Joseph M. Letourneau,
MD
Languages Spoken: English
As a fertility / infertility specialist, my clinical interests include: infertility, family building after a cancer diagnosis, egg and embryo freezing, IVF, in vitro fertilization, fertility preservation, egg/oocyte freezing, reproductive endocrine disorders, and recurrent pregnancy loss. My research focuses on the effects of chemotherapy exposure on ovarian function, uterine function, and pregnancy outcomes. I am currently the Co-Director of the University of Utah Onco-fertility Program. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and earned my medical degree at University of California, San Francisco’s (UCSF) School of Medicine. In medical school, I became interested in fertility preservation for patients diagnosed with cancer. After medical school, I completed Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at UCSF.
My own medical journey informs my care of patients with infertility. Most of us take our ability to eat for granted, and most of us love to talk about food – these are social norms. When I was in my mid-twenties, I lost my ability to swallow food, as an autoimmune disease paralyzed my esophagus. Something I did not expect happened to me: the less I could eat, the more I heard people talk about food, the more isolated I felt. A surgery eventually helped to restore the function of my esophagus. Not only did the surgery restore my ability to eat, but my doctors helped me find a renewed sense of normalcy and happiness. From what I have observed, the infertility journey can be a similar struggle. Many people may take becoming pregnant for granted, and many people love to talk about their kids – these are also social norms. Unfortunately, social norms like this are not very sensitive to the difficulties of struggling to conceive. I look forward to helping patients build their families and to helping them process feelings, both expected and unexpected, that may arise along the path to parenthood.
Clinical Locations
801-581-3834
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Obstetrics/Gynecology
-
Assistant Professor (Clinical) |
| Academic Divisions | Reproductive Endocrinology |
| Board Certification | American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
4.6/ 5
Care provider spoke using clear language
4.8/ 5
Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.7/ 5
My confidence in care provider
4.7/ 5
Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.7/ 5
Wait time at clinic
4.2/ 5
Time care provider spent with me
4.7/ 5
Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.7/ 5
Care provider's friendliness and courtesy
4.8/ 5
Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
December 31, 2019
Dr Letourneau was compassionate, thorough, knowledgeable, and patient. A few times, I had questions, and answered them and took care to make me feel validated and like my concerns/questions were ok. Some doctors have made me feel rushed and like my questions don't matter, but he did the opposite. He gave me thorough information and was nothing but kind and respectful. I have been concerned that I may be unable to have children, and he helped me set a plan to become pregnant, and made me feel it is surmountable and like I have support if there are issues or concerns along the way. He has my vote for doctor of the year, if there is such a thing.
UofU Patient
December 23, 2019
Dr. Laterneau was the first doctor to actually take time to find out what was going on. I really appreciate him and his thoroughness.
UofU Patient
December 22, 2019
I was very impressed with the care the providers gave to me. I came in concerned, and they took their time to put my mind at ease and explain exactly what was going on. They told me that if I had any other issues/concerns that I could call or come in again and they would be happy to help ease my mind again.
UofU Patient
November 12, 2019
I've loved my experience so far.
UofU Patient
November 06, 2019
Dr. Letourneau was so awesome. He was optimistic but still real about the chances of having a child with our type of treatment care. I think that is so important and I dont feel that has happened since day 1 at the fertility clinic.
UofU Patient
October 29, 2019
The provider did a good job explaining how the procedure went and next steps for a follow up procedure. My rationale for rating my likelihood of recommending this care provider to others is the difficulty in getting scheduled for procedures.
UofU Patient
October 25, 2019
felt very informed to make a decision. doc left room to let me and my partner discuss in private before making a decision. doc explained biological processes and options for treatment in detail, but also in terms that were both medical and understandable to people who are not docs.
UofU Patient
October 17, 2019
Extremely pleased with with the consultation and how the appointment went
UofU Patient
October 15, 2019
I felt so comfortable and educated with everything, more than any other provider I have ever been to, after I left this visit. It felt so great to have answers to every question I had. They are so caring and understanding of all situations. I would 100% recommend this provider to anyone.
UofU Patient
September 27, 2019
He was incredible. My husband and I were both so impressed with Dr. Letourneau!
