Martin J. Iversen, MD

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Martin J. Iversen, MD

“When I was younger, I was adventurous and prone to accidents… burns, broken arms, concussion etc. That’s when I decided doctors were pretty cool. They could fix you,” Dr. Iversen reminisces. “Now that I work in family medicine, it’s great for even more reasons. You work with so many people and the care encompasses so many different ailments. There’s no chance to get bored here.”

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Dr. Iversen’s journey to family medicine has led him around the globe. He first received his Bachelor of Science from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington followed by attending the University of Washington. For three years, he worked as a medical technologist but something was missing. “I craved patient contact. I got tired of only being in a lab.” Iversen decided to work toward a medical degree at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Granada and St. Vincent. He earned his Medical Doctorate from the school while finishing courses in the Caribbean, England and the United States. He then completed residency at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and became board certified. Iversen has enjoyed a diverse career, spanning such jobs as a medical director at a women’s prison and as a civilian contractor in the Army and Navy, to initiating primary care medical services for Harrison Medical Center and then joining Sound Health Care Center.

“My view of medicine and my approach to patient care is unique because I’ve been involved in medicine in more than just the United States. I’ve worked in first and third world countries. It’s led me to try and educate my patients more so they understand why I prescribe what I do, what I ask them to have done or why I won’t necessarily order something.”

Iversen and his wife, Denise, are now anchored in Gig Harbor. He loves backpacking, hiking, climbing and snorkeling, but spends most of his free time with his two daughters.