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Dr. Xa Xiong BA, DC, MD, PhD

Dr. Xa Xiong is a living testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and the relentless pursuit

of education. Born the son of Captain Yong Ge Xiong and Yer Kue, he arrived in the United States

in 1980 as a young refugee, resettling with his family in Santa Ana, California. What began as an

uncertain journey would become one of the most inspiring stories of transformation, healing, and

service in the American immigrant experience.

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E D U C A T I O N  &  C R E D E N T I A L S

 

Dr. Xiong graduated from Valley High School in 1986, earning both his diploma and a Medical

Assisting Certificate — the first steps on a lifelong climb toward excellence. He went on to earn

his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Chemistry from Concordia University, followed by his

Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine degree in 1994. Not content to stop there, he pursued his

medical education further, earning his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in 2000 from

Spartan Health Sciences University School of Medicine. He completed his Family Practice

Residency through the University of Wisconsin Fox Valley Family Medicine Program and became

board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine — a distinction that reflects not only

academic achievement, but a deep commitment to the highest standard of patient care.

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Driven by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a profound call to serve the whole person —

body, mind, and spirit — Dr. Xiong continued his academic journey into the realm of faith and

theology. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pastoral Ministry from

Newburgh Theological Seminary and College of the Bible, bringing the same rigor and devotion

to the sacred work of ministry that he has always brought to medicine. Today, he practices as a

Family Physician serving patients of all ages, while simultaneously living out his calling as a healer

of both physical and spiritual wounds.

 

A Q U E S T  F O R  E D U C A T I O N

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Dr. Xiong is the founder of "Dr. Xa Xiong’s Foundation: A Quest for Education," an

organization built on the conviction that education is not merely a path to a career — it is the

master key to human flourishing. The foundation’s mission is to inspire and empower people to

achieve the highest vision in every dimension of life. At its core is Dr. Xiong’s signature iLIFE

framework, representing the five forces that lead to lasting success: Individual Health,

Leadership, Income Independence, Family, and Education. In 1996, drawing from his

own extraordinary schooling experiences, he developed the Educational Cascade Model — a

practical, visionary guide designed to help students navigate the path to higher education with

purpose, efficiency, and confidence.

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K E Y N O T E  S P E A K E R

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As a keynote speaker trained through the prestigious Brian Tracy Speaking Academy, Dr.

Xiong has delivered more than 600 speeches over the past three decades — from community

events and health fairs to college graduations and national forums. His words carry the weight oflived experience: of survival, sacrifice, and the stubborn belief that no dream is too large and no

obstacle too great. His message is simple and powerful:

“If a refugee boy from the mountains of Laos can become a physician, a scholar, and a voice

for his community — so can you.”

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B O O K S

 

Dr. Xiong is the author of two transformative books that embody his life’s mission. His memoir,

The Impossible Dream: Memoirs of a Refugee Boy (2016), has moved readers around the

world with its raw honesty and unshakeable hope. Bestselling author Forrest Willett captured its

spirit well, noting that the book proves nothing is impossible no matter what your circumstances

are or where you are from, and that Dr. Xiong’s love for his family shines as the driving force

behind every impossible achievement. The book stands as a monument to the refugee experience

and a beacon to anyone who has ever dared to believe in a better future.

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Now, Dr. Xiong prepares to ignite that same fire with his highly anticipated new release: Gobble

This Apple: Five Essential Factors to Transform Your Life — coming Fall 2026. Equal

parts practical roadmap and personal manifesto, this powerful new work distills decades of

medical expertise, pastoral wisdom, and hard-won life experience into five transformational

principles designed to awaken the extraordinary potential within every reader. If The Impossible

Dream told the world where Dr. Xiong came from, Gobble This Apple shows the world exactly

how to rise. It is not a book to be read passively — it is a book to be consumed with hunger,

urgency, and the bold expectation that your life is about to change.

