Earlier this year 425 Magazine asked medical professionals to tell them which of their colleagues deserved recognition as a doctor who is making a big difference for folks on the Eastside. The response was overwhelming. The 425 magazine editorial panel chose 10 medical professionals who were going above and beyond the call of duty or who were leaders in their field.
By 425 STAFF
Helping families grow
Dr. Gerard Letterie was drawn to obstetrics and gynecology because of the family aspect of the work. "The most rewarding aspect of my job is helping people build their dream of a family and delivering technology and cutting edge treatments to achieve this goal," he said. "I’ve traveled all over the world, and the most compelling commonality I observed was the focus that all cultures have on family. It’s no different here."
Letterie’s subspecialty is in fertility, and he says it’s exciting to be a part of a new and rapidly changing field. "Infertility treatments can be time and labor intensive. We have tried to make this care as accessible as possible with two locations in Kirkland and Seattle — a team of offices in the Puget Sound area," Letterie said. "Our main embryology lab is at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center which has provided us with outstanding support and delivered on their pledges along the way."
Letterie’s typical day is busy. He usually begins with ultrasound examinations for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Later, he does oocyte, or egg, retrievals and embryo transfers for patients nearing completion of their IVF cycles. By noon, he’s reviewing patient records, lab results and coordinating care for his patients. Afternoons are for patient consultations and procedures.
He has a lot of memorable experiences. One that stands out is about a woman who was a chief financial officer at a major corporation who was focused on her career. She postponed having kids and found herself faced with infertility. Her best option was an oocyte donation. Two years later she had a girl. As she reflected, she told her doctor this: "Understand your potential and be willing to stretch; work with someone who will help you along at a pace and a manner consistent with these beliefs; and most importantly, do anything it takes to be a mom."
When Letterie isn’t working he’s spending time with his family in Seattle. They like to ski, bike, play squash and more. He also reads and writes fiction and nonfiction.
"My proudest achievements are the patients I’ve cared for and the families I’ve helped build," he said. "These dual accomplishments exceed in significance any degree, award or professional recognition I’ve had the good fortune to receive."
