What do you get when you have a type A personality, are a competitive gymnast and a self-proclaimed perfectionist? A top-quality vascular surgeon, of course! Pulse Heart Institute is proud to introduce Dr. Sara Wasilenko, who joined its team in September 2025 to help build the vascular surgery department at Capital Medical Center.
From Gymnast to Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Wasilenko Gives Her Whole Heart
Wasilenko has an interest in health at an early age, she says, thanks to her chosen sport, gymnastics. “I knew from a young age, as a competitive gymnast, the importance of health and nutrition,” Wasilenko says, “and had my curiosity piqued about biomechanics and how the body works. I initially explored these passions as a profession through sports medicine and athletic training, but felt I could have an even greater impact as a physician.”
Being a type A personality, Wasilenko does not do anything half-heartedly. When she decided to be a surgeon, she jumped in with both feet. She quickly realized that vascular surgery was her passion.
“While I knew I wanted to be a surgeon, it was my vascular surgery rotation during my surgery residency that led me into the profession,” Wasilenko shares. “Through my rotations, I was exposed to the complexity of the patients, the variety of procedures, and the thought and planning that go into every decision. I found myself gravitating to the dynamic nature of vascular surgery.”
Aside from a personality that seems made for the job, Wasilenko credits others for helping her achieve success. “I also had great mentors and colleagues along the way who had a positive influence on me,” she adds. “I keep in touch with them today.”
Wasilenko moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2017. Her first job out of medical training was at the Providence-Swedish St. Peter’s Hospital. There, she helped establish a new vascular surgery service. “With my fellow colleagues, we built a very strong successful program,” she says.
Moving to Pulse Heart Institute – Vascular Services
“When the opportunity presented itself at Capital Medical Center with Pulse Heart Institute, it was again an opportunity to build a program that has a lot of potential for growth,” Wasilenko says about her job change. “I met with the leadership of Pulse, and it was hard not to get excited about their vision and ideas to build the practice.”
She also mentions that the new, state-of-the-art, hybrid operating room at Capital Medical System was a big draw. “It allows us to provide higher levels of care for vascular patients,” Wasilenko adds.
She joins the rest of the vascular team, Dr. Charles J Hillenbrand, MD, and Samantha Parsons, ARNP.
Whole Patient Care from Pulse Heart Institute’s Vascular Surgeon
If you are one of her established patients, you do not need a referral to continue care at Capital Medical Center. Give the center a call at 360.569.9740 or fill out the new patient request form online.
For new patients, Wasilenko wants those searching for a vascular surgeon to know that she takes the time with every patient. She wants you to know the options available so you can make informed decisions. “When I see a patient in the clinic, I try to treat them as a whole, focus on why they specifically came to my office, but also consider the other medical issues they may be having,” she explains.
For example, she says a common disease in vascular patients is atherosclerotic disease, the hardening of the arteries. If the disease is affecting the patient’s abdomen or leg arteries, she says they most likely also have a component of atherosclerotic disease in their heart or carotid arteries. She takes the time to get to know the whole patient.
“When I offer a patient a surgical procedure, they are essentially putting their lives in my hands,” Wasilenko says. “My job is to make sure they are as comfortable as possible and all their questions are answered before the procedure.”
And sometimes, operating is not the option. “My main goal in caring for patients is doing the right thing for them,” Wasilenko adds. “I love to operate, but sometimes not offering an operation is the right thing to do. Clear communication and explanations help patients and their families feel more comfortable when difficult decisions have to be made.”
When she is not on the clock, Wasilenko enjoys the beauty of nature with her husband, Ben. They like to travel, hike, ski and paddleboard. “We were very fortunate this past summer to complete the Haute Route, which is a 100+ mile hike across the Swiss Alps,” she says.
Capital Medical Center Vascular Surgery
Pulse Heart Institute – Vascular Surgery is accepting new patients. Contact them by calling 360.569.9740 or filling out the new patient form on the MultiCare Pulse Heart Institute website.
Pulse Heart Institute Vascular Services
3920 Capital Mall Drive SW, Suite 203, Olympia
360.569.9740
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