Dr. Zachary James Wanken, MD

Our precious father, who is 93, was blessed to undergo a bypass and stent placement for his advanced Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) followed by a Fistula Repair a few days later. Dr. Wanken was filling in for Dr. Gharrety. We could not be more grateful to share the following that Dr. Wanken and the Barnes Jewish Hospital Team got so very right: 1. They treated an Elder like the valuable Wisdom Keeper and Elder he is. - First, Dr. Wanken arranged for my father to be admitted the day before the surgery for proper hydration and extra preparedness. Many Doctors and providers have discounted the fact that our father is 93 and therefore counted him out, even stating that he should choose not to have CPR or breathing machine if something went wrong during surgery or hospital stay (some, even criticizing him for wanting to continue to fight and live). Second, Dr. Wanken and the Anesthesiologist offered hope, focusing on the positive with my father and while clearly stating the… risks, they didn't linger there. Obviously they know and respect the power of their words and hope, especially with Elders. Doctor's words matter, and can be the difference between believing you can live and living, and believing you cannot and Dr. Wanken gets this. 2. Dr. Wanken COLLABORATED and consulted with my Father's other provider and arranged for my father to have two procedures during one visit vs. being discharged and going back to another Surgeon for his second procedure. This seems like common sense, but so often physicians are disconnected from one another for the same human/body. 3. Dr. Wanken helped save our dad's leg. My dad walks with a walker and savors every step. Had he lost his leg, he would have lost his will to live. The surgery was 5.5 hours and it worked! 4. Fistula repaired when other Docs had suggested that our Father have a chest port (which is prone to more infection and complications), Dr. Wanken repaired the fistula. 5. Dr. Wanken took time with our family to answer all questions. He didn't rush, he listened, and he answered honestly while erring on the side of hope. How hopeful. 6. Dr. Wanken arranged for physical therapy and movement for my father post surgery Unfortunately, this isn't always followed up on regularly on the actual floors - but he arranged it and spoke of the importance of getting up and moving after. All around fandamtastic Doctor who we really appreciate. Thank You Dr. Wanken, and team. Also, big shout out to Nurse Deborah at Barnes who shared her DE (death experience) with my family and father and brought much comfort. Also, shoutout to the Anesthesiologist as well who double checked a change that was made by the attending the night before that my dad did not want CPR to make sure this was accurate - when in fact, my dad did want CPR/breathing machine if during surgery he had issues. Amazing. Thank you All!