OKLAHOMA D.O - Jason L. Hill, DO, FACOFP OOA President 2021-2022 - THE JOURNAL OF THE OKLAHOMA OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION
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OKLAHOMA D.O.
Summer 2021 Vol. 85, NO. 1 THE JOURNAL OF THE OKLAHOMA OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION
Jason L. Hill, DO, FACOFP
OOA President 2021-2022
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OKLAHOMA OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION
OFFICERS Jason L. Hill, DO, FACOFP, President (Eastern District)
Jonathan K. Bushman, DO, President-Elect (Northwest District)
Rebecca D. Lewis, DO, FACOFP, Vice-President (Northwest District)
Richard W. Schafer, DO, FACOFP, Past-President (Tulsa District)
Allison C. LeBoeuf, JD, Secretary/Treasurer
TRUSTEES Jonathan B. Stone, DO, MPH, FAAPMR (South Central District)
Justin S. Sparkes, DO, FACOI (South Central District)
Douglas C. Nolan, DO, FACOFP (Eastern District)
Christopher C. Thurman, DO (Tulsa District)
Teresa Hardesty, DO (Tulsa District)
Amanda G. Foster, DO, FACOP (Tulsa District)
Thomas H. Conklin, Jr., DO, FACOFP (Eastern District)
Mark Keuchel, DO, FACOEP (South Central District)
Athena Chatzigiannidis, DO, Resident Trustee
STAFF Allison C. LeBoeuf, JD, CEO/Executive Director
Audrey K. Hendricks, Deputy Executive Director, Director of CME Programs &
Facilities, Foundation Administrator
Maegan Dunn, Director of Outreach & Administrator of Legislative Affairs
Jeff Bardach, Coordinator of Membership, Marketing & Communications
Cheryl Homen, Administrative Assistant
The Oklahoma D.O. is published quarterly from the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association Central Office:
4848 N. Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3335.
Advertising and copy deadline is the first Monday of the month preceding publication. Oklahoma D.O.
For more information:
405-528-4848
Fax: 405-528-6102
Email: ooa@okosteo.org
okosteo.org
PAGE 3
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021
OKLAHOMA
do
6 PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL ADDRESS
Jason L. Hill, DO, FACOFP, begins his term
as OOA President with his address to the
membership. Read Dr. Hill’s vision and plan
for leading the OOA in the coming year.
10 121st ANNUAL CONVENTION
RECAP & HONOREES
A look back at the Oklahoma Osteopathic
Association’s successful 121st Annual
Convention, held virtually April 29 - May 1,
2021 including award honorees from both
2020 and 2021.
21 WELCOME BACK, Y’ALL!
The Oklahoma Osteopathic Association is
thrilled to return to in-person events with
this Summer’s CME Seminar set for August
13-15 in Edmond, OK. The full schedule
Oklahoma D.O. PAGE 4
includes exciting new networking and social
opportunities and great ways for you to get in
your AOA & AAFP CME credit hours.
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021
SUMMER 2021
Allison C. LeBoeuf, JD, editor-in-chief
Jeff Bardach, editor
TABLE OF CONTENTS
6 Presidential Inaugural Address of Jason L. Hill, DO, FACOFP
8 Leadership Changes at OSU Center for Health Sciences
10 121st Annual Convention Honorees
18 New OOA Life Members
20 121st Annual Convention Sponsors & Exhibitors
21 “Welcome Back, Y’all!” Summer CME Seminar Returns In-Person
24 OOA Mentorship & Networking Opportunities
25 Summer CME Seminar App Download Instructions
26 Welcome to our New OOA Members
27 OEFOM Contributors
28 Legislative Update
30 Brothers Graduate Together
32 OOA Calendar
33 OEFOM Contribution Form
35 Get Involved with the OOA by Joining a Bureau
36 Member Birthdays
38 Member News
Oklahoma D.O.
39 In Memory: Deaths in the Osteopathic Family
PAGE 5
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021
Inaugural
Address
Jason L. Hill, DO, FACOFP
OOA President 2021-2022
Thank you, Dr. Schaefer, for years of dedicated The only way to continue our efforts as an
service to our profession and to our association. association is by having funds to do so. The OOA’s
I also want to say thank you to all our physicians two main revenue streams are membership dues
for their daily commitment and devotion to our and CME event fees. We need you to continue to
profession. Many of you have worked on the front support your state association by keeping up your
lines of healthcare during this pandemic, daily risking membership and attending our CME events. Also,
your own health and lives in the care of those unable we are very interested in your opinions as how to
to care for themselves. Thank you to those working best represent our association. We invite you to get
in the emergency rooms, intensive care units, involved on a bureau or board. Call or email us and
rehabilitation units, medical floors, psychiatric units, let us know your thoughts and ideas.
operating rooms, clinics, ambulatory care centers,
and private offices. Next, I want to thank my wife, Cindy, who has
sacrificed so much in allowing me to pursue my
The Oklahoma Osteopathic Association is your interest in medicine. Without a doubt, I could have
Oklahoma D.O. PAGE 6
organization representing Oklahoma DOs on multiple not made this journey without her love and support.
state commissions, boards, legislative decisions, and I also want to thank our children, Zachary Hill, DO,
our continuing education events. The tireless efforts Summer Hill-Lepley, DO, Caleb Hill, DO, Reuben Hill,
of our staff, lobbyist, and volunteer DOs, make sure Gretta Hill, Amy Hill-Peercy and Seth Hill for their
your profession continues and thrives in this great love and support.
