An unintentional surgical error left Dr. Ryan Zipper with a lifetime of pain and complications and an entirely different perspective on patient care.
The error happened a few years ago, when doctors attempted to perform a nerve block during a shoulder repair surgery. While injecting numbing medication around the group of nerves connected to the shoulder, doctors inadvertently injured a nerve in Dr. Zipper’s diaphragm.
While recovering from surgery, Dr. Zipper began experiencing life changing shortness of breath. The athletic and fit former United States Air Force Officer went from running five miles a day, to struggling to run just a quarter of a mile.
“It has been really hard,” said Dr. Zipper. “But, I think it has helped me become a better doctor because I can understand navigating healthcare, fears of surgery and complications, and worries about never getting better. It is frustrating, but sometimes medicine can’t provide the answers, and I know firsthand what that feels like.”
Dr. Zipper, who had been a practicing urologist for many years before the complication, said the experience has inspired him to spend more time with each patient.
“I am more empathetic and sympathetic,” he said. “I want to help patients understand that we are working together as a team to get them better. I talk a lot with each patient and talk about the risks and benefits of everything we are doing.”
Now a urologist at Columbus Regional Health Urology, Dr. Zipper grew up in Fishers. He studied biochemistry at Indiana University and was a Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society member. Following college, he was commissioned in the United States Air Force and recognized as a Distinguished Graduate during Commissioned Officer Training at Maxwell Air Force Base.
He attended medical school at Indiana University* and completed his residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. While in residency, he was awarded the Thomas Alexander Kirkland Jr Excellence in Care Award. Dr. Zipper then served as an Element Leader in the 633d Medical Group, a Medical Director of Urology at Langley Air Force Base, and a staff urologist at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.
“I loved my time in the Air Force,” Dr. Zipper said. “There is a lot of camaraderie. It is very much like a family.”
The Air Force seems to run in Dr. Zipper’s blood. His dad was an Air Force Flight Surgeon, one brother is an F15 Pilot, and another brother is an Air Force Surgeon. His mom is a nurse and his sister is a police dispatcher. While he loved his time in the Air Force, Dr. Zipper said he and his wife Alex were ready to move closer to family. Langley Air Force Base, located in Hampton, Virginia, was a 14-hour drive away from family.
“We always knew we wanted to move closer to family,” said Dr. Zipper. “After we moved here we were able to have our first date in five years because our parents were able to watch our kids.”
He said Columbus is a perfect fit for he and his wife, Alex, and their three children.
“We liked that it was a small town with diversity,” he said. “And CRH had just what I was looking for with urology. The other doctors are really good at what they do and the staff is fantastic.”
Dr. Zipper currently sees patients for vasectomies, enlarged prostates, kidney stones, testosterone replacement therapy, incontinence, erectile dysfunction and overactive bladder, and many other urology-related health concerns.
*Fun Fact: While attending Indiana University, Dr. Zipper competed in the Little 500, the largest collegiate bike race in the United States. Modeled after the Indianapolis 500, riders compete in four-person teams. The men’s race is 200 laps (50 miles).