Cancer Covered

Dr. Brian Merkel’s Story: From Surviving Cancer to Inspiring Future Doctors (Part 2)

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In the second part of our interview, Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, moves the focus from his battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 1984 to his life as a survivor and educator. After beating the disease with a bone marrow transplant, Dr. Merkel now inspires and mentors the next generation of doctors and scientists, committed to paying that gift forward. He is joined again by Green Bay Oncology’s Dr. Brian Burnette and his former student, Dr. Evan Wenig. They discuss this story and how survival shapes a career in education and cancer care.

“ Success for me is seeing those students reach those goals, get into those programs, and then it’s even better when they come back to the community.” – Dr. Brian Merkel

On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:

  • The inspiration Dr. Merkel takes from his experience to be a “cheerleader” for medical students, helping them manage the pressure and maintain balance in a difficult curriculum.
  • The essential role of teachers and education at all levels from elementary school to medical school, in training the next generation of physicians and advancing the field of oncology.
  • A reflection on how the human element of his story, and all patient stories, serves as a powerful reminder to his former student, Dr. Wenig, of why he chose a career in medicine.
  • Dr. Merkel’s open offer to be a source of inspiration for current patients, demonstrating the power of connecting survivors with those currently undergoing a cancer journey.

    • We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.

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