state. Until I became active on the OOA board, I was
unaware of the constant challenges to our livelihoods I also want to express my gratitude to some of
and autonomies as physicians by outside interest. It the many Oklahoma physicians that helped me in
seems like everyone wants to be called doctor or to my personal development as a physician. To Tom
play one at work. Pickard, DO, who was my initial family medicine
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021
program director at OSU-COM. His reserved and firm Finally, to W.W. Stover, DO, who has trained three
demeanor, mentoring, and excellent patient care set generations of physicians in my family: my mother,
a high standard to follow. Jimmie Sue Hill, DO; myself; and two of Cindy’s
and my children, Zachary Hill, DO; and Summer
To Dr. Fred Crapse, general surgeon, who was a Hill-Lepley, DO. During a Cardiology rotation, I
PGY2 resident during my internship. His dedication remember sitting by Dr. Stover, one on one with him,
to his patients and education of interns and students with a fresh stack of EKGs. He would have me write
seemed tireless. To Dale Bratzler, DO, internist, what I thought the condition or rhythm was across the
who gave the very best lecture I have ever heard top of the EKG. Then he would take it, usually mark
on diabetes care during rounds at Hillcrest hospital through it, and put the real diagnosis. He was always
in Tulsa. To Dr. George Erbacher, interventional patient and firm in explaining the correct diagnosis
radiologist, whose infectious enthusiasm, and to me. So many Oklahoma DOs have empathy and
willingness to teach have influenced so many. To can thank him for at least part of their knowledge and
Marty Beal, DO, and Guy Sneed, DO, who were OB abilities. No matter who his patient was, homeless
GYN residents during my training. They had such or millionaire, they always received the very best of
a sincere desire to provide the very best of care for care. He told me how that he as a new physician
their patients. had to pay bed rental fees at the old Oklahoma
Osteopathic Hospital for hospitalized patients as
To Jeff Endsley, DO, who was an excellent teacher a way to pay for the hospital building itself. His
and world-class dermatologist. To Tom Stees, DO, sacrifices continue to pay off to all those physicians
the internist to the internist. He expected nothing he has helped train and make training available.
short of excellence from his house staff. To Terry
Lee, DO, who ran the very best family medicine Thank you to all those who continue to train the next
clinic I have ever encountered in Durant, Oklahoma. generation physicians.
To Damon Baker, DO, and Mo Som, DO, who have
continued to train and demand excellence from As a final word to all our physicians, your profession
our internal medicine residents and continue to put is a calling, and your calling is honorable. Keep up
themselves in harm’s way treating COVID patients. the good work and pass along your wisdom to those
who come after you. Thank you and God bless.
Oklahoma D.O.
PAGE 7
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021
OSU President Kayse Shrum, DO, left, and Interim President of OSU Center for Health Sciences Johnny Stephens, PharmD
with OSU Medicine’s ONE Awards from the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. (Photo credit: Matt Barnard)
OSU Center
By OSU-CHS
On April 23, 2021, the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents
selected Dr. Kayse Shrum, president of OSU Center for
for Health
Health Sciences and dean of the College of Osteopathic
Medicine, to be the next president of Oklahoma State
University following the retirement of President Burns
Sciences
Hargis on July 1, 2021.
“I am humbled and honored by this announcement,” said
Announces
Shrum. “I am also thrilled because outside of my dear
family, OSU has a special place in my heart. Leading the
Oklahoma D.O. PAGE 8
OSU Center for Health Sciences and helping students,
Leadership
faculty and staff come together to create something truly
impactful to our state has been immensely rewarding for
me.”
Changes
As the first woman to lead Oklahoma State University,
Shrum has overcome barriers throughout her professional
career. She has served as president of OSU-CHS since 2013,
and her selection at the time made her the youngest and
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021
first female president and dean of a medical school in the Also effective July 1, Dr. Dennis Blankenship will become
state of Oklahoma. interim dean of the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.
He has been active in administration as senior associate
Under her leadership, the institution has experienced dean and previously served as chair of emergency
unprecedented growth. Student enrollment doubled and medicine. He formerly served as chief of staff at OSU
she led the construction of the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Medical Center.
Medical Academic Building.
“I am extremely proud of the progress and
In 2019, she helped secure $197.5 million from Purdue accomplishments of CHS under the leadership of Kayse
Pharma to create the National Center for Wellness and Shrum and her entire team,” Hargis said. “The academic
Recovery for addiction treatment and research. A strong health care center has been stabilized and will soon grow
supporter of collaborative partnerships, Shrum also to include a veterans’ hospital and mental health hospital,
worked with Cherokee Nation leadership to establish the which will expand the care for veterans and our most
OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee vulnerable populations while increasing the number of
Nation, which opened fall 2020. resident physicians in Oklahoma.”
In June, Hargis announced that Dr. Johnny Stephens,
Pharm.D., will be interim president of OSU-CHS effective
July 1. Stephens, who has been part of the leadership team
for seven years, has served as vice president for research,
chief operating officer and most recently the senior vice
president.
COWBOY CONVERSATIONS
Hosted by OSU-CHS Alumni Association and OSU Foundation
Join the OSU Center for Health Sciences Alumni Association and the OSU Foundation
virtually as we feature OSU-CHS’ new programs and initiatives.
THURSDAY, JULY 29
Oklahoma D.O.
Physician Assistant Program featuring Amy Harrison, PA-C, Program Director.
For more
information THURSDAY, AUGUST 12
and to register Giving Back to OSU Center for Health Sciences and College of Osteopathic Medicine.
PAGE 9
medicine.okstate.edu
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021
DOCTOR OF THE YEAR
2020 2021
Duane G. Koehler, Michael P. Carney,
DO, FACOFP, earned DO, FACOI,
an associate degree earned his Doctor
in emergency medical of Osteopathic
technology from the Medicine
University of Arkansas degree from the
for Medical Sciences, Chicago College
completed his Bachelor of Osteopathic
of Science degree in health science from the Medicine in Chicago. He then moved to Tulsa
University of Tulsa and earned his Doctor to complete his internal medicine residency at
of Osteopathy degree from Oklahoma State what is now known as the OSU Medical Center.
University College. He also held the State After completing a cardiology fellowship at the
Paramedic certification in Emergency Medical University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center,
Technology in Arkansas, working as a Registered he returned to Tulsa and began his private
EMT-Paramedic throughout his medical studies. practice.
A dedicated medical educator, Dr. Koehler serves Dr. Carney shared his expertise and saw patients
as the Designated Institutional Officer of five across the state in order to provide cardiac care
Teaching Health Centers residency programs in in rural Oklahoma. Many days were spent in the
eastern Oklahoma. He also served as Assistant car as Dr. Carney would drive to see patients and
to the Dean for Rural Education and as a then he would return to Tulsa to attend to patients
preceptor in Family Practice, Rural Medicine at at the hospital.
the Oklahoma State University Health Sciences
Center College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Carney taught at the OSU College of
Osteopathic Medicine as a Clinical Assistant
Dr. Koehler is loving life as an osteopathic Professor of Medicine for many years and was
family physician at the Vinita Health Clinic of the one of the first to participate in the college’s
Oklahoma D.O. PAGE 10
Cherokee Nation. As a past president of the OOA telemedicine program, which allowed him to treat
and the ACOFP, Dr. Koehler strives to unify the more patients as the time spent driving was put
osteopathic family in maintaining osteopathic to better use.
distinctiveness and move forward to achieve
greater success. When nominated, Dr. Carney was described as
“the most admired physician in my life. He is so
dedicated and has given the best years of his
life to this profession and to his patients. It is an
honor to know and love him.”
