If you’ve ever visited Union Brasserie in Lakewood, you may have tasted the creations of Vance Proft, executive chef and owner.

Vance loves cooking up tasty American and European dishes for his customers, but the job can be physically demanding. Vance is on his feet for an average of 12 hours a day, often seven days a week.  

Earlier this year, Vance was bitten on his toe by a brown recluse spider.

For some people, these types of bites lead to pain and itching, and maybe a blister. But for Vance, who already had poor circulation in feet, it led to an aggressive foot infection.

The condition led Vance to Dr. Pete Deol, who had the challenging task of delivering the news that the toe and a portion of the foot had to be amputated.

“I was honored to have Dr. Pete Deol as my surgeon,” Vance said. “Not only is he an extraordinary surgeon, but he also provided intense weekly post-operative treatments and care of an aggressive foot infection I had contracted from the bite.”

During the whole process, Vance said, it was Dr. Deol’s knowledge and “exemplary” bedside manner that really stuck out.

“His medical expertise shines,” Vance said. “Yet more importantly, he has an incredible gift of communicating in a personal and compassionate manner, using words even a man from the Czech Republic can understand.”

With the help of Dr. Deol, his technicians and physician assistant, Vance improved. Now he’s back at work serving up meals at his restaurant.

“I am eternally grateful for Dr. Deol’s kindness, knowledge and professionalism, which enabled me to continue doing what I love – creating healthy, tasty dishes,” Vance said.