UofU Patient
September 03, 2019
he is absolutely amazing doctor and takes his time listening and explaining things
UofU Patient
August 26, 2019
We don't usually see Dr. Letourneau, so it may be that he didn't feel comfortable giving us difficult information. He was very professional during the ultrasound, but my husband and I both left feeling confused about the prognosis and feeling like the terms the doctor used weren't very clear. He said "likely," and "possible," frequently, but didn't provide a specific conclusion or diagnosis on the outcome of the ultrasound and respective pregnancy. The office visit notes in my chart were so much more definitive than the conversation during our visit. Dr. Letourneau was extremely caring and eager to make sure we got in for another visit. He also scheduled a visit for me, which I know isn't normally his job. I appreciated him updating visit notes in MyChart right away. He seems like a great doctor, which is why I wanted to pass along the feedback that the info about our results could have been discussed in a more clear way.
UofU Patient
August 20, 2019
Always a great experience.
UofU Patient
August 12, 2019
Dr. Letourneau has been amazing from the very first appointment I had. He was handed a difficult case but explained all our options in an understanding and clear way. I felt cared for and included in the treatment and felt like he worked extremely hard to get us as good of an outcome as possible. I would highly recommend!
UofU Patient
August 10, 2019
all providers are extraordinary
UofU Patient
August 10, 2019
Doctor C Matthew Peterson is a extraordinary doctor he give extraordinary care of his patients he is one of my best doctor.
UofU Patient
July 08, 2019
Dr. Letourneau went above and beyond. He helped my spouse with problems he discovered that weren't related to what we were being seen for, and we were both very grateful for that!
UofU Patient
June 21, 2019
Dr. Latourneau was very good about answering all of my questions and doing it in a manner in which helped me deal with my situation. I found it very refreshing that he wanted to help me and solve the problem I was having. While it turned out to be not a good diagnosis, the hope that I left with was insurmountable compared to when I started to see him! I being a teacher and understanding how hard it is to have compassion at times was so impressed with him and wished there were more doctors out there like him!
UofU Patient
June 15, 2019
Our care provider was nothing short of phenomenal. My medical issue causes distress, making medical visits particularly stressful and generally unpleasant. However, our doctor was so patient, kind, and knowledgeable. Given our circumstances, I didn't think anyone in his position could have made me feel comfortable and confident in what was happening, but he did. I'm very thankful for the quality of care he provided.
UofU Patient
June 13, 2019
Dr. Letourneau is wonderful! He is very thourough, patient, and genuinely cares about your individual case. I would highly recommend him!
UofU Patient
June 09, 2019
Dr. L and Brenna are a great team.
UofU Patient
June 03, 2019
Dr. Letourneau is the best. He is always so kind, caring and never seems rushed. I can't say enough good things about him!
UofU Patient
May 21, 2019
Dr. Letourneua and his nursing staff are amazing. I am so grateful how kind and concerned they always are.
UofU Patient
May 13, 2019
He is amazing and truly does a wonderful job explaining everything. I would high recommend to anyone
UofU Patient
May 11, 2019
I absolutely love Dr. Letourneau! he is kind and empathetic and listens and treats me with respect and I tell everyone about how wonderful he is. so lucky to have him with us on this journey!
UofU Patient
April 20, 2019
so thankful for Dr. L he definitely put my heart at ease with decisions we needed to make.
UofU Patient
April 16, 2019
I really have nothing to complain about. I love this clinic which is why I keep coming back!!
UofU Patient
April 08, 2019
I was so impressed with Dr. Laterneau! He explained everything very well and answered all of my questions. He seemed to genuinely care and was very friendly, kind, and knowledgeable.
UofU Patient
April 07, 2019
He has been very kind and encouraging.
UofU Patient
April 02, 2019
I had not met this doctor before my egg retrieval and had really hoped to be familiar with the doctor that was retrieving the eggs and fully aware of my medical history including the reason for needing to do ivf. He was friendly and fine, but I would have been more at ease if it had been the same doctor from my consultation.
UofU Patient
March 27, 2019
Dr. Letourneau provided me with excellent information regarding my situation and all of my options. He was very kind and made sure that I was comfortable with every part of our consultation. He explained things very thoroughly and made sure I understood. I learned more from our discussion than I learned in any class I ever took in school. Dr. Letourneau addressed everything I had questions or concerns about and he always made me feel like I was in complete control of the appointment. He took his time to make sure we covered all angles of my situation and even stepped out of the room to think things over/discuss with my family. I left his office feeling informed enough to make decisions about my reproductive health. Dr. Letourneau was great at making sure I knew all risks while also giving me hope for my situation. He was very compassionate and kind.