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021OUTSTANDING &
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
2020
Paul F. Benien, Jr., DO, FACOS, sadly passed away in November 2020 but he deserves
honor and recognition for the incredible legacy he has left. After earning his undergraduate
degree from the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Benien received his medical degree from Des
Moines University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in 1966.
Upon completion of a one-year internship at Tulsa Regional Medical Center, Dr. Benien
served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Vietnam War. Back
stateside, he completed his residency training in general surgery at the Dallas/Fort
Worth Medical Center in Grand Prairie, Texas, finishing in 1974. Dr. Benien returned to
Oklahoma and underwent extensive training in cosmetic surgery and became a fellow of
the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
Dr. Benien founded the Cosmetic Surgery Center in Oklahoma City to help patients improve their self-image and
self-esteem. Dr. Benien proudly served his profession on the OOA Board of Trustees and as president from 1993
to 1994. He was appointed for two terms by two Oklahoma Governors to the Oklahoma State Board of Osteopathic
Examiners. He desired to help others and give back to the next generation. With his passion and kindness he was
loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
2021
After graduating from Central State LeRoy E. Young, DO, FAOCOPM dist. attended the
University of Oklahoma where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy in
1969. After practicing for several years and owning his own pharmacy, Dr. Young attended
the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Upon graduation from KCCOM, he returned to Oklahoma City where he interned at Hillcrest
Hospital then began private practice in Moore. Throughout his career, Dr. Young has given
back to his profession and strived to make it better for the next generation.
He was a founding member of the American Osteopathic College of Occupational and
Preventive Medicine, and in 1984, he was one of the first to be certified in Occupational Medicine by the AOA. He
served as the president of the College of Occupational and Preventative Medicine in 1988-1989. In 1990 he was
appointed to the certification board of AOBPM and continues to serve today. He served as president of AOBPM
from 1992 to 2007. He was awarded Fellow of American Osteopathic College of Occupational and Preventative
Oklahoma D.O.
Medicine in 1985 and Distinguished Fellow in 2013.
Dr. Young has served on several national committees and bureaus of the American Osteopathic Association. He was
a member of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2013 and served as president
from 2011 to 2012. He was a board member of the Oklahoma Health Professionals for Impaired Physicians from
2007 until 2012, and has served on the OOA-OSU Advisory Council, appointed by President Burns Hargis from
2005-2016.
PAGE 11
He is currently legislative chair for the OOA, chairman of OOPAC and also serves on the board of the Oklahoma
Educational Foundation for Osteopathic Medicine. In addition, last year Dr. Young helped the OOA Board of
Trustees transition the leadership of the Association. His leadership guided the OOA through the transition
impeccably and they are incredibly appreciative of his service.
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021A.T. Still Award of
Excellence
2020 2021
James D. McKay, DO, Natasha N. Bray, DO,
FACOI, is a native Texan MSEd, FACOI, FACP,
raised in Houston. Dr. earned her Doctor of
McKay relocated to Okla- Osteopathy from Oklahoma
homa after receiving his State University College
Doctorate from A.T Still of Osteopathic Medicine
University in Kirksville, Mis- in Tulsa in 2003. Dr. Bray
souri. There he completed went onto the Philadelphia
a Rotating Internship at College of Osteopathic
OSU-MC. He then entered into Family Prac- Medicine and completed her internship as
tice that lasted for four years. Following that, he the Chief Intern Physician and completed her
began his residency in Internal Medicine at OSU residency at Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard
Medical Center and then completed a Fellowship Affiliated Hospital. Dr. Bray is currently the Interim
in Rheumatology at the University of Missouri Dean of the Oklahoma State University College
Hospital and Clinics in Columbia, Missouri. There of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation
he was awarded the Joseph P. Green Fellowship in Tahlequah, OK and an internal medicine
Award for Excellence. clinical assistant professor of rural health.
Following completion of his fellowship he re- One nomination said this of Dr. Bray: “She has
turned to Tulsa where he began private practice. met every challenge encountered with grace
Dr. McKay has been an Adjunct Clinical Professor and perseverance. Her leadership creates
of Medicine at Oklahoma State University Center an environment of support and transparency
for Health Sciences for over 25 years where he in which to learn and work. Not only does she
has trained numerous students and residents in lead the faculty, but she will teach students
Internal Medicine and Family Practice. He is a alongside the faculty. She will always take the
Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology time to mentor and provide support to students or
and the American College of Osteopathic Internal members of the faculty.”
Medicine. He was voted “Rookie of the Year” in
1993 by the Eastern Oklahoma Chapter of the Dr. Bray has played a crucial role in the
Arthritis Foundation. In 2005, he was chosen as accreditation of the new OSU-COM campus
Oklahoma D.O. PAGE 12
“Researcher of the Year” by the American College and the residency programs in Tahlequah. Her
of Osteopathic Internal Medicine. work is instrumental in providing a pipeline for
future osteopathic physicians to serve in rural
He is active in the Oklahoma Lupus Foundation, Oklahoma.
the Arthritis Foundation, and served on the Medi-
care Advisory Board for Oklahoma. Throughout
his career he has remained active in Clinical Re-
search and has numerous publications in Arthritis
and Rheumatism, The Journal of Rheumatology,
and several other peer reviewed publications.
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021Rookie Physicians of the Year
2020
Mercedez Bernard, DO, is the Program Director of the Comanche County Memorial Hospital Family
Medicine Residency in Lawton, Oklahoma. She grew up in a small rural farming community in southwest
Oklahoma, giving her an appreciation for the gaps in healthcare our rural population faces. Upon completion
of her medical training at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2015, she hoped
to bridge that gap by returning to rural Oklahoma to practice medicine. She feels extremely fortunate that
her path back to her rural roots began earlier than anticipated when she was accepted into Lawton’s family
medicine residency program. Now, she has the privilege of practicing family medicine in the program that
gave her the opportunity to return home. She oversees 12 family medicine residents, mentors medical
students, functions as the medical director for the Comanche County Health Department, and enjoys the full
scope of practice from newborn to geriatric care that family medicine offers.
