David is the nurse practitioner who works directly with Dr. Wascher. The two have been a team for over 20 years. You will likely talk with David by phone with any questions you might have. Patients also will see David in the office first before they see Dr. Wascher (on the same visit). David spends plenty of time listening to the history of the problem, and asking questions to learn more about the issue. He then performs a comprehensive physical exam, building the puzzle to reach your diagnosis.
He and Dr. Wascher discuss all aspects of your care, up to and including surgery. David and Dr. Wascher work together during surgery as well. This involvement gives David direct understanding of what was encountered during each case, giving him the ability to answer all of your postoperative questions expertly.
“When Dr. Wascher and I sat down over 20 years ago for my interview, I had no idea what a wonderful career we would have together. We are truly a team, and are very good friends. I think that makes a huge difference in how we work with each other, and with our patients. We treat each patient like family, and my role is to educate not just the patient, but their spouse/family as they journey through the surgical world.
This eliminates the “telephone game” patients experience in most clinics, and allows us to give much more accurate information. I am with you from the first visit to the last.”
Working directly with Dr. Wascher for over two decades, David has been well educated to spot issues that aren’t surgical as well as those that are. “We can’t forget that just because we treat people with neurosurgical issues, not everything that comes through the door is surgical. The history and physical exam are as important as the CT/MRI etc in getting the right diagnosis. I am frequently surprised at how many second opinions we see where the patient tells me they never had a physical exam as thorough as mine. The exam is critical in knowing that surgery is going to have the outcome you desire! We always want to avoid surgery if we can, and we certainly don’t want to do surgery when someone doesn’t need it done. In the end, the only thing that matters is: did we get you better?”
In addition to spine surgery, David has been very involved in brain tumor care over the last 20 years. In 2001 he started the Fox Valley Brain Tumor Support Group. The first meeting welcomed 12 patients and their families. Over the years this group grew to over 400 members. David organized the first Angel Adventure outside of California, a fund raiser to benefit brain tumor patients. When he realized that the money raised was mostly used to pay overhead for the national group, David started the Fox Valley Brain Tumor Coalition, a 501c3 non-profit organization. Every year the FVBTC has held the Journey of Hope on the grounds of NeuroSpine Center in Appleton, WI, to raise funds to help brain tumor patients in the Fox Valley pay medical bills. Over 15 years more than 1 million dollars has been raised. All money is used for medical expenses, and all members of the group are volunteers.
David received his BSN from the University of WI Oshkosh in 1995, and his Master’s Degree from the University of WI Oshkosh in 2000. He was certified in Neurosciences in 2001.
He received the Peggy Rees Schneider Nursing Award, as well as the Volunteer of the Year Award. Prior to working with Dr. Wascher, he worked in the Intensive Care Unit at Appleton Medical Center for 5 years.
David and Dr. Wascher are excited to offer you and your family the best health care experience you’ve ever had. Give David a call to discuss how we can help you with your neck or back pain!
If a doctor or surgeon has recommended that you undergo cervical spine surgery, it is a good idea to get a second opinion.
