Steven D. Pletcher

MD

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Steven D. Pletcher is a head and neck surgeon who specializes in sinus surgery and rhinology. He is an expert in minimally invasive endoscopic procedures of the paranasal sinuses and skull base, and he has advanced training in treating disorders ranging from chronic sinusitis to skull base tumors.

Areas of focus for Pletcher's research include improving treatment of sinus disease for adult patients with cystic fibrosis, improving surgical techniques for chronic sinusitis, and developing and evaluating endoscopic procedures to control refractory epistaxis (nosebleeds that persist or recur and are difficult to manage).

Pletcher received his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He completed a residency in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at UCSF, where he was chief resident. He completed a clinical fellowship in rhinology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.

  • Education

    UCLA School of Medicine, 2000

  • Residencies

    UCSF, Otolaryngology, 2005

  • Fellowships

    Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Rhinology, 2006

  • Board Certifications

    Otolaryngology, American Board of Otolaryngology

  • Academic Title

    Professor

  • Languages

    Spanish

Conditions I specialize in

  • Ear, nose and throat

Where I see patients (4)

    My reviews

    4.8

    Overall Experience
    174 Ratings
    About our process
    Dec 22, 2024
    Showed CT Scan on monitor and explained it in details that I could understand
    Dec 20, 2024
    Dr Pletcher was incredibly thorough in my examination. I felt that he really understood my problem and gave me the best advice.
    Nov 21, 2024
    Dr. Pletcher was professional, efficient without feeling rushed, clinically descriptive in ways I could understand anatomy and what the scope images captured. I left knowing that my care was top notch, and feeling Dr. Pletcher really cared that I understood and how I felt about my issues.
    Sep 14, 2024
    Dr Pletcher is patient, thorough, thoughtful, and really appreciate his non rushed attitude
    Sep 13, 2024
    Dr Pletcher took the time to prepare for the exam and procedure. He read his old notes etc. We were impressed.
    May 30, 2024
    I'm glad to be in Dr. Pletcher's care.
    May 06, 2024
    I felt confident with the care provider
    Mar 27, 2024
    The Dr. Explained what was going on with my sinuses.
    Dec 23, 2023
    Dr Pletcher is exceptional in his diagnosis, treatment and communication skills. Because of his treatment and advice I was able to resolve my fourteen week long sinusitis, which was a result of an infected upper molar, without the surgery previous ENT's' outside UCSF had recommemded.I am grateful to Dr Pketcher and the UCSF Sinus Center for the best possible care.
    Dec 13, 2023
    I already have Dr Pletcher's name and contact info to a fruend
    Dec 02, 2023
    The medical staff explained the problem with respect and patience and provided Cantonese translation for us.
    Nov 15, 2023
    Dr. Pletcher is everything you want in a doctor. He listens, is very caring, is very good talking you thru the procedures and provides excellent explanations about the condition and treatment.
    Oct 18, 2023
    I respect that Dr Fletcher or Pletcher (I forget) is a doctor, but he treated me as if I could never understand how the human body works despite the fact that I came in there with a organized folder with years of research and notes taken from various doctor settings. I have a very clear sensation of pressure and pain that seems to be centered around a mucous retention cyst, and while I respect that he doesn't believe it's smart to work on it until we rule out neurological issues, I don't feel the doctor was willing to look at all the evidence or even consider my findings and explanation of the symptoms as valid. He looked up my nose for 2 minutes, and then at an old ct scan for 3 minutes, and dismissed my case without getting a clear understanding of what I'm actually experiencing. I was rushed out of the office without even getting my cd's back, or turning in the questionnaire that was given to me by the front office. The Doctor didn't seem open to looking at any of the information I brought with me, and I had to pay out of pocket to collect that information because medical technology is lacking where I live, and the doctor had absolutely zero interest or respect for the fact that I'm suffering this much to go out of my way to collect all of this information and drive 5 hours to see him.
    Oct 18, 2023
    Dr. Pletcher is and has always been very professional informative skilled and caring.
    Aug 23, 2023
    Dr. Pletcher and staff have been excellent providers.
    Jun 21, 2023
    Very good experience
    Jun 10, 2023
    Excellent ENT doctor
    Jun 05, 2023
    Dr. Fletcher was a great doctor. Very personable and explained things in a way that I can easily understand
    May 17, 2023
    Felt rushed and a bit like they did not believe/listen to me about my symptoms
    May 03, 2023
    Dr Pletcher is an excellent top-notch doctor. I'm grateful for his care.
    Apr 29, 2023
    He was wonderful at explaining my situation and what my options might be. The only concern that I have is that the After Visit Summary had no information on it at all. I needed to ask a folllow-up question by MyChart, which he answered immediately, and I so appreciate that, but I would have liked to have had the written summary and notes that always have appeared on MyChart with other doctors. (I would still highly recommend him, though!)
    Apr 02, 2023
    Dr. Pletcher and his staff were exceptional. Patient, knowledgeable, thorough, empathetic and kind
    Feb 23, 2023
    I would give a 6 for the explanations of Dr. Pletcher if I could!
    Feb 17, 2023
    Doctor basically acted like there was no way sinuses could be involved in my hearing issue. Showed no curiosity or interest in helping me problem solve. Waited for a long time for the appointment and that is was basically a waste of time.

    Selected research

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