Hospitalist Nicole Krolak, M.D., knew from a young age that she wanted to help people through their most difficult times.
“I am passionate about treating the whole person – mind, body and spirit – and have found great fulfillment in combining relationships with patients and the latest evidence-based medicine," she said.
As a hospitalist, Dr. Krolak coordinates and cares for patients of all ages and varying conditions.
“This life cycle perspective is valuable because sometimes things that are common to pediatrics might be rare in adulthood and vice versa, and I am comfortable having these conversations at any age," she said.
Specializing in Med-Peds allows Dr. Krolak the opportunity to work with all age groups. “Each age has such unique challenges and communication styles that I knew I had to do both," she said.
Dr. Krolak is passionate about having strong communication with her patients.
“One of the most important things is to include patients in the decision making. My role as the physician is to collect the data, synthesize it into the diagnosis and come up with the treatment plan, and then, most importantly, discuss this with patients and their families," Dr. Krolak said. “Medicine is not a cookie cutter industry and one size does not fit all. Each person has their own goals that need to be respected and included in the treatment plan."
Helping her patients recover from hospital stays and return to a healthy lifestyle is important to Dr. Krolak.
“I am most passionate about making sick people feel better and discussing ways to not meet again (in the hospital!)," she said. “Nobody wants to be sick or hospitalized but by some circumstance many people will be. I love working through the illness with my patients and then discussing ways to not return."
Dr. Krolak earned her doctorate in osteopathic medicine from Des Moines University in Des Moines, Iowa. She completed a combined internal medicine and pediatrics residency at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.
An avid outdoors enthusiast, Dr. Krolak enjoys camping, hiking, and fishing trips with her family, which includes her husband, daughter, and dog. In the winter she enjoys playing board games and indoor hydroponic gardening.