Dr. Richard Chetkowski
The Alta Bates IVF Program was founded in 1984 by Dr. Richard Chetkowski who remains its Medical Director. Dr. Chetkowski received his M.D. degree from UCSF in 1978, completed a residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Yale-New Haven Hospital in 1982 and a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at UCLA in 1984.
Dr. Chetkowski is board-certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) as well as Obstetrics & Gynecology. He has published extensively in the field of assisted reproduction and REI. He has served on the Executive Council of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (SART) and the Medical Advisory Panel of RESOLVE of Northern California as well as multiple hospital committees at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.
Dr. Chetkowski supervises all aspects of the program. His practice includes other forms of infertility treatment, in addition to assisted reproduction (ART). Each couple is evaluated thoroughly at the initial visit and all appropriate treatment alternatives are discussed in detail.
Within the Alta Fertility Medical Group each clinician performs the vast majority of ultrasounds, egg retrievals, embryo transfers and other procedures for his patients, assuring maximal continuity of care.
"My practice philosophy centers on maximizing patient autonomy and decision making through education and extensive discussion of all available family-building options. Each alternativeis carefully considered with regard to its likelihood of success, potential benefits and drawbacks as well as the psychological stress and financial impact."