johnson, CEO of Valley Perinatal Services. “Her clinical expertise, collaborative approach, and passion for empowering women align perfectly with our mission of providing exceptional maternal-fetal care throughout Arizona.”
Returning to Arizona is more than a career move for Dr. Pachtman—it’s a homecoming.
“I came home to Arizona to give my whole heart to this community. Whether a pregnancy is straightforward or highly complex, my goal is the same: every patient should feel informed, supported, and strong every step of the way.”
Dr. Pachtman will see patients at Valley Perinatal Services beginning July 13, 2026, providing comprehensive Maternal-Fetal Medicine consultations, advanced prenatal imaging, and co-management of high-risk pregnancies in collaboration with referring obstetric providers.
For more information or to refer a patient, visit ValleyPerinatal.com or call Valley Perinatal Services.
About Valley Perinatal Services
Valley Perinatal Services is Phoenix’s premier Maternal-Fetal Medicine practice, providing comprehensive care for women with high-risk pregnancies through advanced prenatal diagnostics, fetal imaging, genetic counseling, and collaborative obstetric care. With multiple locations throughout Arizona, Valley Perinatal partners with referring providers to deliver exceptional outcomes for mothers and babies.