| The Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences is a partnership of four principal senior physicians and scientists. Dr. Gerard S. Letterie practiced at the Virginia Mason clinic for 13 years before leaving to start the NWCRS. Dr. Letterie functions as the first Chairman and Medical Director of the new Center. Dr. Janet L. Kennedy practiced reproductive endocrinology in Baltimore for 20 years; four years at the University of Maryland and then 16 years in private practice. Dr. Michael S. Opsahl retired from the US Navy in 1994 and then practiced reproductive endocrinology at the Genetics & IVF Institute in Fairfax, VA for 10 years Dr. Klaus Wiemer, a PhD scientist and embryologist, led the embryology staff of several successful clinics before starting his own consulting firm, Cell Technologies. The senior staff, including physicians, laboratory scientists and administration, each possesses over 20 years experience in the reproductive medicine field.
The Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences formed with the purpose of providing the highest possible quality medical care in a setting of close, caring relationships with our patients through face-to-face dialog to formulate individualized treatment plans. Our electronic medical record system offers patients the opportunity to supplement their access to our staff and their personal medical record through an internet connection with HIPPA compliant security. Through this patient portal, our patients will be able to complete a medical history form, update demographic information and leave e-mail communication for our staff. Because the patient portal is web-based, our patients can communicate with us at their convenience. Furthermore, we are committed to evolving to meet the needs of our patients through regular electronic web-based communication and inquiries regarding changes that would enhance their treatment experience.
Our laboratory director, Dr. Klaus Wiemer, designed the Center’s embryology laboratory as a “biological clean room” environment for optimum embryonic development. Very few national or international IVF centers achieve this standard of excellence. We believe this technology will ultimately translate into high embryo implantation rates and low multiple birth rates.
Our andrology laboratory offers unique diagnostic sperm tests including the “acrosome reaction test” which are unmatched by any but a select few labs nationwide. We also offer the expertise necessary to treat men with rare sperm or obstructive azoospermia using direct testicular aspiration, a non-surgical procedure performed in our office, or testicular biopsy whenever appropriate. Non-surgical sperm aspiration avoids the more invasive open testicular biopsy in most cases but must be combined with IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of eggs to produce embryos. We also offer consultation and treatment for most male infertility problems within our practice.
We utilize various technologies to provide high quality medical care. Our ultrasound machines possess the latest 3-dimensional imaging technology for procedures such as hysterosonography and early pregnancy visualization. We have partnered with colleagues to offer state of the art preimplantation genetic diagnosis for women with advanced reproductive age, recurrent pregnancy loss, inheritable genetic diseases or for family balancing gender selection. Our professional staff continues to pursue clinical research projects that offer patients a voluntary opportunity to participate in cutting edge treatments not routinely available.
Our vision is to provide high quality medical care using the latest technology in a humanistic environment. To accomplish this goal, we pledge to you courteous, helpful interactions from every staff member, assistance navigating insurance or financial concerns and a soothing environment for your office visits. We provide and encourage participation in a mind-body wellness program in cooperation with an experienced professional, Carol Knoph, M.Ed., to help diminish stress and to promote a sense of well being.
We strive to help our patients achieve a successful pregnancy whenever possible but we hope to provide the means to reach a sense of closure for those who do not. We believe that our personal commitment to these goals will translate into high patient satisfaction which is our most important mission. |
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