Full Circle

On a blustery August evening in 2024, Dr. Evan Wenig stepped out of St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. His long hours as an attending physician overseeing patient care had turned daylight into darkness. But on this night, as he walked to his car, a wave of familiarity washed over him.

“Years ago, I was shadowing doctors and P.A.’s in the ER here at St. Vincent,” Wenig recalls. “Around that time, I was also able to go up to the cancer floor and sit next to one of my close college friends going through chemotherapy.”

As a Human Biology major at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, becoming a doctor was an emerging ambition.

His return to St. Vincent was more than a moment of déjà vu—it was a full-circle realization of a purpose that had quietly taken root years earlier. It was a testament to the courage it takes to pursue a calling, the forward-thinking mindset that guided his path and the determination required to see it through. Now, as a physician, he brings not only clinical expertise but also the supportive presence of someone who has walked the halls of the hospital in many roles.

This mission began before Wenig was even born, with the loss of his oldest brother to pediatric cancer at just 22 months old. Now, more than a decade after earning his bachelor’s degree from UW-Green Bay, Wenig has returned to where it all began—this time as a physician specializing in hematology and medical oncology.

“My brother was the first of five kids in my family and passed away before any of my siblings had the chance to meet him,” Wenig says. “But even in his short life, he had a lasting influence. I think his story helped shape the direction of our family—and certainly my own path into medicine, and oncology, in particular.”

That influence continues to resonate. Wenig’s parents, who began their careers as teachers, later made a compassionate shift into funeral service—a change Wenig describes as “a way to help walk alongside people going through a challenging time in their life.”

Wenig attributes his parents’ decision to make such a profound and compassionate career shift to the same values that inspired his own path into medicine. “My parents were always very personable and wonderful at making connections and making people feel cared for,” he says. “I think it’s some of those attributes and gifts that motivated me to become an oncologist.”

But motivation alone isn’t enough—especially for a first-year college student with aspirations of medical school. Success requires deep engagement, persistence and a willingness to push through challenges. “My interest in science and fascination with the human body and its physiology was always strong,” Wenig recalls. Developing that interest, however, took more than curiosity. It required the combined efforts of student and faculty, the right academic environment—and a healthy dose of tenacity and grit.

Fortunately, that’s what he found at UW-Green Bay. “I met some amazing students and professors who inspired me and helped me develop a better understanding of physiology,” he says. “I knew I wanted to go into healthcare in some capacity, but I didn’t know exactly what that would be.”

As Wenig connected with professors and found success in his studies, the idea of medical school began to feel more attainable. “The mentorship, encouragement and relationships with professors and other students continued to spur my interest in becoming a physician,” he says.

Contrary to the popular notion of pre-med students being buried in books, UW-Green Bay offered Wenig the freedom to make friends, enjoy campus life and have fun.

After graduating, the challenge of applying to medical school loomed large. Statistically, only about three in ten pre-med students make it that far. Wenig’s professors, however, encouraged him to keep going. “They told me, ‘You can go to medical school. You can do it.’”

He did—but not before taking a gap year, once again trusting his instincts. He spent that year interning in Uruguay, working alongside other medical students in various aspects of community service.

“I really loved the problem-solving aspect of my internal medicine rotation, but it was during my residency that I discovered a passion for oncology,” Wenig recalls. It was also during residency that he met another important part of his future—his wife.

Originally from Iowa and now a practicing podiatrist, Wenig’s wife shared his Midwestern roots and love for the outdoors, exercise and sports. “We have a lot in common, and we make a great team” he says.

When it came time to launch their careers, Green Bay stood out. “We looked at different places, but Green Bay really was the place we landed and were excited to be.” Today, Wenig practices at Green Bay Oncology, a large, physician-owned group comprising medical, radiation and surgical oncologists.

As Wenig reflects on the path that brought him back to Green Bay—a family tragedy, years of hard work, thoughtful decisions and moments of simply following his heart—he’s quick to acknowledge that no amount of study or training can replace the motivation and tenacity needed to reach a goal as demanding as medicine. “Don’t sell yourself short. Push yourself and dream. See where life takes you.”

And his friend who was undergoing cancer treatment all those years ago? “He’s doing well and also graduated from UW–Green Bay. He’s a counselor now—just a great guy making a big difference and having a huge impact on people.”

How has UW-Green Bay helped you find your superpowers?

“I feel like I don’t have any superpowers to start, but I think UWGB allowed me to build a strong academic foundation that I could carry with me throughout my student career, medical career and personal life. Honestly, it was the mentorship and encouragement and just relationships with professors and other students that continued to spur my interest in pursuing becoming a physician.”

What fictional hero or superhero do you see yourself in?

“Rudy—I love that movie! It was this guy from a small town that just basically worked his butt off and did absolutely everything he could with what he had. It’s just an awesome story about a guy that is able to just push himself and see growth along the way.”

What advice would you offer a future Phoenix?

“Any skills you may have coming in are important, but I think a positive attitude and willingness to learn are the most important things to develop.”

What sparks you to reach higher?

“I think it was just knowing that I needed to continue to push myself, not only in high school, but also in college and beyond, to ultimately be the person and student and employee that I aspire to be. I’m trying to set that bar high for myself.”

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

“We’ve got a couple of young daughters… They bring just an incredible amount of joy to me and my wife. We absolutely love it. It’s a bit hectic, but it’s the best reason, and we’re so thankful.”

At UW-Green Bay, every person has the power to Rise. No matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you want to be. We invite you to read more Rise Stories about people from all walks of life who are blazing a brighter future for our region.