1. Can you tell us about your background and how you became involved in medicine?
I was born in the Oklahoma panhandle. We moved around the country until we found stability in Tulsa in the 1980s. My entry into medicine started with a summer job in the emergency room at St. John Hospital, now Ascension St. John. I was 16 years old, and this was simply another summer job. I worked quite a bit as a kid. I delivered newspapers in Denver at ten years old and worked on our family farm in Cimarron County, Oklahoma. I worked in several restaurants and at Fay's bicycle shop. At first, St. John was just another job. Quickly it became much more. I have always had an aptitude for life sciences, and the job was a perfect fit for a curious mind. I was taken under the wing of Dr. Charles "Bo" Farmer MD, Jessie Dragoo RN, Laurie Luetjen RN, and countless others who fostered my interest and determination. It was my dream to join Surgery Incorporated at St. John, and I was blessed to become a member of the group when I completed training. I am humbled and grateful for those who helped me along the way!
2. What inspired you to pursue a leadership role within the organization?
When I finished training and started practice, I asked myself, "What do I value in my mentors?" One of the things I valued was leadership. Membership in TCMS was a goal even before starting medical school, leadership seemed distant at that time. However, with time I was able to see a window into a future leadership role. As I have grown with TCMS (I was a scholarship recipient in my MS3 year!) the opportunities have also grown. The board and membership have shown great confidence in allowing me to support the organization this way. Physicians are often "siloed" within their specialty and organizations. TCMS represents a unifying spirit within our medical community. I am honored to serve!
3. What are your main goals and priorities as the physician president of our organization?
I am excited to serve the members, society, and Tulsa County. I hope to continue the high level of engagement of my predecessors, to maintain the vision of the past presidents, and to enhance the practice of medicine in the great state of Oklahoma. More specifically, I hope to work with others to improve access to those who are disadvantaged, promote strategies that foster improved health maintenance, and promote physician health. Additionally, I plan to continue to be active in advocacy and legislative matters that impact the physicians and patients in Tulsa County.
4. How do you plan to address the current challenges and opportunities in the healthcare industry?
As a society, we represent a wide breadth of values and ideas. The challenges we face are just as broad and varied as the population we serve. I look forward to the opportunity to work with our membership and the board of directors to support our collective goals and needs. The adage, "think globally, act locally", I think is helpful. We can have a great impact on our local populations. In doing so, I believe we can set a standard for others, even on a national level.
5. How do you envision the future of healthcare, and what role do you see our organization playing in it?
I remember doing my cardiac surgery rotation as a 3rd-year medical student. Charles "Chuck" Berry MD was a great mentor for me and told me I was fortunate as many of the issues in medicine would be solved by the time I finished training. Some challenges have been solved, but many more remain. Just as we must remain "students in medicine" all of our lives, we must also remain steadfast in advocating for the many issues that we face. TCMS is a central player in its advocacy and education efforts. We have an opportunity to unite the medical community in Tulsa County and effect change in our community and beyond.
6. Who has inspired, helped, or guided you through medical school, residency, and/or your career as a physician?
I have a tremendous debt of gratitude to my family, friends, and colleagues who have helped me in my journey. I have made a point to learn from everyone. One of my favorites was a housekeeper at St. John. She always had a smile, found pride in her work, and always exceeded expectations. Everyone has an opportunity for honorable work and to contribute to society. We must ask ourselves, are we "producers" or "consumers" in society?
7. Can you share any personal hobbies or interests that help you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I love spending time with my family. We enjoy the outdoors and family vacations in the mountains of New Mexico. I am a drummer and make original music with my band, Trust Tree. Additionally, many of my colleagues are bandmates! Neil Crowson MD, Paul Gehring MD, Paul Bevilaqua MD, Bill Hawkins MD, have all been bandmates! I also love riding and racing my mountain bike as a member of the Phat Tire Bike Shop race team.
8. If you were not a physician, what career or field of interest would you have pursued?
I come from a family who did their best to serve their community. Ministers, farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers, and financial professionals. I have great admiration for altruism and service, and I would do my best to find a way to make our community better!
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