Dr. Zach Wittenberg joins Methodist pulmonology, critical care teams

With a father who was a family medicine physician, Zach Wittenberg, DO, was interested in medicine from a young age.

“But it wasn't until I was a CNA in high school, working in the hospital in a medical-surgical unit and helping patients on the road to recovery, that I realized that I had a passion for being involved in their health care,” he said.

Dr. Wittenberg channeled that passion into studying pulmonology and critical care medicine, and today he cares for patients at Methodist Physicians Clinic and in the Methodist Hospital Critical Care Unit. He’s particularly interested in obstructive lung diseases like COPD and asthma, the use of biologics to treat those conditions, and the management of recurrent pleural effusions – the buildup of fluid around the lungs.

Equally important to him is establishing meaningful relationships with his patients.

“Medicine is an art, and there are multiple ways to treat a patient,” he said. “They can all be correct, but the key is tailoring your treatment toward each individual patient's needs. I want to go on the health care journey with my patients, and I’m willing to do whatever necessary to help them manage their pulmonary diseases.”

Wherever the journey takes them, Dr. Wittenberg aims to show each patient The Meaning of Care. 

“My favorite memories are taking care of patients in the intensive care unit, helping them through their critical ailment and then getting the opportunity to follow up in the pulmonary clinic. Many appear a completely different person and have a new lease on life, which is inspiring.”

Outside of work, Dr. Wittenberg enjoys spending time with his wife and children. Their free time revolves around school activities and sports. He also enjoys running the trails around Omaha and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.