Sister physicians practice side by side, making a difference in kids’ lives

In a photo circa 1982, (left to right) Andrea Wenner, age 5, and her sister Melinda, age 3, inspired and encouraged each other all their lives.

(Nacogdoches, TX) – The lives of East Texas children are healthier thanks to two sisters who returned to their hometown of Nacogdoches to dedicate their lives to practicing pediatric medicine.

Andrea Wenner, D.O, and Melinda Wenner, D.O., knew since they were young girls growing up in Nacogdoches, Texas, that they wanted to help others and their community. As they matured, they were inspired by their hardworking parents and by each other to pursue medicine. Both graduated from Mt. Enterprise High School (Andrea in 1995 and Melinda in 1996) but went their separate ways to complete medical school and residencies in pediatrics. Their admiration for their hometown and each other later led them back home where they teamed up to work side by side to make a positive difference, together, for families in Nacogdoches.

Dr. Melinda Wenner began her medical practice in Nacogdoches in 2011 and Dr. Andrea Wenner soon joined her in 2015. Both said their greatest gift is to be able to return to their hometown to give back to kids and families in their community. They both practice pediatric medicine with Nacogdoches Medical Partners.

“My roots are in Nacogdoches,” Dr. Melinda Wenner said. "I’m very fortunate and excited to be able to provide quality medical care to all of the children of East Texas. I have such good memories of growing up here and I wanted to raise my kids here too,” she said.

Dr. Andrea Wenner agrees. “Nacogdoches is beautiful and the people are amazing,” she said. “I can’t think of Nacogdoches without a million good memories. Melinda and I as well as my parents and my husband are all alumni of the schools here. I think there is just something wonderful about the strength, self-reliance, and resilience of East Texans and their willingness to always go the extra mile for their neighbors,” Dr. Andrea Wenner said. The sisters are proud of each other and credit one another for their success in caring for East Texas kids. Both believe that women should lean on other women in their lives for support and encouragement in all aspects of life and career.

At Andrea Wenner's (left) graduation from medical school in May 2012, her sister, Melinda (right), who was already a physician, proudly hooded Andrea during the ceremony.

“It's really turned out to be the best thing having my sister by my side in my profession, Dr. Melinda Wenner said. “She is my best friend and I am so lucky to get to share everything with her. The good days and even the bad are easier to carry because we are in it together,” Dr. Melinda Wenner said.

Dr. Andrea Wenner said her sister inspires her with her hard work, compassion for her patients, and her never give up attitude. “She really know how to push through and get things done and she never gives up at anything.”

This Women’s History Month, each of the sisters has advice for other women in their community.

“Don't let small failures keep you from reaching your goal. Put your head down and keep going,” Dr. Melinda Wenner said.

Dr. Andrea Wenner adds: “Big goals just take time. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and little by little, you will make it. Don’t let other people’s doubts deter you from your goals,” she said.

Nacogdoches Medical Center honors Dr. Andrea and Dr. Melinda Wenner this Women’s History Month and every day, and thanks them for their compassionate care to children and families in the Nacogdoches community.

For more information, visit https://www.nacmedicalcenter.com.