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Wouter J. Rietsema, MD

Posted December 2009

Dr. Rietsema is an Infectious Disease specialist who practices at Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital in Plattsburgh, New York, where he became Medical Director in 1998 and Vice-President of Medical Affairs in 2002. He received his BA from Middlebury College and his medical degree from the University of Connecticut. His post-graduate training extended far beyond New England, as he did his residency in Portland, Oregon, and, as a naval officer, interned and then served as General Medical Officer in the Naval Hospital in San Diego. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases.

For the last 15 years, Dr. Rietsema has been committed to serving the particular needs of PLWHA in the vast North Country of New York State. He created and oversees the outpatient HIV service and practice at Champlain Valley and has provided consultation at the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora. In addition to clinical practice for HIV-positive patients in this area, he also oversees the many dimensions of the comprehensive care that his patients need in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. This rural environment provides great challenges to patient and practitioner alike, as patients must often travel great distances, and there are fewer specialty services available. Dr. Rietsema has been a conscientious voice in ensuring that policies and services continue to address the needs of PLWHA. Dr. Rietsema is actively involved with medical organizations, has published patient case studies, and is committed to ensuring that geography should not be a barrier to excellent HIV care.