Crystal Dockery, DO, MS, is a graduate of Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic
Medicine where she also specialized in the Rural Medicine Track and completed a Master’s degree
in Biomedical Sciences. She completed her residency training at Eastern Maine Medical Center in
family medicine and a Plus-1 in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. Dr. Dockery’s training focused on an
osteopathic integrative model using multiple modalities in the full care of patients including concussion
management, addiction management, sports medicine, obstetrics and newborn care.
Currently, Dr. Dockery is working in clinical family medicine and providing osteopathic treatment in the
community with the goal of facilitating patients and physicians in learning and applying osteopathic
principles in balancing health and wellness in daily living. She has enjoyed the opportunities to share
when invited to teach and assist at medical schools, residency programs, and her local osteopathic
study group. When she’s not furthering the legacy of osteopathic medicine, Dr. Dockery greatly enjoys
writing stories and adventuring with her husband and small children in enchanting tales of finding
magical gardens, butterfly wrangling, and befriending dinosaurs.
Jonathan Robins, DO, is a Board certified emergency medicine physician in Tulsa, OK. Dr. Robins
completed his undergraduate degree at Baker University before earning his doctor of osteopathic medicine
degree at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completing his residency at the
OSU Medical Center. Dr. Robins is an incredible example to new physicians. When he’s not providing care
to patients, Dr. Robins spends his time with his wife Airika, and their four beautiful children: Jai, Aubrey, Kate
and Blaire.
Oklahoma D.O.
2021
Matthew Else, DO, is a family medicine physician in Bixby, OK. He received a Bachelor of Science de-
gree from Oklahoma State University in 2011 and a Master of Business Administration degree in 2016. In
the same year he earned his osteopathic medical degree from the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.
After completing a family medicine internship and residency at the Oklahoma State University Center for
Health Sciences in 2019, he joined the Utica Park Clinic. Dr. Else’s interest in medicine stemmed from a
PAGE 13
personal experience as a child. Following a traumatic accident at a young age, which required him to rely
on a team of doctors to get him back to his normal life, it inspired him to pursue a career in the medi-
cal field. Dr. Else’s passion for medicine could be seen from the moment he stepped on the OSU-COM
campus and throughout his training. He was actively involved with the OOA serving on the Bureau on New
Physicians and Residents, Bureau on Legislation, and attending Osteopathic Medicine Day at the Capitol
for several years.
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021Awards of
Gary Bastin has had a life-long passion for public service. Beginning with his
military service in 1970, Mr. Bastin went on to serve the in the Oklahoma House
of Representatives for 14 years, holding several leadership positions during
his tenure. Mr. Bastin began working with the OOA in 2000 as our lobbyist and
helped guide the Association through countless legislative issues. The Associa-
tion will be forever grateful for the exceptional work he did.
Robin R. Dyer, DO, earned her Doctor of Osteopathy degree in 1992 from the
Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Before becoming
an osteopathic physician, Dr. Dyer earned her Master’s in Music Education
from Oklahoma University. Board certified in neuromusculoskeletal medicine
as well as family medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine, Dr. Dyer
is dedicated to training and mentoring future osteopathic physicians. Dr. Dyer
serves as a professor and chair of the OMM department of OSU-COM as
well as the associate dean for the office of academic affairs. Colleagues and
students alike admire Dr. Dyer’s unwavering passion and devotion with one
describing her as authentic, humble, and resilient. The result of Dr. Dyer’s
inspiring leadership has impacted generations of osteopathic physicians and
the profession as a whole.
Governor Bill Anoatubby of the Chickasaw Nation began his work for the
Chickasaw Nation as the health services director before continuing on in pub-
lic service. His great vision, wise planning, and forward-thinking has brought
Oklahoma D.O. PAGE 14
incredible success not only to the health and lives of Chickasaw citizens, but to
our great state as well. Governor Anoatubby has been a long-time friend and
supporter of the Association and osteopathic profession. We greatly appreciate
Governor Anoatubby and the lesson in excellence he provides for us all.
2020
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021Appreciation
Dale Bratzler, DO, MPH, is a Professor in the Department of Health Administration
and Policy; Associate Dean in the College of Public Health; and, a Professor in
the College of Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He
assumed the role of Chief COVID Officer for the University of Oklahoma in June of
2020. He also serves as the Chief Quality Officer for the three-hospital health system
and faculty practice at OU Health.
For more than 20 years, Dr. Bratzler has participated in research on prevention of
surgical infections and on adult vaccination. Board certified in internal medicine, he
is a Master Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists, and a Fellow of
the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Over the last year, Dr. Bratzler has been
an exceptional leader in the fight to keep Oklahomans safe throughout the COVID-19
pandemic.
Commissioner Col. Lance Frye, MD, received his Doctorate in Medicine from Loma
Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California in 1993. He completed
an internship in family medicine in 1994 and a residency in obstetrics and gynecology
in 1997. Frye completed additional training in urogynecology and pelvic reconstructive
surgery at The University of California in 1998.
After practicing medicine for several years, Dr. Frye’s desire to serve his country led
him to join the Air Force in 2005 after receiving his commission through the Officer
Training Corps. He entered active duty Air Force as a flight surgeon at Nellis AFB, and
transitioned to the Air National Guard, moving to Tulsa, Okla. in 2010. Dr. Frye was
deployed in support of both Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI
FREEDOM. Commissioner Frye is recognized for his incredible efforts to the State of
Oklahoma during an unprecedented global health crisis.
We sadly lost Former Senator Mark Snyder last year but his legacy lives on and we
did not want to miss the opportunity to publicly recognize and thank him.
Senator Snyder is described as “a longtime friend of the osteopathic profession,
your presence on our team invites confidence and inspiration. Although you are not
a man of many words, when you speak it is with honesty and integrity – something
Oklahoma D.O.
desperately needed in the political world yet not always present. Your patient, practical
approach always brings calm to the chaos of advocacy. You are highly regarded and
respected in all circles which brings even more weight to your wise, gentle diplomacy.
The OOA is grateful for your expert insights and keen ability to view issues from all
sides. It is truly our honor to have worked alongside you and for your friendship. Thank
you for your dedicated service to the osteopathic profession, to Oklahoma, and to our
PAGE 15
country.”
2021
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021First-year Student Doctor Jordyn Austin is from the OSU-COM Tahlequah Campus.
