Margaret (Gretchen) Schwarze, MD, MPP, FACS

Gretchen Schwarze, MD, is a UW Health vascular surgeon and an associate professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Schwarze treats all forms of vascular disease. The most common are atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries) and vein disease (varicose veins).

In her practice, she addresses all aspects of peripheral vascular health and has a particular interest in preventive vascular care. She specializes in vascular and endovascular surgery to improve circulation in blood vessels throughout the body, except for the heart and brain.

At the core of her practice is individualized care. Dr. Schwarze understands that every person is unique and has their own set of goals, beliefs and circumstances. She partners with her patients to ensure they receive the specialized care that best fits their needs.

Her clinical research focuses on how clinicians talk to patients and families about major treatment decisions, like surgery or starting serious treatment, such as dialysis. She aims to develop strategies that can improve this vital communication.

Dr. Schwarze is a nationally recognized expert in surgical decision-making, informed consent, advance directives and end-of-life care. She leads the UW Health clinical medical ethics committee. Outside her practice, Dr. Schwarze enjoys spending time with her husband, who is a transplant surgeon, and their two daughters.

You can't be a good doctor if you don't listen to your patient.