Berkeley Parents Network: Alta Bates In Vitro Fertilization Program

Berkeley Parents Network

Alta Bates In Vitro Fertilization Program

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Health & Medical > ObGyns > Alta Bates In Vitro Fertilization Program

website for Alta Bates IVF Program: http://www.abivf.com

August 2003

We've been trying for our second child for some time now, and were just referred to either Dr. Willman or Dr. Chetkowski. I've checked the recommendations on the website, but since the most recent were in 2001, I was hoping to get more current information. Any recommendations for either, positive or negative experiences, would be greatly appreciated.

We were very happy with Dr. Chetkowski. At first we were put off by his gruff bedside manner, but he softened as time went on and even showed a sense of humor. He was very professional, as was everyone in his office. anon

I went through 18 months of treatment with Dr. Chetkowski. He is extremely capable, did a flawless job on my laproscopy and has the warmest support staff. My only complaints are that visits seemed perfunctory, and he seemed reluctant to take a very aggressive approach to getting me pregnant. At the time I was only 30 and my dx unexplained, I think he just assumed it would be a snap. It took 5 IUIs and a failed IVF before he kicked it into high gear. I would read all of the advice here, and then meet with each Doctor to discuss how they would approach your particular situation. Best of luck, I hope number two shows up soon. Susannah

We just used Dr. Chetkowski with great success - I am now pregnant after trying for 1 1/2 years. We went to him on the recommendation of my OBGYN but he comes recommended by Resolve (non-profit in SF focused on infertility and adoption issues) and I noticed he was recognized as an outstanding doctor in a journal that he has posted in his office. My OBGYN forewarned me that Dr. C is a scientist, not too into bedside manner. I found this to be true and am very grateful for all he did for me. I definitely recommend him. debbie

We used Dr. Chetkowski to conceive our daughter and, after a really bad experience with another Bay Area clinic, had success with Alta Bates IVF clinic. Personally, I found Dr. C. kind of abrasive and not very likeable but his staff was wonderful and made all the difference. When making appointments or with general questions, we always had a quick and warm response with the nurses and billing staff. Overall, I would recommend the clinic. If you need a hand-holding type doctor, you won't find it in Dr. Chetkowski but you will get a skilled physician who has many years experience. - anon

Dr.Chetkowski! What can I say? I've done IVF with Dr. Chetkowski, 2 times total and have 2 children. His staff is wonderful;kind, discrete and caring and you'll see them alot! To me, Dr. C doesn't mess around. He's warm and senistive but straight to the point, which I liked. He didn't give false hope, but was hopefull. I feel very blessed to have had him highly recommended to me! I was told I would never have children! mom of two, thanks to Dr. Chetkowski

I went to both years ago when Wilman was a resident training with Chetkowski. He has much more experience--probably 15+ years more. There's no question in my book--he's a master--very innovative and experienced and treats the individual, not by protocal. Theresa

Don't be dissuaded by Dr. Chetkowski's business-like manner. He is really a kind, caring person who in his own personal life experienced the pain and anxiety of having to try very hard to have a child. That being said he is a very competent fertility doctor. I was treated by him for three years and have a wonderful son as a result. Our case was particularly heartbreaking in that I became pregant not too long after beginning treatment, but that pregancy was terminated for reasons I will not go into. Dr. Chetkowski and his staff were heartbroken, too. The usual protocol (no more than x number of tries before we tell you to give up...) fell to the wayside after that and the Dr. went way beyond the usual to help us have our wonderful son. I vote for Dr. Chetkowski! A grateful mommy.

I liked Dr. Chetkowski very much. He is very knowledgeable about the reproductive process, explains the tests you will need in detail, and is completely non-judgmental. (I was single and wanted a baby-he didn't care one bit, probably cuz I had money but still). His office staff is wonderful, and the whole place is very results oriented. I remember checking my ovulation at work and discovering that I was in fact ovulating. I called the office, they said come on down right away, confirmed with the US that I was indeed ovulating, and had me inseminated in an hour. As luck would have it, I conceived the ''old fashioned'' way, but I would recommend Dr. Chetkowski. anon

2001

RE: Dr. Chetkowski, Director of the Alta Bates IVF Program

When we first met Dr. Chetkowski and his staff, after over than a year of trying to get pregnant, we immediately realized that we are on the right track. After six months of treatment, including IUI and hormone injections, we got pregnant. During these six months we got to recognize the remarkable professionalism of Dr. Chetkowski and his consistent ability to choose the optimal steps, which eventually led us to a successful pregnancy. Rarely one meets such a combination of professional skill, determination, and tenderness, as what we have found in Dr. Chetkowski. We will be forever grateful to Dr. Chetkowski for his achievement. Last but not least, we would like to mention the extraordinary attitude and support we received from Dr. Chetkowski's staff.

I missed the request for info on this program, but I wanted to enthusiastically second the recommendation I just read. I have two children as a result of my treatment in this program. Dr. Chetkowski is handsdown the best. He's been at it forever and experience definitely counts. He has a top notch lab (and embryologist) which is one of the most important components. His staff is great, too. You will get to know the nurses and the office manager personally. They monitor you closely and adjust treatment as needed. (This is very different from some of the factorystyle clinics.) Dr. Chetkowski is perhaps a little stiff on the surface, but I found him to be genuine and warm not too far underneath. He answers all questions at the level you desire, and even helped me think about difficult issues such as whether to freeze embryos or wait to choose the best for transfer. Good Luck! Becky

On the July 25 recommendations newsletter, a note about Dr. Chetkowski was mentioned. As a result, I feel compelled to relay our experience. My husband and I found him to be extremely cold and uncaring. Additionally, he originally confused us with another patient. When he then realized we were at the beginning of the process, and were not even certain if this or adoption would be our route, he changed direction and we felt very uncomfortable with his manner of tsellv, as we truly did feel as though he was trying very hard to sell his program and meet his tgoalv for the month. We followed our intuition and did not go forward with treatment by him.

I cannot recommend Dr. Chetkowski enough. I found him to be ultrasensitive to me during a very difficult time. Dr. Chetkowski is thoroughly professional and has the highest standards of science, ethics, and care for his patients.

July 1999

We went to Dr. Chetkowski at the Alta Bates Fertility Clinic in Berkeley and I can't say enough about how wonderful I think he and the entire staff are. Dr. Chetkowski is an excellent fertility doctor and his staff is warm, caring, supportive and nurturing. We tried artificial insemination a number of times without success and then got pregnant on our first try with IVF. I would recommend them highly even if we had not ever gotten pregnant.

(Aug 1998)

I went through successful in vitro fertilization at Alta Bates fertility clinic under Dr. Chetkowski. He runs the show. I never saw anyone but the Dr. and his two nurses. They were wonderful! I have twins to show for it from one round of treatment.

(Aug 1998)

I highly recommend Dr. Chetkowski for consultation or treatment 649-0440. He has a poor reputation for bedside manner but he is a clinical master. My feeling is that your group comes late to infertility issues, while he has made a career of it.

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