She’s lived in Oklahoma her entire life and enjoys spending time with her loved ones and
friends while watching sports, shows, movies and crafting. Staying active is important
to her and she has enjoyed many intramurals offered through OSU-COM as well as
the outdoor adventures in Tahlequah. Jordyn is a big advocate for taking care of her
health and encourages others to be conscious of their own health needs. She now
tries to advocate for helping patients learn their bodies while staying healthy through
extracurricular activities like clubs and research. Student Doctor Austin wanted to
become a DO because she felt her practice structure mirrors the Osteopathic philosophy
and tenets. Congratulations Student Doctor Jordyn Austin for receiving the OEFOM
Endowed Scholarship of $2,500.
Third-year Student Doctor Lynn Bui is from the OSU-COM Tulsa Campus. This
rising student’s aspiration of becoming an obstetrician and gynecologist gradually
developed when she learned more about the disparities affecting women’s health.
Currently, Lynn conducts research addressing sexuality-related health disparities
such as LGBTQ community health gaps and Oklahoma’s HIV/AIDS burden within
urban and rural communities. She loves spending her free time outdoors hiking, lifting
weights, and being a plant mom. Lynn hopes to continue dedicating her time to serving
underrepresented communities and contributing to public policy. Congratulations
Student Doctor Lynn Bui for receiving the Bob Jones Endowment Scholarship of
$2,500.
Oklahoma D.O. PAGE 16
First-year Student Doctor Diego Dominguez is from the OSU-COM Tulsa Campus.
He was born and raised in El Salvador, until the age of 12. His personal experiences
opened his eyes to certain issues present in his community. While applying to medical
schools, he wanted to find a school that would give him all of the attributes needed to
reach and assist the underserved in his community. He firmly believes the osteopathic
philosophy will provide him with the skills to serve the underserved and teach him
how to treat patients as a whole and not a system of symptoms and diseases.
Congratulations to Student Doctor Diego Dominguez for receiving the OEFOM
Endowed Heritage Scholarship of $2,500.
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021Scholarship
Recipients
First-year Student Doctor Hayden Fox is from the OSU-COM Tulsa Campus. He is
a Northwest Oklahoma City native and has been a Cowboy fan since his undergrad
years. He was inspired to go to medical school because of the experiences he’s had
in healthcare settings when he developed a blood clot during football season his
junior year of high school. A big interest of Hayden’s is sports. He loves everything
Oklahoma State University athletics (particularly football) and is an avid OKC Thunder
fan. He tries to tune in any time he can during the craziness of medical school!
Congratulations Student Doctor Hayden Fox for receiving the Osteopathic Founder’s
Foundation Endowed Scholarship of $2,500.
Third-year Student Doctor Richard Freeman is from the OSU-COM Tulsa Campus.
He is an aspiring cardiothoracic surgeon and a father to his ten-year-old daughter,
Emelia. The path up to this point has been anything but traditional, from selling homes
to putting out fires and running 911 calls, one could say his life has been exciting. One
of his hopes from this endeavor is to show Emelia what it is like to be passionate and
follow a dream. Eventually, he would like to return to Oklahoma and give back to the
community that has given him this opportunity. Congratulations Student Doctor Richard
Freeman for receiving the Bob Jones Endowment Scholarship of $2,500.
Oklahoma D.O.
First-year Student Doctor Liza Ann Whitaker is from the OSU-COM Tahlequah
Campus. She is a Del City, Oklahoma native, a “foodie,” reading nerd, and a mother
to three wonderful children. She describes herself as a nontraditional medical student,
a first-generation college graduate, and a second-generation immigrant. These three
titles alone have a major impact on the person she is today and the future physician
she will be for her patients. Her strong desire to serve Oklahoma communities that are
PAGE 17
underserved and underrepresented makes her extremely grateful for the opportunity
to learn osteopathic medicine at OSUCOM and to the OEFOM for supporting and
graciously granting her this scholarship! Congratulations to Student Doctor Liza Ann
Whitaker for receiving the OEFOM Endowed Heritage Scholarship of $2,500.
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021New OOA Life Members
Donald L. Cooper. Jr., DO Gerald R. Hale, DO Ronald E. Jackson, DO
Linda Lantrip, DO James D. McKay, DO Trudy J. Milner, DO
Oklahoma D.O. PAGE 18
Ronnie B. Martin, DO Cary P. Sullivan, DO Liem W.Trang, DO Michael Whinery, DO
Not Pictured:
Gary Augter, DO
Judy A. Distefano, DO
Perry W. Evans, DO
George M. Jennings, DO
Ross E. Pope, DO
Rick L. Robbins, DO
Arthur G. Wallace, DO
R. Jeff Wright, DO
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021WE ARE HIRING
Physician DETAILS
» Full benefits package
OPENINGS
for Family Medicine or Internal Medicine Physicians:
» All positions open immediately
» Board Certification required with
unrestricted licensure
Idabel, OK
Outpatient Clinic only, no call APPLY
Send CV or contact:
McAlester, OK
Outpatient Clinic only, no call Jason Hill, D.O.
Chief Medical Officer
Talihina, OK Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority
» One position in FP/IM clinic with possibility of One Choctaw Way
1 day per week overnight adult hospital call Talihina, OK 74571
» One position in Family Medicine Residency P: 918.567.7007
Clinic (faculty experience preferred) F: 918.567.7113
» One position in employee health clinic JLHill@cnhsa.comThank You
to our 121st Annual Convention
Sponsors & Exhibitors!
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Family Medicine
Track Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Oklahoma D.O. PAGE 20
Exhibitors:
Healthy Youth Initiative
Mercy Clinic
Northwestern Mutual
Oklahoma Beef Council
Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline
OSU-CHS Medical Library
Shape Your Future
Tobacco Stops With Me
Variety Care
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021OKLAHOMA
OSTEOPATHIC
ASSOCIATION
Accreditation
The OOA is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association
to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for
New This Year: Hybrid Seminar physicians. The OOA designates this program for an anticipated
The Oklahoma Osteopathic Association realizes that our maximum of 17 AOA Category 1-A credits and AAFP credits.
community remains involved in direct patient care and the Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the profession is of the the extent of their participation in the activity. This program is
utmost concern. accredited for both osteopathic and allopathic specialties.
Due to the continued prevention of COVID-19, the Oklahoma
Osteopathic Association has determined that it would be in Book A Room
the best interest of our members to offer our Summer CME
Room accommodations for the 2021 Summer CME Seminar are
Seminar both in-person and virtually. available at the Hilton Garden Inn & Conference Center located
at 2833 Conference Drive, Edmond, OK 73034. Room rates are
The OOA $109 for a King room.