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A W A R D S  &  R E C O G N I T I O N

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Dr. Xiong’s impact has been widely recognized. In 2011, he received the prestigious Journey of

Hope Award, presented by Eloise Anderson, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children

and Families. That same year, he was honored to address Hmong youth at a tribute to Honorary

General Vang Pao in Appleton, Wisconsin. In August 2011, Mayor Justin M. Nickels of

Manitowoc, Wisconsin, presented him with the Mayor’s Commendation Award. In 2007, he

was named one of the five most accomplished Hmong Americans in the landmark book

The Hmong: Coming to America by Kaarin Alisa. He is also a co-author of Ethnicity and the

Dementias: Working with Hmong American Families, a groundbreaking resource equipping

healthcare providers to serve Hmong patients experiencing dementia with cultural sensitivity and

compassion.

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His honors continued to grow in the years that followed. In 2016, Dr. Xiong was named Family

Physician of the Year by the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians — a testament to

his exceptional dedication to patient care and community health. In 2017, his alma mater

bestowed upon him the distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award from Concordia

University, honoring a graduate who has far exceeded every expectation. In 2018, he received

a Governor Citation from the State of Wisconsin, recognizing his extraordinary

contributions to the people of his adopted state. And in 2019, he was honored with the

Recognition Medal Award by the Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America, Inc. — a deeply

meaningful tribute connecting his service to the sacrifices of those who fought alongside his family

and people.

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M E D I A  F E A T U R E S

 

His story has been featured in publications across Wisconsin, including the Wisconsin State

Journal (2004: “Physician Ministers to the Hmong”; 2005: “Medical Residency Is Fruition of

Refugee Camp Promise”), the Appleton Post Crescent (July 2005: “Rookie Docs — Hmong Doctor

Bridges Culture Gap”), and the Herald Times Reporter (August 2008: “Journey of Achievement

from Laos to Manitowoc”).

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P E R S O N A L

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Dr. Xiong is married to Choua Yang, and together they are the proud parents of five children.

Even while carrying the responsibilities of a full-time physician, husband, father, theologian, and

speaker, he continues his quest — giving lectures on health education, bridging cultural healthcare

gaps, and pouring himself into community organizations — because he believes, with every fiber

of his being, that the next generation deserves a guide who has walked the hard road and knows

the way.

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“Education is a collection of knowledge that makes up a master

key to open many doors in life.”

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He has unlocked every one of them — and now, he holds the door open for others

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COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES

Founder of Dr. Xa Xiong’s Foundation:  A Quest for Education (1996 – present)

Chair – Ascension Family Medicine Department, Stevens Point, WI (2018 – present)

Board of Directors – Holy Family Memorial, Manitowoc, WI (2014 - 2016)

Chair – Holy Family Memorial Medical Center Medicine Service Line, Manitowoc, WI (2015 - 2016)
President – Xiong Family of Manitowoc and Two Rivers (2011 – 2014)
Vice President – Hmong Community Center of Manitowoc County, WI (2010 – 2012)
Community Representative – Hmong Community Center of Manitowoc Country (2010 – 2012)

Team Leader - Awoosal Soccer Club (2010-2012)
Board Advisor Member – WUCMAA, Inc (2011)
Medical Board Advisory – Universal Home Health Care, Inc., Sheboygan, WI (2008 – 2010)
2009 Service Award Recognition – “Aurora Star”, Aurora Health Care, Manitowoc, WI (2009)
Board Committee - Annual Health and Educational Conference (AHEC), Manitowoc, WI (2008)
English-Hmong Medical Dictionary Team & Medical Consultant Hmonghealth.org (2006-present)
Board Advisory Members Hmong National Development, Inc (2004-2005)
Long Range Planning Committees: Citizen Members Madison School District (2004-2005)
Hmong New Year Advisor – Santa Ana, California (1995-1997)
Team Captain – Eagle Varsity Soccer, Concordia University, Irvine, California (1988-1989)
President – Lao/Hmong Club, Valley High School, Santa Ana, California 1985-1986

 

COMMUNITY AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
 

June1996: Award of Honorable Achievement – Xiong Preservation and Envision Committee

 

August 9, 2004 and March 18, 2005: Featured two times in the Wisconsin State Journal – “Physician Ministers to the Hmong” and “Medical Residency is fruition of refugee camp promise.” by Susan Lamper Smith

 

July 19, 2005: Featured in the Post Crescent – “Your Health-Rookie Docs – Hmong doctor bridges culture gap” by Wendy Harris

