Brian Burnette, MD | Green Bay Oncology

From Patient to Professor: Dr. Brian Merkel and the Transplant Ripple Effect

Dr. Fred Appelbaum, Executive Vice President of Fred Hutch Cancer Center, joins Green Bay Oncology physicians Dr. Brian Burnette, Dr. Kamal Abbi, and Dr. Evan Wenig, along with Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, to reflect on one of the earliest eras of bone marrow transplantation through the eyes of both patient and physician.

The Leukemia Patient Experience

Dr. Fred Appelbaum joins Green Bay Oncology physicians Dr. Brian Burnette, Dr. Kamal Abbi, Dr. Evan Wenig, and UW–Green Bay professor Dr. Brian Merkel to explore how leukemia treatment has evolved—highlighting rising survival rates, the emotional realities of care, and the innovations reshaping hope for patients and families.

A History of Stem Cell Transplantation

Listen as Dr. Fred Appelbaum reflects on the bold and uncertain early days of stem cell transplantation as he and his team at The Hutch helped reshape the treatment of leukemia. From experimental procedures in the 1970s to today’s highly refined transplant and cellular therapies, this conversation traces how risk, collaboration, and perseverance laid the foundation for modern cancer care.

Survivorship and Living with Cancer

Medical oncologists Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Kamal Abbi explore the “survivorship cliff,” addressing the emotional and physical challenges patients face when transitioning from active treatment to a new normal.

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

In the second half of our discussion, Dr. Brian Merkel moves beyond his 1984 battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to focus on his life as a survivor. Following a successful bone marrow transplant, Dr. Merkel is now dedicated to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of doctors and scientists.

Dr. Brian Merkel’s Story: From Surviving Cancer to Inspiring Future Doctors

Dr. Brian Merkel, Associate Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, joins Green Bay Oncology’s Dr. Brian Burnette and his former student Dr. Evan Wenig to share his remarkable journey of surviving acute myeloid leukemia through one of the earliest bone marrow transplants and how that experience continues to shape his life’s work teaching and mentoring future doctors and scientists.

BiTE Therapy

Dr. Kamal Abbi and Dr. Brian Burnette discuss BiTE therapy, a cutting-edge immunotherapy that brings the body’s own T-cells into direct contact with cancer cells to destroy them. They highlight its rapid advancements and the potential to transform certain incurable cancers into curable diseases with time-limited treatment.

Navigating Hope

Navigating Hope is the financial counseling program offered by Green Bay Oncology to help patients navigate their insurance coverage, connect them with financial resources, and help reduce the financial burden cancer can present.

How Will I Know if I’m Cured?

How do you know if your cancer is cured? Listen as Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Tony Jaslowski explore this crucial question.

Should I Get a Chemo Port?

On today’s episode, we dive into the topic of chemotherapy ports. We discuss what they are, how they work, and why and when they’re used and not used in cancer treatment. Exploring the benefits and potential risks associated with ports and the issues surrounding when they should be removed after treatment, it’s an informative and insightful conversation that sheds light on this often inquired-about important aspect of cancer care.