The mission of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association is to Reservations must be made by July 30, 2021. To make your room
reservation, please contact the Hilton Garden Inn and Conference
advocate for the osteopathic profession and promote the health
Center directly by phone at 405-285-0900 and tell them you are
and well-being of all Oklahomans. The OOA is the voice for
with the OOA 2021 Summer CME Seminar!
all Oklahoma DO’s. No matter what your specialty, no matter Or visit www.edmond.hgi.com and enter Group Code G18OOA
where you work or who you work for. under “Special Rates” to make your reservation online!
Welcome Back Y’all
Our practice has evolved more rapidly than ever with the
advent of new requirements for utilizing electronic health
Important Seminar
records and telemedicine, open-note transparency to patients,
and the continually dynamic landscape created by a pandemic
Information
with its challenges for access to care. The solidification of the
availability and viability of virtual CME has even changed the
Cancellations
way we continue to stay updated in physician practice habits The OOA must receive requests for refunds before July 30,
and education. How does all of this translate to staying relevant 2021 in order to be granted. A $30 service fee will be charged.
Registration fees are not refundable after July 30, 2021.
and delivering care to those who need us tomorrow?
Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on an individual
basis.
After this seminar, attendees will have a better review of
pertinent pathologic entities, updated treatment modalities,
Oklahoma D.O.
germane legal and legislative landmarks to current practice, Membership
and a streamlined landscape of our practice environment in Membership dues must be current at the time of registration to
Oklahoma. qualify for member rates. If you would like to join or renew your
membership, please mark your registration form accordingly or
contact Jeff Bardach at 405.528.4848 or jeff@okosteo.org.
Exhibitors
We welcome these exhibitors. Be sure to visit them during the
seminar: Questions?
PAGE 21
Business Savvy OSU-CHS Medical Library Audrey Hendricks
OEFOM Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma Phone: 405.528.4848 | Fax: 405.528.6102
Merrill Lynch Regional Medical Labratory Email: audrey@okosteo.org
Rich & Cartmill Biohaven
OOPAC Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021PROGRAM 11:45pm Lunch with Leaders
Students, residents, & fellows are
SCHEDULE
encouraged to attend for networking.
Everyone is welcome!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 12:45pm Legislative Update
Noon-6pm Registration Opens LeRoy E. Young, DO, FAOCOPM dist.
(certified occupational & preventive medicine,
2pm O Mi! A Semi Paradigm Shift? Oklahoma City, OK)
Mark A. Keuchel, DO, FACOEP, FACEP Jami Longacre
(certified emergency medicine, Oklahoma City, OK) (OOA Lobbyist, Broken Arrow, OK)
3pm Opioid/Pain Management 1:15pm OSU-COM’s Dean Talk
Atul A. Walia, DO
(certified pain management & anesthesiology,
Oklahoma City, OK) 1:45pm Coffee Break with Exhibitors
4pm Break with Exhibitors 2pm Proper Prescribing
Sign-in required to Dale Derby, DO
4:15pm COVID-19 Update in Oklahoma receive credit
(certified anesthesiology, Tulsa, OK)
Dale W. Bratzler, DO, MPH, MACOI, FIDSA Michael T. Leake, Jr., JD
(certified internal medicine & infectious diseases, (Exec. Dir., OK State Board of Osteopathic
Oklahoma City, OK) Examiners, Oklahoma City, OK)
5:15pm Unintential Overdose Deaths/Opioid & 3-5pm Risk Management
Meth Use Disorders
Sign-in required to L. Earl Ogletree, Esq.
Jedidiah J. Perdue, MD, MPH receive
credit (Wiggins, Sewell & Ogletree, Oklahoma City, OK)
(certified addiction medicine & psychiatry,
Oklahoma City, OK)
5:30-10pm Welcome Back Shindig!
6:15-7:30pm Welcome Back, Y’all Cocktail Reception BBQ, bouncy house,
games, & music by:
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14 SUNDAY, AUGUST 15
7am-6pm Registration Opens 7am-Noon Registration Opens
8am History of Pandemics 8am Cardiology
Natasha N. Bray, DO, MSEd, FACOI, FACP Chelsea Gilbertson, DO
(certified emergency medicine, Oklahoma City, OK)
(certified internal medicine, Tahlequah, OK)
9am Sports Medicine/OMT
9am Neurosurgery
Phillip A. Nokes, DO
Nathaniel D. Stetson, DO, FACOS (certified family medicine/OMT
(certified neurological surgery, Oklahoma City, OK)
Oklahoma D.O. PAGE 22
& sports medicine, Edmond, OK)
10am Break with Exhibitors 10am Immunology/Allergy
Nalin U.G., DO
10:15am Psychiatry (certified internal medicine, Oklahoma City, OK)
V. Ray Cordry, Jr., DO
(certified psychiatry, Oklahoma City, OK) 11am General Session
11:15am Orthopedic Surgery Schedule is subject to change. Updated schedule &
Kristopher Avant, DO session information will be available online (www.
(certified orthopedic surgery, Oklahoma City, OK) okosteo.org/upcoming-cmes-events) & on the OOA
Summer Seminar YAPP as it is confirmed.
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021REGISTRATION FORM
Hilton Garden Inn & Edmond Conference Center
2833 Conference Drive, Edmond, OK, 73034
For hotel reservations, call 405-285-0900
Name Degree
Preferred First Name for Badge
Guest(s)
City of Practice Phone Email Address
ON OR BEFORE AFTER
REGISTRATION FEES
07.30.21 07.30.21
DO & MD Member Registration* $ 469 $ 499 $ 549
IN-PERSON REGISTRATION
DO & MD Member $ 319 $ 349 $ 399
VIRTUAL REGISTRATION
$ Registration Total
Proper Prescribing & Risk Management Only Registration+
Retired DO & MD Member Registration* $ 209 $ 239 $ 289
DO & MD Non-Member Registration* $ 969 $ 999 $ 1049 $ Membership Fee
DO & MD Non-Member $ 819 $ 849 $ 899 Total*
Proper Prescribing & Risk Management Only Registration+
Allied Health Provider Registration* $ 569 $ 599 $ 649 Total
$
Allied Health Provider $ 419 $ 449 $ 499 Enclosed/Due
Proper Prescribing & Risk Management Only Registration+ *if applicable
Special Needs or Dietary Requests*
Student | Intern | Resident | Fellow Registration* free free free
* Includes: Proper Prescribing, Risk Management, two continental breakfasts & Saturday luncheon
+ Four hours of AOA Category 1-A credit on SATURDAY, including Proper Prescribing course, Risk Management course
*must be submitted by July 30, 2021
I will be attending the Welcome Back, Y’all Reception Friday, August 13, 2021 ____ # of Guests
I will be attending the Welcome Back, Y’all Shindig Saturday, August 14, 2021 ____ # of Guests
NOTE: Membership dues must be current at the time of registration and at the time of the conference to qualify for member rates. Requests for refunds must be
received before July 30, 2021, and a $30 service fee will be charged. No refunds after July 30, 2021. A printed syllabus will not be available.