 

2007: Recognized as one of The Hmong chronicles, the lives of prominent individuals who have left a positive mark on their communities through their leadership, activism and entrepreneurial vision in the “Accomplished Hmong Americans”, the fourth section of Coming to America, edited by Kaarin Alisa, New York: Greenhaven Press

 

August 2nd, 2008: “Honor Award”, The Xiong Family

 

August 19, 2008: Featured in the Herald Times Reporter-front page, “Journey of achievement from Laos to Manitowoc - Hmong physician will be treating individuals of all ages, backgrounds”, by Charlie Mathews

 

September 2009: “Recognizing Your Educational Achievement Award”, Xiong United National, St. Paul, Minnesota

 

October, 2009: Recognized as a Academic Achiever – Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Associations, Inc – WI Hmong Annual Conference, Green Bay, WI

 

April 2010: Featured in Hmong Hello! Magazine, “Dr. Xa Xiong at Prevea Health”

 

June 26, 2010: Award and Recognition as ‘Truly Exemplify a Good Role Model for the Hmong Community”, Lee Family Organization, Inc

 

July 17, 2010: “Honorable Guest Speaker Award”, Xiong Family Union Education Committee, Lenoir, NC

 

April 2011: Appreciation Award, “Your words of wisdom and encouragement are greatly appreciated”, Miss Hmong WI 2011 – Mai Pang Xiong

 

June 4, 2011: Recognition Award, “For Your Inspirational Speech for Our Graduates”, Xiong Family of Marathon County, WI

 

June 18, 2011: Secretary Eloise Anderson – “JOURNEY OF HOPE AWARD " for outstanding achievement by a refugee during resettlement and integration into American Society - Wisconsin Department of Children & Families Refugee Office

 

August 6th, 2011: “Award of Appreciation” - WUCMAA Hmong Wisconsin State Festival, Green Bay, Wisconsin

 

August 13, 2011: Recognition Award, “In Sincere Appreciation Of Your Contribution”, Mr. and Mrs. Tong Toua Xiong

 

August 20, 2011: Mayor's “COMMENDATION AWARD” – Mayor Justin M. Nickels – City of Manitowoc, WI

 

August 20, 2011: “Honorary Achievement Award – As a role model, you reflect a new generation to follow”, Xiong United National, Inc.

 

August 20, 2011: Medal Award – “In Appreciation For Your Dedicated Support Of The Family and Other Organizations” The Hmong 18 Council of Wisconsin, Inc

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August 27, 2011: “Xiong Fuamvaam Award – The Benefits of Education” – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

July 7, 2012: Appreciation Award, “For Your Good Will and Wisdom at Our Nco Txog Niam Txiv Txiaj Ntsig Celebration”, Chang Family-Oshkosh, WI

 

December 22, 2012: “For Excellence in LEADERSHIP” Award – Xiong Family of Manitowoc/Two Rivers



March 16, 2013: "Certificate of Appreciation - Guest Speaker", Hmong Mutual Assistance Association of Sheboygan, Inc.



March 30, 2013: Keynote Speaker Appreciation, "In grateful appreciation for your professional speech and support Ms. Ia Cha's graduation celebration event"

 

April 20, 2013:  Keynote Speaker Appreciation Award - "A Benevolent Leader - The Role of Leadership",  "Recognizing your outstanding gift of time given throughout the Xiong Families", St. Paul, MN

 

July 6, 2013:  Keynote Speaker Award, "Activate the Gene of Education", Xiong United National, Inc. - Annual Conference, St. Paul, MN

 

July 6, 2013:  Honorary Member Recognition, "In recognition for your dedication, time, and efforts to all Xiong Families across the United States", Xiong United National, Inc, St. Paul, MN

 

October 12, 2013:  Keynote Speaker Special Thanks Award, "With our deepest appreciation in recognition of your outstanding leadership, generosity, and support to the Xiong Annual Feast in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  We thank you for your endless effort and determination to support our community in education, culture, and leadership."  Xiong Family of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK

 

December 21, 2013:  Keynote Speaker Recognition, "In recognition and appreciation of your astonishing and motivational presentation as our Keynote Speaker at our 5th Annual Xiong Luncheon.  Your expertise and understanding of our community, is an essential component stressing education as a priority for the youth of our community", Xiong of Fresno County, Fresno, CA

