Whenever a new physician arrives, it’s always fun to get to know them. Podiatrist Dr. Zachary Lind recently joined Stoughton Health and is happy to share with the community his expertise, history, and what made him choose Stoughton Health as the place to practice.
Dr. Lind’s Career Journey
Dr. Lind is initially from Shawano, Wisconsin, near Green Bay. He did his undergraduate degree at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. From there, he went on to Des Moines University for Podiatric Medical School, followed by three years of heavy surgical training in Ascension in Milwaukee.
In regards to why Dr. Lind chose podiatry, it really comes down to personal history. “I grew up having quite a few injuries between skateboarding and hockey. So, I saw podiatrists frequently growing up. It was really seeing the inside of that specialty and how they helped me progress from injured state back to a regular, healthy state that got me interested.”
Patient Care Philosophy
Dr. Lind’s patient care philosophy starts with a simple act: greeting everyone with a smile. He and his staff like to make sure patients feel at home in the office from the very first visit. “I really listen to the concerns they have regarding their care, and the injury or condition they may have going on. From there, it allows us to develop a very personalized approach to their treatment, all the way from conservative care up to surgical treatments as needed.”
His foundation in this patient care philosophy arises from a history of hard work, where sometimes things don’t always go as planned—but he understood the importance of keeping upbeat. Dr. Lind’s early days consisted of working at Shawano Sports Park, which featured mini golf, batting cages, and a small go-kart track. He also worked for a small trucking company his friend’s dad owned, where he would break down wooden pallets. Not easy work, for sure.
“At the time, you don’t really think it’s just a job. It’s a paycheck. It allows you to have fun on the weekends when you’re in high school,” he shares. “Looking back, you really see the value of those interpersonal interactions you have with people. People come from different backgrounds, but everybody shows up and does different things. Being a physician, I still feel that everybody, from the garbage collectors, to welders, to contractors, to people who are in the administration field, everybody comes in and needs attention. It really allows me to interact with them in ways where everyone can feel comfortable.”
Why Stoughton Health?
When choosing a location, Dr. Lind was drawn to Stoughton Health due to its positive reputation in Wisconsin. “They have state-of-the-art operating rooms that they’re building out. We have a new outpatient center that will be done come spring. Really, the community they help build and the presence they have in the community really has a positive impact on patient healthcare and how patients perceive the care they receive here,” he notes.
Even so, Dr. Lind understands healthcare is not without challenges. He says the biggest barrier in patient care is guiding individuals to help themselves, often requiring a team-based approach and tailored treatments. Despite providing evidence-based recommendations, it can be difficult to maintain patients’ trust in the treatment plan, especially when setbacks or complications arise. Balancing the need to stay the course or adjust the approach adds to the complexity.
And yet, he finds his practice to be highly fulfilling. “The most rewarding part of the job is honestly seeing people get better. It’s why we do what we do. It’s what we’re here for. Patients come in with certain concerns, and they tend to be in pain most often when they see us. So, getting them from pain back to function is the most rewarding portion of my job.”
To learn more about the services offered by Dr. Lind at the Stoughton Health Podiatry Clinic, please click here or call (608) 501-6205.
