After receiving his nursing degree from Purdue University North Central, Zachary Jesko continued his education by earning his family nurse practitioner degree from Purdue University Calumet. “I wanted to make more of a personal impact on the health of my community, and I feel that as a family nurse practitioner I can do that.” Having spent 12 years in the Army Reserves and retiring as a Sergeant First Class, Jesko has gained a wealth of experience that helps him treat a wide range of patients. He seeks to educate his patients about preventive care. “I will be their guide and develop a plan of care to improve their health, but ultimately the patients have to be the ones who follow it by exercising, eating healthy and developing coping mechanisms for dealing with stress.” Before joining Vale Park Primary Care, Jesko worked at Porter Regional Hospital in the intensive care unit for the past two years.