Christopher J. Vacek, MD

Christopher Vacek, MD, always knew he wanted a career defined by meaningful work. But it wasn’t until a volunteer trip to Peru during college that he focused on medicine.

“For a month, I lived at a house with children with disabilities and got to take them to their medical appointments,” he said. “I really learned how to hone in on what mattered to the kids and what matters to people in life.”

Now a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) specialist at Methodist Physicians Clinic and Methodist Hospital, Dr. Vacek cares for patients with a variety of challenges, including spinal cord injuries, strokes, brain injuries, amputations, spasticity, pain and neurological diagnoses.

“It’s a field that allows me to engage with complex and nuanced conditions,” he said. “I like that no two days are the same and that it requires truly understanding a patient’s story and goals. PM&R allows me to help patients regain function and return to the activities that matter most to them.”

While the problem-solving his work requires appeals to him, the relationships he builds with patients are just as important.

“The foundation of our relationship is trust – built through honest, clear and respectful communication,” he said. “My patients’ goals, concerns and experiences shape everything we do together. I want them to understand the ‘why’ behind each part of their care plan. I believe in shared decision-making, where we work together to set realistic goals and decide together what success looks like.”

And to him, no victory is too small.

“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing patients regain the ability to do things they once thought were out of reach. I find meaning in the small milestones. Each step of progress is a reason to celebrate.”

Outside of work, Dr. Vacek enjoys spending time with his family and staying active. He believes in the importance of work-balance and doing what brings you joy – and he urges his patients to do the same.