Dr. Steven Levin, a Veteran and Ascension Wisconsin Physician
This Veterans Day, Ascension Wisconsin proudly honors Steven I. Levin, MD, a board-certified cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon whose dedication to service extends far beyond the operating room.
Dr. Levin has served 12 years in the U.S. Air Force and Army and continues to serve in the Army Reserves as a surgeon in a Forward Surgical Resuscitative Detachment (FRSD). His career reflects a lifelong commitment to caring for others, whether in a combat zone or in the surgical suite at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Milwaukee.
Throughout his years of military service, Dr. Levin was deployed to the Middle East and has participated in training missions across Africa. Those experiences, he says, profoundly shaped his perspective on medicine and teamwork.
“It has opened my eyes and really made me grateful for what we have here,” said Dr. Levin. “It’s taught me resilience and the power of teamwork. When you’re part of a team with a common mission there’s no room for attitude; everyone works together to accomplish the shared goal.”
That same mission-driven focus carries through to his work as a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon. At Ascension Wisconsin, Dr. Levin’s extensive training in both cardiac (heart) and thoracic (chest) surgery, allows him to perform a full range of cardiac and vascular surgery procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair and replacements, aortic and carotid surgery, and minimally invasive interventions. He is known for his calm, steady presence in high-pressure situations, a quality he attributes to his military training.
“My military and civilian experience taught me how to stay focused and composed in emergency situations,” he said. “That discipline and clarity make a difference for patients when every second counts.”
After years of service, Dr. Levin says he’s come to appreciate life’s simplest comforts and the ability to serve others close to home.
“The things I appreciate the most after a deployment are coffee, a sandwich and a bathroom,” he said with a smile.
Dr. Levin joined Ascension Wisconsin in April 2025, bringing with him years of surgical experience but also the perspective of a veteran who understands what it means to serve under pressure, lead with compassion and work as part of a team united by purpose.
This Veterans Day, Ascension Wisconsin celebrates Dr. Levin and all who have served, living our Mission through their selfless dedication to healing and service.
