Dr. Misty Zelk (right) on the 2024 Best Defense Foundation trip to Normandy
A legacy of service
Dr. Misty Zelk’s story begins with a rich legacy of military service. Growing up in a family with a military background, it was almost inevitable that she would follow the path of duty and honor. She became the first female officer in her family, serving 23 years in the reserves, including deployments to Iraq. Rising to the rank of Colonel, Dr. Zelk’s military experience as a commander responsible for group operations in both peacetime and combat provided her with unique insights and skills.
"My time in the military taught me the importance of listening not just with my ears, but with my heart," Dr. Zelk shares. "In the chaos of combat, listening became a lifeline — a way to truly understand and care for those around me."
Passion for geriatric care
After her military service, Dr. Zelk transitioned to civilian healthcare where she discovered a profound passion for geriatric care. With over 15 years dedicated to this field, her approach emphasizes a team-based method to ensure her patients' highest quality of life. Her expertise in medical technology and process efficiency has driven her to continually seek ways to enhance the patient experience and care delivery.
"In medical practice, I'm a seasoned Internist with a passion for geriatric care. My vision is a team approach to medical care, providing a commitment to quality of life for all patients," she states.
Leading with heart at the Best Defense Foundation
As the medical director at the Best Defense Foundation, Dr. Zelk oversees the care of veterans returning to their battlefields. The Foundation, which aims to honor and heal veterans by taking them back to significant locations from their service, has become a pivotal part of Dr. Zelk’s mission.
“We’re taking care of those who took care of us,” she says. "BDF returns veterans to their battlefield. As the medical director, I develop protocols and coordinate care for veterans of all ages. BDF is setting the standard for care and transport of veterans up to 103 years of age."
Her leadership ensures that these heroes receive not just medical care but also the emotional support and closure they need. Dr. Zelk's role involves extensive planning, ensuring the health and safety of the veterans during their trips, and providing on-the-spot medical care when needed.
Empowering care with Eko technology
Dr. Zelk’s partnership with Eko has been instrumental in her practice. The advanced digital stethoscopes from Eko have revolutionized how she listens to her patients' hearts and lungs, enabling her to detect early signs of disease with greater accuracy.
"Eko's technology has been a game-changer," Dr. Zelk explains. "The ability to amplify heart and lung sounds and share recordings with colleagues has enhanced our diagnostic capabilities and improved patient outcomes. It’s about providing the best care possible, and Eko helps us do just that."
In one memorable instance, the Eko CORE 500™ Digital Stethoscope proved invaluable during a Normandy trip. A veteran began experiencing chest pain on the bus. Thanks to the Eko CORE 500™, Dr. Zelk and her team could accurately monitor his condition and provide the necessary interventions, ensuring his safety and stabilizing his condition.
Healing beyond the physical
For Dr. Zelk, the Best Defense Foundation's mission goes beyond physical health.
It’s about healing old wounds, providing closure, and allowing veterans to see the impact of their service in a peaceful context.
"You see a place, you see people on their worst day. And the opportunity to go back in peacetime and to get that full-circle resolution that what you did had an impact and that things turned out well — it’s an incredible part of the healing process," she says.
The essence of Eko's mission
Dr. Zelk’s dedication to service, whether on the battlefield or in the clinic, embodies the spirit of listening and healing that Eko strives to support.
"As a leader, my goal is to ensure that every patient feels heard and cared for," Dr. Zelk affirms. "With tools like Eko’s stethoscopes, we can listen better, diagnose with confidence, and provide exceptional care. It’s about making a real difference in the lives of those who have given so much."
Dr. Zelk’s journey reminds us that true care involves listening with both the ears and the heart, ensuring that every heartbeat is heard and valued. At Eko Health, we are proud to support clinicians like Dr. Zelk, who make the world a better place — one patient at a time.
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