Hengbing Wang, MD A Journey of Inspiration and Perseverance

Oncologist and hematologist Hengbing Wang, MD made a long journey to Ukiah – a  journey of inspiration, faith, dedication and perseverance.  

Hengbing Wang, MD was raised in a small rural Chinese community located 1,500 miles away from Beijing. His parents were both doctors, serving the remote community in various capacities. His father, a general surgeon, provided medical care whenever and wherever was needed. These acts of service not only inspired Dr. Wang, but also instilled the values of compassion and dedication to help those in need. He recounted stories of local community members presenting his father with gifts of gratitude, of which he politely declined. Assisting his father in the emergency department at a young age, Dr. Wang knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. While he had dreams of becoming a surgeon like his father, his parents initially discouraged his career choice, knowing the long path he would have to face to achieve this goal. 

Following his passion, Dr. Wang attended medical school in Beijing where he would meet his future wife, Yang Liu, and graduate with a PhD. Then he made the pivotal decision to follow his heart and move to the United States with Liu in 1999. While Liu was accepted to the University of Illinois, Dr. Wang went to University of Rochester in New York state. After one year of study, Dr. Wang joined Liu in Chicago, where they both attended the University of Illinois.  

While completing his studies, Dr. Wang accepted a role at Indiana University as a cancer research technician. This introduction to cancer research was the beginning of a life-long journey in oncology. Upon completing medical school, Dr. Wang completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Cook County Health, a public hospital in Chicago. While there, Dr. Wang was introduced to caring for oncology patients, leading to his post-residency fellowship in Oncology/Hematology at the University of Minnesota. 

During this time, Dr. Wang and Yang Liu welcomed their daughter and son, and the family settled in Minnesota. Several life-altering events – including a chance but impactful meeting with two nuns from the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, located in Talmage – brought Liu to the Buddhist campus. As the family became increasingly connected to Buddhism and the community, Dr. Wang and his wife talked about moving to Ukiah to be closer to the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas.  

Since joining the Adventist Health Ukiah Valley Oncology/Hematology team, the clinic has grown to serve the increasing needs of our community and beyond. Beginning with 7 team members and 4 infusion chairs, the clinic has expanded to 26 full-time employees and 10 infusion chairs. Patients come from throughout Northern California to receive exceptional care. Dr. Wang envisions future expansion of the clinic space and services, increasing the capacity to serve those in need locally. 

Many of Dr. Wang’s patients share the same sentiment: “I absolutely love him… he has great compassion and understanding and is on top of follow-up.” Dr. Wang and his team are passionate about their patients, and it shows in the incredible care they provide.  

Learn more about Dr. Wang and the Adventist Health Ukiah Valley Cancer Treatment and Infusion Center.