Stephen was born in Guymon, in the Oklahoma panhandle. Where he still has his family farm in Cimarron County. Stephen moved around the country until they found some stability in Tulsa in the 1980s. He graduated from Tulsa Memorial high school, OU undergrad and OU Medical School. He trained in general surgery and joined Surgery, Inc. upon finishing his residency. He practiced general, trauma, and acute care surgery for 20 years with Surgery Inc. and then joined the VA. He continues to serve as Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery for OU-Tulsa for 23+ years. His current position is Deputy Chief of Surgery for Eastern Oklahoma VA and acting Deputy Chief of Staff for the Oklahoma City VA. Dr. Bruns’ hobbies include mountain bike racing, where he was part of the 2022 and 2023 Oklahoma State Champion Phat Tire Bike Shop team. He also has a passion for music and plays in the Trust Tree band. He is the proud parent of 2 boys, Noah 18 and Eli 17. Noah has been accepted into Gaylord College at OU next year and Eli is a junior at Tulsa Booker T. Washington HS playing Varsity baseball. He is married for 20 years to Missy Bruns.