Brothers Ben and Branden Statz share more than their last name — they share a calling.
Growing up, the two brothers leaned on one another for encouragement through school and life’s milestones. Today, the Waunakee-born physician assistants work side by side in UW Health’s emergency departments, caring for patients and continuing to inspire one another every step of the way.
Their journey reflects not only their shared values and interests, but also the kind of close-knit collaboration that defines the BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine and UW Health.
“I’ve always been interested in biology and medicine,” said Ben Statz, who recently joined the Department of Emergency Medicine after earning his physician assistant (PA) certification this summer.
“I originally thought I wanted to be a [medical doctor], but once I learned about PAs from my older brother, Branden, I changed my plans.”
Ben developed a passion for providing patient care as a phlebotomist at UW Health’s University Hospital while working toward his bachelor’s degree in evolutionary biology at UW–Madison (BS ’21). After graduating, Ben began his PA training at Carroll University, with a dream of continuing to make a positive impact on patients’ lives while maintaining a work-life balance that aligned with his values.
“Throughout training, it was nice having a someone who I could not only relate to but who could also act as a mentor to guide me,” said Ben, reflecting on following in his brother Branden’s footsteps.
Branden Statz has been part of the emergency medicine team for three years and says that he found his own motivation to become a physician assistant in both the discipline and humanity of the field.
“I became a PA because I have a passion for both science and helping others, and medicine was the perfect way to incorporate them both,” he said.
Branden, also an alumnus of UW–Madison’s evolutionary biology program (BS ’16), completed his physician assistant training at Boston University School of Medicine before joining UW Health — first in cardiothoracic critical care, then emergency medicine. He says teaching has steadily become a clinical interest for him since joining the UW team.
“I’ve been lucky to have dozens of amazing mentors and teachers in the Department of Emergency Medicine,” Branden said. “It’s inspired one of my career goals to foster learning in the same way as those I am surrounded by every day.”
Both brothers credit their Wisconsin roots and the mentors who shaped their careers — including each other — for helping them reach this point.
“Throughout training, it was nice having a someone who I could not only relate to but who could also act as a mentor to guide me,” said Ben, reflecting on following in his brother Branden’s footsteps.
The spirit of collaboration that defines UW Health’s emergency departments, they say, makes every shift an opportunity to learn and to serve. Ben shares that even without already having a brother on the team, he would have felt like he was joining a family.
“Everyone’s hearts and minds are in the right place — focused on providing our patients the best care possible,” he said. “The MDs and PAs in the department are talented educators, making it easy to learn and grow as a provider on their team.”
For Branden, it’s the patient connection that leaves the deepest impression.
“One of my favorite parts of being in the emergency department is that we’re often the first provider patients interact with,” he said. “Helping patients through their toughest moments and building trust along the way reminds me that I’m making a genuine difference in my community.”
From brothers to colleagues, Ben and Branden’s story is one of shared purpose and enduring support — a Wisconsin-born reminder that the heart of medicine lies in both skill and connection.