dr. duke pfitzinger, DO

Duke Pfitzinger, DO, brings his vast experience in vascular and endovascular surgery to Vascular Center of Naples in Naples, Florida. There is a lot to be said about Dr. Pfitzinger’s level of determination throughout his career. From the football field as a Division I athlete to the operating room, Dr. Pfitzinger has never shied away from a challenge. He is one of few osteopathic physicians to train in surgery at allopathic institutions, and early on had his sights set on practicing in Naples, Florida at the end of his training after visiting family here many years ago.

Dr. Pfitzinger obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University, where he majored in physiology and minored in chemistry. He graduated Magna Cum Laude while also balancing the demands of being a Division I athlete. He started his collegiate football career playing defensive tackle for the University of Kansas Jayhawks and continued in the same position after his transfer to Southern Illinois University. Dr. Pfitzinger received his medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, graduating in the top 8% of his class and receiving numerous awards, merits, and scholarships.  

Upon completion of medical school, he returned to Kansas where he completed his residency training in general surgery from the University of Kansas in Kansas City. It was during this five-year training that he discovered his passion for vascular surgery. He was then fortunate enough to train under world-renowned aortic and venous surgeons during his vascular surgery fellowship at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Pfitzinger’s experience and interest in vascular and endovascular surgery encompasses a vast array of conditions and treatments, including carotid artery disease, aortic aneurysm disease, aortoiliac occlusive disease, mesenteric artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, hemodialysis access, and venous disease. He has presented nationally and internationally and has been published in numerous journals. He is board-certified in general and vascular surgery by the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery.

Growing up in the Midwest, Dr. Pfitzinger spent much of his childhood at the lake with his extended family, sparking his passion for boating. In his spare time, Dr. Pfitzinger loves to spend as much time as he can on the water with his wife and three children, and feels honored to finally call Naples home.