An unintentional surgical error left Dr. Ryan Zipper with a life of pain and complications and a completely different perspective on patient care.

The mistake occurred when doctors attempted to perform a nerve block during shoulder surgery. While injecting an anesthetic 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 to suffer from life-changing shortness of breath. The athletic and fit former U.S. Air Force officer went from running five miles a day to just a quarter mile.

“It was really tough,” Dr. Zipper said. “But I think it’s helped me become a better doctor because I can understand what it’s like to navigate the health care system, what it’s like to be scared of surgery and complications, and what it’s like to worry about never getting well again. It’s frustrating, but sometimes medicine can’t provide answers, and I know firsthand what that feels like.”

Dr. Zipper, who practiced urology for many years before the complication, said the experience inspired him to devote more time to each patient.

“I’m more empathetic and compassionate,” he said. “I want to make it clear to patients that we’re working together as a team to help them get well. I talk a lot with each patient and talk about the risks and benefits of everything we do.”

Dr. Zipper, now a urologist at CRH Urology, grew up in Fishers. He studied biochemistry at Indiana University and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. After college, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force and was recognized as an outstanding graduate during officer training at Maxwell Air Force Base.

He attended medical school at IU and completed his residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. During his 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, as Medical Director of Urology at Langley Air Force Base, and as a staff urologist at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.

“I loved my time in the Air Force,” said Dr. Zipper. “There’s a lot of camaraderie. It’s like a family.”

The Air Force seems to be in Dr. Zipper’s blood. His father was a flight surgeon in the Air Force, one brother is an F15 pilot and another is also a flight surgeon. His mother is a nurse and his sister is a police dispatcher. Although he enjoyed his time in the Air Force, Dr. Zipper said he and his wife, Alex, are now ready to move closer to family. Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia, was a 14-hour drive from family.

“We always knew we wanted to be closer to family,” said Dr. Zipper. “After moving here, we were able to go out together for the first time in five years because our parents could watch our kids.”

He said Columbus was a perfect fit for him, his wife Alex and their three children.

“We liked that it was a small town with a lot of variety,” he said. “And CRH had exactly what I was looking for in terms of urology. The other doctors are really good at what they do and the staff is fantastic.”

Dr. Zipper currently treats patients with vasectomies, enlarged prostate, kidney stones, testosterone replacement therapy, incontinence, erectile dysfunction and overactive bladder, as well as many other urology-related health problems.