Physician Spotlight: Military Service and Patient Experience inform Dr. Ryan Zipper's Approach to Compassionate Care

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).

Want more stories like this? Subscribe to our E-newsletter

Subscribe

CRH banner

CRH News

  • CRH Receives Platinum Award for Chest Pain Treatment

    Oct 24, 2024, 15:36 by DeClue, A.
    Hospitals, such as Columbus Regional, that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year.
    Full story
  • Columbus Regional Health Releases Results of Triennial Health Survey

    Oct 22, 2024, 13:24 by DeClue, A.
    The information gathered will be used to inform decisions and guide efforts by CRH and CRH’s Healthy Communities Initiative to improve community health and wellness, ensure adequate and equitable access to health services, and surface health disparities.
    Full story
  • CRH Occupational Health Services to Relocate Practice

    Oct 2, 2024, 12:55 by DeClue, A.
    Beginning Oct. 28, patients of Occupational Health Services will be seen at 3015 10th Street, Suite A in Columbus, which formerly housed Family and Internal Medicine. The phone number of 812-376-5104 remains the same. The new Occupational Health Services location offers a larger space with more parking.
    Full story
  • CRH Breast Health Center Receives National Award for Quality

    Sep 27, 2024, 12:02 by DeClue, A.
    As a recognized leader in the healthcare intelligence space, PRC received more than 200 nominations across multiple categories for the Healthcare Leadership awards. The Breast Health Center was recognized with a Quality of Care Award.
    Full story
  • Columbus Regional Health Announces Retirement of Chief Medical Officer

    Sep 24, 2024, 10:05 by DeClue, A.
    After 35 years with the organization, Dr. Tom Sonderman, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Columbus Regional Health, has announced his intent to retire from the role on March 31, 2025. He has served as Chief Medical Officer for 21 years.
    Full story
  • CRH Introduces Multidisciplinary Breast Health Program

    Sep 4, 2024, 10:50 by Newton, A.
    Columbus Regional Health is pleased to introduce the best in coordinated, cross-specialty breast care through our new Multidisciplinary Breast Health Program. The program brings all the medical specialties involved in breast cancer care—from diagnosis to treatment, and beyond—together at one table. Literally.
    Full story