 

April 12,2014:  Keynote Speaker, "With Deepest Gratitue For Your Generosity, Support, And Wisdom - Thank You", Long Chang's Graduation Celebration, Oshkosh, WI

 

April 19, 2014:  Keynote Speaker - Benevolent Leader, "In appreciation for your gratitude and support in helping to improve the lives of others", Chang Family, Steven Points, WI

 

July 19, 2014:  Keynote Speaker - Leadership Training Appreciation Award, "With our greatest APPRECIATION presented to Dr. Xa Xiong for sharing your words of wisdom, leadership guidance, and ongoing support to the Chang Family of Wisconsin", Appleton, WI

 

September 26, 2014:  Keynote Speaker - "Health and Well-Being: Mental Health Awarenss", "Mental Illness - Early Detection and Interventions", "Stay Mentally Healthy for the Family", WUCMAA 2014 Wisconsin Hmong Conference, Stevens, WI

 

November 1, 2014:  Keynote Speaker - "In Grateful Appreciation For Your Leadership, Commitment And Support As a Keynote Speaker For The 2014 Wausau Area Hmong New Year Celebration", Hmong American Center, Inc., Wausau, WI

 

November 22, 2014:  Keynote Speaker - "Leadership in the 21st Century", Xiong United National, Inc, Madison, WI

 

December 6, 2014:  Keynote Speaker - "The Spirit of Caregivers", Eternity Homecare - 3rd Annual Banquet, Madison, WI

 

May 14th, 2015:  Guest Speaker - Medal Award "In Greatful Appreciation For Your Time & Talent", 40th Anniversary: Memoirs of the Lao-Hmong Veterans, The High Ground Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park, Neillsvile, WI

 

October 17th, 2015:  Keynote Speaker - Certificate of Appreciation, "In Grateful of much appreciation invaluable services and endless supports to Xiong Family Union, your inspirational New Year speech and informative work shop have greatly enriched our community without bounds", Lenior, NC

 

October 31st, 2015:  Guest Speaker - "iLeadership", Medal Award - "In Grateful Appreciation For Your Leadership & Dedication To The WLVA, Thank You For Your Service", Wisconsin Rapid, WI

 

2016:  "Family Physician of Year 2016 Award - As a physician who exemplifies the tradition of the Family Physician", Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians, Thiensville, WI

 

November 2016:  "Certificate of Recogniton - Thank you for your support and contributions toward the Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America, Inc., We sincerely appreciate your leadership, knowledge, & dedication to the Hmong and nonHmong community of Wisconsin", Manitowoc, WI

 

December 2016:  "Certificate of Appreciation - On the behalf of te Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America, Inc. are grateful appreciate of your many years of dedication, diligence and outstanding leadership that you have provided for the Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America, Inc., your leadership roles and cooperation have shown great success for our incorporation", Appleton, WI

 

2017:  "Alumnus of the Year Award 2017", Concordia University Irvine, Irvine, CA

 

May 14th, 2018:  Special Keynote Speaker - "Commemorating May 14th - Hmong-Lao Appreciation Day, Remembering the Exodus of General Vang Pao and the Hmong", The Wisconsin State Capitol, Madison, WI

 

July 21th, 2018:  "Proclamation Award" by Mayor Mike Wiza, City of Stevens Point, WI

 

July 21th, 2018:  "State of Wisconsin Citation Award" by Governor Scott Walker, Senator Jerry Petrowski, and Senator Patrick Testin,

Stevens Point, WI

 

July 21th, 2018:  "Achievement Award" by Xiong Fuamvaam Family, Stevens Point, WI

 

July 21th, 2018:  "Lifetime Achievement Award" by Xiong United National, Inc. Former President Yong Neng Xiong and Advisory Board Members, Stevens Point, WI

 

July 28th, 2018:  "Lifetime Achievement Medal Award" by Xiong United Naitonal, Inc. President Bee K. Xiong, Stevens Point, WI

 

April 13th, 2019:  Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America, Inc., "Recognition Medal Award", Wisconsin Rapids, WI