Local cancer care providers earn national recognition for advancing cancer research
September 30, 2025
GREEN BAY, Wis. —Seven physicians and six advanced practice providers (APPs) with the HSHS St. Vincent Hospital Cancer Centers have received recognition from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for enrolling cancer patients in clinical research trials over the past year.
Each year, the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) awards providers who help make cutting-edge cancer treatments possible by enrolling patients in clinical trials. Clinical research depends on patient participation, and providers play a critical role in connecting patients with research opportunities that may change – and save – lives.
The HSHS St. Vincent Hospital Cancer Centers partner with the HSHS Wisconsin Clinical Research Institute (CRI) – a national leader in cancer research – to advance cancer care close to home. Over the past 40 years, the CRI has provided more than 1,700 different clinical trials to more than 5,500 patients here in Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.
Together, we congratulate the following providers on their success in helping patients understand the importance of participating in clinical trials, along with the possible risks and benefits:
“These awards reflect the dedication of our providers to not only deliver excellent care but take it a step further to give patients the opportunity to be part of research that drives the future of cancer treatment and care,” said Amy Koffarnus, CRI Director.
Why clinical trials matter
This announcement comes ahead of World Cancer Research Day on September 24, 2025, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the critical role research plays in preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. This year alone, the NCI estimates two million people will be diagnosed with cancer.
“Today, people diagnosed with cancer are living longer and better lives because of treatments discovered through clinical trials,” Koffarnus said. “We’re proud to be part of that progress right here in Northeast Wisconsin.”
For more information about clinical trial opportunities close to home, visit: https://www.hshs.org/st-vincent/services/cancer-care/clinical-research-institute.
To learn more about HSHS St. Vincent Hospital Cancer Centers, visit: https://www.hshs.org/st-vincent/services/cancer-care.
About Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS)
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is a nonprofit Catholic health care ministry founded in 1875. Dedicated to our Mission to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through high-quality Franciscan health care, HSHS clinicians provide exceptional care centered on the whole person. Based in Springfield, Illinois, HSHS employs nearly 11,000 colleagues who provide care in 13 acute-care, children’s and critical access hospitals and home health and hospice programs in Central and Southern Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin. HSHS is aligned with more than 1,000 primary and specialty physicians and advanced practitioners through its owned affiliates HSHS Medical Group and Prairie Cardiovascular and its partnership with Prevea Health. For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.
Each year, the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) awards providers who help make cutting-edge cancer treatments possible by enrolling patients in clinical trials. Clinical research depends on patient participation, and providers play a critical role in connecting patients with research opportunities that may change – and save – lives.
The HSHS St. Vincent Hospital Cancer Centers partner with the HSHS Wisconsin Clinical Research Institute (CRI) – a national leader in cancer research – to advance cancer care close to home. Over the past 40 years, the CRI has provided more than 1,700 different clinical trials to more than 5,500 patients here in Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.
Together, we congratulate the following providers on their success in helping patients understand the importance of participating in clinical trials, along with the possible risks and benefits:
| Cancer Control & Treatment Accrual Awards (Physician) | ||
| Platinum (≥30 enrollees) | Gold (10-29 enrollees) | Silver (5-9 enrollees) |
| Brian Burnette, MD | Anthony Jaslowski, MD David Groteluschen, MD |
Evan Wenig, DO Matthew Ryan, MD Stephanie Pritzl, MD Edgard Badine, MD |
| Cancer Control Accrual Awards (APP) | ||
| Platinum (≥10 enrollees) | Gold (4-9 enrollees) | Silver (2-3 enrollees) |
| Eric Danihel, PA-C Brittany Walczyk, NP Megan Krumrie-Horkey, PA-C |
Laura Schroeder, PA-C Kristie Wickman, NP Mark Hebert, NP |
|
Cancer Care Delivery Research Accrual Awards (APP) |
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| Mark Hebert, NP | ||
“These awards reflect the dedication of our providers to not only deliver excellent care but take it a step further to give patients the opportunity to be part of research that drives the future of cancer treatment and care,” said Amy Koffarnus, CRI Director.
Why clinical trials matter
- Provide patients access to innovative therapies before they’re widely available
- Test new methods for preventing and detecting cancer
- Improve quality of life during and after treatment
- Shape better cancer care for future generations
This announcement comes ahead of World Cancer Research Day on September 24, 2025, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the critical role research plays in preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. This year alone, the NCI estimates two million people will be diagnosed with cancer.
“Today, people diagnosed with cancer are living longer and better lives because of treatments discovered through clinical trials,” Koffarnus said. “We’re proud to be part of that progress right here in Northeast Wisconsin.”
For more information about clinical trial opportunities close to home, visit: https://www.hshs.org/st-vincent/services/cancer-care/clinical-research-institute.
To learn more about HSHS St. Vincent Hospital Cancer Centers, visit: https://www.hshs.org/st-vincent/services/cancer-care.
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About Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS)
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is a nonprofit Catholic health care ministry founded in 1875. Dedicated to our Mission to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through high-quality Franciscan health care, HSHS clinicians provide exceptional care centered on the whole person. Based in Springfield, Illinois, HSHS employs nearly 11,000 colleagues who provide care in 13 acute-care, children’s and critical access hospitals and home health and hospice programs in Central and Southern Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin. HSHS is aligned with more than 1,000 primary and specialty physicians and advanced practitioners through its owned affiliates HSHS Medical Group and Prairie Cardiovascular and its partnership with Prevea Health. For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.
Media Contact
Angela Deja
Director, Public Relations and Communications