Wendy Jo Svetanoff, MD was drawn to medicine at a young age and has always had a passion for working with children – whether through coaching gymnastics or caring for pediatric patients.
During her medical training, she discovered she wanted to combine this passion with the immediate, hands-on impact of surgery.
Dr. Svetanoff earned her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. She completed fellowships in surgical critical care, pediatric surgical critical care, pediatric minimally invasive surgery, pediatric colorectal surgery and several research areas. She also completed a general surgery residency at Creighton University.
She is board-certified in surgery and surgical critical care.
Originally from the Midwest, Dr. Svetanoff looks forward to providing high-quality pediatric surgical care in a region closer to home.
Dr. Svetanoff sees patients with a variety of surgical diseases, including appendicitis, hernias, abdominal wall defects, colorectal conditions, inflammatory bowel disease and the insertion of feeding tubes and long-term central lines. She also cares for neonatal patients with surgical concerns.
“My philosophy of practicing medicine is grounded in providing evidence-based care while equipping patients and their families with the knowledge and tools they need to actively participate in their care," she said. “I want families to understand their child's condition and treatment options so they feel informed, confident and empowered to take an active role in their care and advocate for their child and for one another."
She believes that treating the child means caring for the entire family.
“My goal is not only to provide excellent care, but also to support the overall quality of life of my patients and their caregivers," she said.
She enjoys helping her patients continue to do the activities they are passionate about.
“Bringing a smile to their face is almost as important as the intervention itself so they can get back to doing what they love," Dr. Svetanoff said. “Whether it is seeing them one time for an acute problem or following them long-term for a congenital disease, it is inspiring to improve their quality of life for hopefully their entire lifetime."
Outside of work, she enjoys reading historical fiction and fantasy and traveling, especially to Ireland and Notre Dame, Indiana, where she completed her undergraduate degree. Having done gymnastics since she was little, she still does it to this day.