Inspired by accident, Colby grad preps for career as doctor
By Mandee Ellis The Star News
How to formulate a medical student: Begin by administering a solid family background. Inject empathy and the desire to help others. Apply grit, determination and willpower. Finally, stabilize with a strong sense of community. The end result?
Nick Weiler, a Colby High School graduate who is intent on becoming a doctor.
Nick grew up in Colby with his mother, Dawn, his father, Scott, and his older sister, Morgan. As a child, Nick was surrounded by love and never-ending encouragement. His family was constantly looking after others without any expectations of getting something back in return.
“My parents are amazing, I’m really fortunate to have them,” said Nick.
Nick also credits his grandmothers, Mary Weiler of Abbotsford and Louise Paul of Medford, as well as his close friends and his community, with helping to instill positive values within him.
“The people there have the biggest impact on who I’ve become as part of being a physician,” he said.
Nick spent his high school career playing football and baseball and running track. He also participated in school clubs and show choir. His love of hunting and fishing was cultivated in central Wisconsin where he had access to an abundance of wildlife.
Nick knew he wanted to become a doctor in his sophomore year of high school when he wrote a paper based on a 4-wheeler accident and subsequent helicopter ride that happened when he was in fifth grade. He recalls the EMTs and doctors working diligently to keep him safe, and after he went home to recover, the paramedics sent him a card. The summer before his senior year, Nick took an EMT course at the NTC campus in Merrill and from there, Nick’s passion for medicine only grew.
He attended UW-La Crosse after graduating high school. Upon receiving his degree there, he went on to enroll in the Medical College of Wisconsin at the Wausau Campus.
He’s found life at the MCW campus to be very fulfilling. From the community partners, to the free clinic and the warming shelter, to the pickle ball action and the curling club, Nick feels fortunate to have experienced student life at MCW.
“It really felt like a family group,” said Nick. “Wausau overall is just an amazing community.”
He credits Dean Lisa Grill Dodson and Student Services Program manager Christopher Knight with helping to make his time at MCW memorable.
Part of those memories include a trip to Belize where Nick is currently doing a medical rotation for a mobile clinic in the town of Agucate. He’s there completing a global health elective with Hillside Health Care Clinic, a clinic that provides free services to the people of southern Belize, which are made possible by student fees and donors around the world.
Nick graduates from MCW on May 23, but the biggest thrill of his time there and the culmination of his hard work will take place before he ever walks across the podium.
Nick has spent the last several months filling out applications and interviewing with possible residency locations. A computer algorithm will sort through Nick’s preferred residency options, also known as a rank list, with the rank list of each prospective hospital, and match him with the most suitable site.
That day, March 21, is Match Day. MCW students will gather with their families and their classmates to hear what their future holds.
“It’s one of the biggest things of med school,” said Nick. “It’s hard to believe that I’m where I am right now.”
One of his biggest priorities when it comes to his residency is to end up somewhere that he can build connections with his peers in a family-oriented setting.
Ultimately, Nick sees himself helping others as an ER doctor, splitting his time between the emergency room and a sports medicine clinic. He enjoys not knowing what his next patient will present, and looks forward to helping people on their worst days. He values the teamwork between the entire treatment team and thinking critically to find solutions.
After residency, Nick is thinking of seeking a fellowship to continue his education.
And after that, when it’s all said and done, Nick hopes to find himself back in central Wisconsin.
“I’m definitely planning on coming back here and helping give back to the community that’s really given so much,” he said.
The prognosis is looking good.
IN BELIZE - Nick Weiler, right, poses with fellow medical workers at a mobile clinic in Agucate, Belize as part of a global health elective with Hillside Health Care Clinic.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
MAKING THE ROUNDS - Above, Nick Weiler, right, accepts a Bridge Builder Award from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Also shown are fellow med students Drake Giese and Katie Ernste. At left, as part of a rural scholars program, Weiler and a community member from Beloit make salsa together.