PAYMENT INFORMATION:
MEMBERSHIP
Check enclosed (check must be made payable to OOA
Regular Membership $ 500
representing payment for items checked.)
3 or more years in practice $ 400
2nd Year of Practice $ 300 Credit Card Information Below (all information must be
1st Year of Practice $ 200 provided below for your card to be processed.)
Military $ 100 VISA MASTERCARD DISCOVER AMERICAN EXPRESS
Out-of-state $ 100
Name on Card
Updated schedule and session information will be available online
(www.okosteo.org/upcoming-events) and on the OOA Summer app
as it is confirmed. Credit Card No.
TO COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION Exp. Date 3 Digit CID No.
Mail this form to 4848 N. Lincoln Blvd., OKC, OK 73105 Billing Address
Fax this form to 405.528.6102
City ST & ZIP
Register online at www.okosteo.org/upcoming-cmes-events
Signature
For hotel room reservations, please call 405-285-0900.
Don’t forget to mention the group code: OOA 2021 CME Seminar
Special room rate of $109 per night valid through July 30, 2021.
Important Proper Prescribing News
To obtain proper prescribing credit through OSBOE a physician should attend a proper prescribing course once every year that has been
approved through the licensure board (speaker and material).Networking & Mentorship
Opportunities
Mentor/Mentee Program Lunch with Leaders
You can be an incredible source of information The OOA invites you to our special Lunch with
and encouragement for the next generation of Leaders during our IN-PERSON Summer CME
osteopathic physicians by mentoring a first-year Seminar, “Welcome Back Y’all,” August 13th-
OSU-COM student. 15th.
The OOA’s Mentor Mentee program pairs We’re gathering several of our OOA past
residents, practicing and retired physicians presidents and current members to share their
with these new medical students to help guide expertise, our association’s rich history and,
them through this journey’s ups and downs. most importantly, give you a chance to network
You can be an incredible source of information and ask questions.
and encouragement for the next generation of
osteopathic physicians by mentoring a first-year It’s scheduled for Noon on Saturday, August 14th
OSU-COM student. at the Hilton Garden Inn & Edmond Conference
Center and it’s completely FREE!
While the time commitment is not significant,
your knowledge and wisdom can make a All we need from you is to know you’re planning
significant impact on these students as they to join us. Please RSVP to the OOA office by
navigate medical school. calling 405.528.4848 or emailing
jeff@okosteo.org.
If you’d like to participate, please contact
Maegan Dunn at maegan@okosteo.org or
405.528.4848.
Oklahoma D.O. | PAGE 24
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021D O W N L OA D
INSTRUCTIONS 2021 Summer C ME Seminar App
STEP 1
Open your
app store on STEP 2 Open the app and click the button in
your mobile the top right-hand corner (it’s a circle with
device & search a plus sign inside). Type in the
for “Yapp.” code ‘OOASummer21’ into the
Download it. space.
STEP 3
The OOA’s
Seminar app
should appear
in your library
automatically.
Click the photo.
Oklahoma D.O.
STEP 4 Enjoy the app! Explore all
of the information located inside by
clicking the different menu items.
Create a profile to connect with
PAGE 25
other attendees in the Social Feed.
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021OOA
Bureau News Welcome New Members!
The OOA Board of Trustees welcomes the following
new members to the OOA family!
John P. Agent, DO Larry Sharp, DO
Internal Medicine Family Medicine
Sallisaw, OK Nicole McFarland, DO Purcell, OK
Family Medicine
Kimberly J. Bennett, DO Lawton, OK Basima Williams, DO
Hospitalist Family Medicine
Tulsa, OK Elizabeth Runcie, DO Kirkwood, MO
Emergency Medicine
Mark D. Gage, DO Long Beach, CA Michael Williams, DO
Psychiatry Family Medicine
Tulsa, OK Ahmed S. Salous, DO Lake St. Louis, MO
Family Medicine
Herman Gonzalez, DO Oklahoma City, OK Robert W. Worden, DO
Family Medicine Emergency Medicine
Tulsa, OK Edmond, OK
Would you like to join
the Oklahoma
Osteopathic
Association?
Join us today by
Oklahoma D.O. PAGE 26
visiting okosteo.org or
emailing jeff@okosteo.org.
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021Thank You For Giving
oefom contributions & memorials
building maintenance fund
oefom building preservation initiative
Brian A. Allee, DO Kristopher K. Hart, DO Gabriel M. Pitman, DO
Patrice A. Aston, DO R. Brian Hightower, DO Bradley J. Reddick, DO
Dr. & Mrs. Barney E. Blue, DO James W. Hogin, DO Stanley K. Rogers, DO
Natasha N. Bray, DO Mark Keuchel, DO Keith W. Russell, DO
Steven C. Buck, DO Cary L. Lacefield, DO Joe D. Sagely, DO
Kenneth E. Calabrese, DO Bret S. Langerman, DO Joseph R. Schlecht, DO
Gary W. Cannon, DO John C. Loose, Jr, DO Justin S. Sparkes, DO
Michael Carney, DO Ronnie B. Martin, DO Jonathan Stone, DO
Dennis J. Carter, DO Mary K. Moore, DO E. Joseph Sutton, DO
Thomas H. Conklin, DO Timothy J. Moser, DO John D. Tran, DO
David Crosswhite, DO Terry L. Nickels, DO Henry K. Upchurch, DO
Tom E. Denton, DO Phillip Nokes, DO Monica M. Woodall, DO
Joseph Giaimo, DO Douglas C. Nolan, DO LeRoy E. Young, DO
David Good, DO J. David Ogle, JD Brooks B. Zimmerman, DO
John S. Grigsby, DO Thomas H. Osborn, Jr., DO South Central District - OOA
Teresa Hardesty, DO Kris Parchuri, DO
James D. Harris, DO C.B. Pettigrew, DO
scholarship fund
Terry L. Nickels, DO Memorial for Donn R. Turner, DO
Oklahoma D.O.