UofU Patient
March 27, 2019
my experience was good. I felt like he left after the procedure was done and left us with the nurse but it was good
UofU Patient
March 22, 2019
I had a good experience
UofU Patient
March 05, 2019
Would have been nice to have some more details around my diagnosis, however the NP did call that afternoon and explain over the phone in detail.
UofU Patient
February 27, 2019
Dr. LeTourneau is not my normal doctor but I trusted him well enough and felt like I was in good hands for the transfer, which was probably the most sensitive appointment I've had at UCRM. I probably would have felt slightly more confident if I knew him better, knew his stats, etc., so a point of feedback might be for the doctors to spend a few more minutes introducing themselves, their background, etc., especially if the first meeting is doing a retrieval or transfer. He had conducted one ultrasound for me previously but it was just quick/perfunctory so I didn't really feel like I knew him.
UofU Patient
February 14, 2019
I was very impressed that the doctor had read my chard ahead of time. He was prepared and already knew about my current health issues. He also took plenty of time to dray basic diagrams that would help me understand what was going on.
UofU Patient
February 12, 2019
I received excellent care from my doctor. He answers all my questions and I don't feel rushed during my appointment.
UofU Patient
January 31, 2019
Dr. Letournou is always very solicitous, detail oriented, and takes the time to explain everything to me. He is a pleasure to work with.
UofU Patient
January 19, 2019
He was excellent in explaining everything. Really like him
UofU Patient
November 28, 2018
again, not impressed with this doctor. I felt like I was just another one of the multiple he has seen that day. it was an exciting day to finally be pregnant and get to see my baby, but I didn't even get to hear the heartbeat. not personable at all.
UofU Patient
November 13, 2018
My Dr. described the procedure and addressed all my questions and concerns. He advised me of the next steps.
UofU Patient
November 12, 2018
Very professional and yet personable. Seemed very knowledgeable
UofU Patient
November 05, 2018
The provider was very quick to get his summary up to MyChart, which was nice.
UofU Patient
October 27, 2018
The doctor was super patient with all my questions and made me feel like my concerns were important.
As a fertility / infertility specialist, my clinical interests include: infertility, family building after a cancer diagnosis, egg and embryo freezing, IVF, in vitro fertilization, fertility preservation, egg/oocyte freezing, reproductive endocrine disorders, and recurrent pregnancy loss. My research focuses on the effects of chemotherapy exposure on ovarian function, uterine function, and pregnancy outcomes. I am currently the Co-Director of the University of Utah Onco-fertility Program. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and earned my medical degree at University of California, San Francisco’s (UCSF) School of Medicine. In medical school, I became interested in fertility preservation for patients diagnosed with cancer. After medical school, I completed Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at UCSF.
My own medical journey informs my care of patients with infertility. Most of us take our ability to eat for granted, and most of us love to talk about food – these are social norms. When I was in my mid-twenties, I lost my ability to swallow food, as an autoimmune disease paralyzed my esophagus. Something I did not expect happened to me: the less I could eat, the more I heard people talk about food, the more isolated I felt. A surgery eventually helped to restore the function of my esophagus. Not only did the surgery restore my ability to eat, but my doctors helped me find a renewed sense of normalcy and happiness. From what I have observed, the infertility journey can be a similar struggle. Many people may take becoming pregnant for granted, and many people love to talk about their kids – these are also social norms. Unfortunately, social norms like this are not very sensitive to the difficulties of struggling to conceive. I look forward to helping patients build their families and to helping them process feelings, both expected and unexpected, that may arise along the path to parenthood.
Academic Locations
Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine
801-581-3834
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Obstetrics/Gynecology
-
Assistant Professor (Clinical) |
| Academic Divisions | Reproductive Endocrinology |
| Board Certification | American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology |
Education History
| Residency | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident |
| Professional Medical | University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine Medicine M.D. |
| Certification | University of California, San Francisco Clinical and Translational Research Area of Concentration Certificate |
| Undergraduate | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Biology B.S. |
| Fellowship | University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Clinical Fellow |