Christopher D. Thacker, MD

Critical Care Surgeon

Dr. Christopher D. Thacker is a surgical critical care, trauma and general surgeon practicing with Wichita Surgical Specialists.

Born in Wichita, Kansas, Dr. Thacker received his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita. He completed his general surgery residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania.

Becoming a physician was something he had wanted for a long time. “It combined my enjoyment of science and desire to be able to help others in a tangible way,” he explained. He was drawn to the study of acute care surgery because of the wide variety of disease pathologies to manage and surgical operations to perform. “On a day-to-day basis, I have the opportunity to provide care for patients in multiple ways,” he said.

Dr. Thacker’s goal as an acute care surgeon is to provide the highest quality care to his patients and their families. “Most of my patients will meet me unexpectedly with an acute illness or after a traumatic event,” he said. “They won’t always have the time to choose or process the care they are about to receive.” His treatment philosophy is to educate patients and their families and to empower them to make the best treatment decisions. “I follow that with the best technical expertise I can provide in the operating room with an empathetic bedside manner,” he stated. “I consider it a phenomenal responsibility that patients entrust me with their lives.”

In addition to providing excellent care, Dr. Thacker wants his communication with patients to bring comfort and relief from anxiety for both patients and their families. “I hope patients and their families are able to be blessed by the care I provide and that I can help them return to the life they enjoy,” he said.

As a physician with Wichita Surgical Specialists, Dr. Thacker appreciates the opportunity to be involved in medical education. “I hope to educate residents, medical students, and nurses to help them achieve their goals and advance the field of acute care surgery through research and academic work,” he said. “I look forward to seeing how Wichita Surgical Specialists can continue to serve the greater Wichita community and South-Central Kansas for many more decades to come.”

Outside of work, Dr. Thacker enjoys spending time with his family. He stays active and loves a good game of pick-up basketball. He has also worked on cars since high school and looks forward to starting some projects with his son.