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:

Cancer Control & Treatment Accrual Awards (Physician)
Platinum (≥30 enrollees)	Gold (10-29 enrollees)	Silver (5-9 enrollees)
Brian Burnette, MD	Anthony Jaslowski, MDDavid Groteluschen, MD	Evan Wenig, DOMatthew Ryan, MDStephanie Pritzl, MDEdgard Badine, MD

Cancer Control Accrual Awards (APP)
Platinum (≥10 enrollees)	Gold (4-9 enrollees)	Silver (2-3 enrollees)
	Eric Danihel, PA-CBrittany Walczyk, NPMegan Krumrie-Horkey, PA-C	Laura Schroeder, PA-CKristie Wickman, NPMark Hebert, NP
Cancer Care Delivery Research Accrual Awards (APP)
		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.