Physicians Share Commitment to Marriage and Medicine

Heather Kistka, MD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon. Her husband, Zachary Kistka, MD, is a board-certified physician specializing in Endocrinology. Both are now working together at Valley Health.

What drew you to pursue careers in medicine, and how did you decide on your respective specialties?

• Heather: I always loved math and science and grew up watching "ER." I have always been fascinated by neuroscience, so I knew I would do something related to studying the brain. I thought about research, teaching and engineering but found these less satisfying because they did not provide the opportunity to work directly with the patients I was trying to help.
• Zak: I was diagnosed with Type I diabetes when I was 8 years old. The care I received at Mott Childrens Hospital and from endocrinologists whom I have seen and worked with since that time made endocrinology the path for me. Jeff Sanfield, Charles Taylor, Michael E. May and Andrew De Lio are all physicians who deserve special recognition in who I have become. As an undergrad chemistry major, every feedback loop just makes sense.

Can you share the story of how you met and how your shared commitment to medicine has shaped your relationship?

• Both: We met taking care of patients during and after pituitary surgery. Our shared commitment to medicine has permeated our relationship since. It has been helpful to have a partner who loves continuous learning and caring for patients, especially when one of us is facing challenges at work.

What inspired you to join Valley Health, and what excites you most about serving this community?

• Both: We were inspired by the commitment to providing academic-level care in a community setting at all levels of the organization. We both take pride in providing excellent care to patients and are excited to work with others who share our passion.

How do you balance your demanding careers with your life outside of work? Do you have any hobbies, pets, or favorite ways to relax?

• Both: We try to organize our time to allow us to be efficient and focused on patients at work and on our family at home. We love to explore restaurants, craft breweries and festivals. Most Friday nights are spent having pizza and watching a movie with the kids.

As a couple, how do you support one another in your careers? Do you find that your medical training gives you a unique perspective on teamwork?

• Both: As a couple, we support each other by staying involved in each other’s daily work lives. We understand the demands and emotional weight that come with a career in medicine, so there’s a built-in empathy that helps us support each other. Medicine teaches you to work in environments where collaboration, communication, and trust are essential. We bring those same principles into our marriage—recognizing that we each bring different strengths and that we're better when we’re working together.

What do you hope patients and colleagues take away from working with you?

• Heather: I strive to help patients feel listened to and included in plans involving their health, particularly the decision to operate. Every patient has different health/life challenges and priorities, so there is no right answer for everyone. I hope both patients and colleagues enjoy working with me, each using our own unique insight/expertise to develop the best plan for a patient.
• Zak: I hope my patients feel comfortable sharing their health concerns and symptoms with me. I want them to understand what their body is or isn’t doing after their first visit. The history of endocrinology is littered with inappropriate hormone use with goals of “improved health.” My patients understand that we are trying to balance the body back to normal because being “too high” or “too low” in almost any condition can be dangerous. I hope my colleagues see me as the expert they reach to when a patient’s endocrine health is beyond their expertise. I want them to know that their patients are well taken care of and their long-term health will be protected when they see me.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your journey, your family, or your vision for your time at Valley Health?

• Both: We are excited to be here!