Terry L. Nickels, DO Memorial for Gregory McWilliams, DO
PAGE 27
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY
UPDATE
an unlimited number of physician assistants died in
conference. These are only a handful of the bills the OOA
and our allies advocated against during this session.
Perhaps the biggest fight we faced this year was the Health
Care Authority’s attempts to implement “SoonerSelect”,
a managed Medicaid program that would essentially
By Allison LeBoeuf, JD, outsource management of Oklahoma’s Medicaid
Jami Longacre & LeRoy E. Young, DO, FAOCOPM dist.
population to big, multi-state (in some cases multi-
national) insurance companies, putting even more delays,
T
denials, and red tape between the patient and their doctor.
his year the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association
The OOA was a named petitioner in a lawsuit to stop
has worked tirelessly to safeguard the interests
this plan from going forward without proper legislative
of our members across the state and to advocate
approval and appropriate rulemaking: this lawsuit was
against policies that would negatively impact your patients
successful at the Oklahoma Supreme Court, with a 6 to 3
in Oklahoma. Many of you joined us in these efforts,
opinion handed down in our favor. With our coalition allies
participating by calling and emailing your legislators and
and the involvement of concerned members, we were also
joining with OOA leadership in visits to the state capitol.
successful in getting a guard rail bill (SB 131) put in place
before this court victory to protect against the negative
Thanks to your hard work, we were successful in defeating
effects of managed care should it go through. It is very
many bills this session that would have had major impacts
likely the OHCA will push forward with managed care this
on physician scope of practice. Notably, Senate Bill 478
Oklahoma D.O. PAGE 28
fall and in 2022, so the OOA will continue to participate in
was stopped in the HHS Committee; this bill would have
the fight against this plan.
expanded prescriptive authority for advanced practice
registered nurses, and added the definition of the term
The impressive success of the OOA’s advocacy efforts this
“licensed practitioner” under the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act.
year could not occur without the passionate engagement
House Bill 2164, which would have added psychologists
of our members. It is your relationships with your local
to the defined list of occupations who can call themselves
representatives and senators that allow our organization to
“physicians” was also defeated, failing to make it out
effectively fight for your interests. As the only organization
of the House, along with HB 2595 which would have
within our state advocating for the Osteopathic Profession,
increased the period of time a physical therapist can treat
the OOA is grateful for your support and involvement now
a patient without a referral from 30 to 60 days. Senate Bill
and in the future.
516, which would have allowed physicians to supervise
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021Thank You for Your Support!
Your Membership Provides a
Strong Voice at the Capitol
Help Ensure the Osteopathic Voice
Remains Strong at the Capitol
Support OOPAC by Giving Now at
OKOSTEO.ORGBrothers Tyler Snyder (left) and Taylor Snyder (right) recently graduated together from OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. Tyler begins his family medicine
residency with Cherokee Nation Health Services and Taylor is starting his pediatrics residency in Tulsa. (Photo credit: Matt Barnard)
Brothers Graduate Medical School Together
By Sara Plummer
This summer is just the second time in nearly 25 years that ruptured my ear drum. As I was sitting in the doctor’s office
brothers Tyler and Taylor Snyder aren’t living under the I thought ‘This is something I could do.’”
same roof. Both graduated together from the OSU College
of Osteopathic Medicine on May 15. Tyler said he soon knew that poultry science wasn’t his
future, so he decided to check out medicine with his
The brothers — who are members of the Cherokee brother.
Oklahoma D.O. PAGE 30
Nation — grew up in Westville, Oklahoma, and have been
roommates as they worked their way through medical Both brothers volunteered at a veteran’s hospital and
school. Tyler, who is a year and a half older than Taylor, shadowed several physicians in the Cherokee Nation Health
was attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville System, where they had received care in the past.
studying poultry science before being joined by his brother
there, who was pre-med. “The Cherokee Nation has been instrumental to us. We
shadowed with them, we’ve utilized the health care system,
“I had the idea my senior year of high school that I wanted we’ve been awarded scholarships. We both received an
to be a doctor,” Taylor said. “I had an ear infection that Indian Health Service Scholarship,” Tyler said.
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021When it came time to apply to medical schools, both will begin his Family Medicine residency at the Cherokee
brothers had different reasons for choosing OSU. Nation Outpatient Health Center in Tahlequah.
“All but one of the doctors I shadowed was a DO and I had “I liked the clinic and I felt I could make a bigger impact
great experiences with all of them. It was important for me there,” Tyler said. “It’s important to give back. So many
to go to a DO school,” Tyler said. people have helped us along the way at the Cherokee
Nation.”
For Taylor, it was more about where he felt the most at
home. “I came to OSU and everyone was friendly and Taylor matched with OSU Medicine Pediatrics and will
supportive. OSU was definitely the best fit for me,” he said. begin his residency this summer in Tulsa.
Tyler and Taylor said having each other there made them
better students. “My brother was always a year ahead of me “I always wanted to go into pediatrics. It was inclination
and he always made good grades so it pushed me to do just when I was 17 years old,” Taylor said. “But eventually I want
as well, if not better,” Taylor said. to go back as well and practice near home.”
It was the same for Tyler. “Taylor pushed me a lot to make While they were close before, Tyler said the experience of
better grades in our undergraduate years. I think that going through and now graduating from medical school
helped me push myself in medical school,” Tyler said. together just brought them even closer.
They were also each other’s study partner and cheerleader. “Even though we went to high school and undergrad
“Med school is a very stressful time. Having that built-in together, medical school is a different animal,” Tyler said.
support system was really helpful,” Taylor said. “We were forced to rely on each other. I wouldn’t change it.”
In July, both begin their residencies in different cities. Tyler
Every beefy bite provides
Protein Iron Zinc Choline
Oklahoma D.O.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend
introducing solid foods, like beef, to infants and
toddlers in order to ensure a baby receives the best
possible nutrition at every stage. The nutrients found
in beef support growing bodies and healthy brain
development in babies and toddlers.
To learn more about feeding beef
PAGE 31
in the early years, scan the QR code.
Oklahoma D.O. | Summer 2021You can also read
