Dr. Ashley Lynn Zander, DO

With an ego that far exceeds both her clinical skillset and capacity for empathy, Dr. Ashley Zander, DO falls drastically short of the standards one would expect from a NEW cardiothoracic surgeon. From the initial consultation to the last appointment, her arrogance, lack of compassion, and eagerness to attempt a highly complex procedure she had never performed before raised serious red flags. Despite never having completed this type of surgery in her career, Dr. Zander repeatedly insisted that her board certification alone qualified her to attempt it—an unsettling stance, especially when patient safety should be paramount. When I expressed valid concerns and requested a referral to another, more experienced CT surgeon—who was in-network and well-qualified—she flatly refused. While she may tout her role as the only Navy CT surgeon on the West Coast, this distinction does not excuse poor judgment, a dismissive attitude, or her unwillingness to put patient outcomes first. Her demeanor,… lack of humility, and failure to acknowledge her own limitations are alarming. Her current position at UCSD appears to serve more as a training ground for her, rather than a place where patients can expect seasoned, competent care. Unfortunately, servicemembers and civilians alike may be placed at risk under her care. If you're a civilian, I strongly advise seeking treatment elsewhere. If you're military and have no choice but to consult with her, advocate for a second opinion wherever possible. In my case, avoiding surgery under her care ultimately saved my life. I received the appropriate, life-saving treatment I needed—just not at UCSD. It’s deeply concerning that someone exhibiting such disregard for patient well-being is allowed to practice in such a critical specialty. UCSD should seriously re-evaluate Dr. Zander’s place on their medical staff.

With an ego that far exceeds both her clinical skillset and capacity for empathy, Dr. Ashley Zander, DO falls drastically short of the standards one would expect from a NEW cardiothoracic surgeon. From the initial consultation to the last appointment, her arrogance, lack of compassion, and eagerness to attempt a highly complex procedure she had never performed before raised serious red flags. Despite never having completed this type of surgery in her career, Dr. Zander repeatedly insisted that her board certification alone qualified her to attempt it—an unsettling stance, especially when patient safety should be paramount. When I expressed valid concerns and requested a referral to another, more experienced CT surgeon—who was in-network and well-qualified—she flatly refused. While she may tout her role as the only Navy CT surgeon on the West Coast, this distinction does not excuse poor judgment, a dismissive attitude, or her unwillingness to put patient outcomes first. Her demeanor,… lack of humility, and failure to acknowledge her own limitations are alarming. Her current position at UCSD appears to serve more as a training ground for her, rather than a place where patients can expect seasoned, competent care. Unfortunately, servicemembers and civilians alike may be placed at risk under her care. If you're a civilian, I strongly advise seeking treatment elsewhere. If you're military and have no choice but to consult with her, advocate for a second opinion wherever possible. In my case, avoiding surgery under her care ultimately saved my life. I received the appropriate, life-saving treatment I needed—just not at UCSD. It’s deeply concerning that someone exhibiting such disregard for patient well-being is allowed to practice in such a critical specialty. UCSD should seriously re-evaluate Dr. Zander’s place on their medical staff.