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Valerie returns to Hillcrest Medical Center after years, ends up receiving life-saving treatment

When Valerie Kemp’s severe headaches returned after three years, she knew exactly where she needed to go for help: somewhere she felt heard and seen.

In 2019, just two months after she moved to Tulsa, Kemp spent weeks in and out of emergency rooms, trying to find someone who could treat a tremendous headache.

“I kind of felt ignored,” said Kemp. “I knew something was wrong. They just sent me home.”

When she arrived at Hillcrest Medical Center, the emergency room doctor listened to Kemp about her headache and ordered several tests. Kemp was admitted. A few days later,... Read More »

Vasectomies rising as more men look at benefits

Information requests about vasectomies have increased across the country since the Supreme Court’s decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.

Urologists in California, Iowa and New York told The Washington Post that they’ve seen "a massive increase in the number of vasectomy consultations, as well as an increase in website traffic on their pages that offer information about vasectomies."

This has also become a hot topic in our Oklahoma community, so we’ve gathered a few of the most popular questions related to having a vasectomy and answered them for you here. Though, be sure to... Read More »

4 important questions about immunization schedules for Oklahoma children

Immunizations provide numerous benefits for adolescents. Kaleb Vaughn, D.O., pediatrician and internal medicine specialist for Utica Park Clinic Pryor, discusses the importance of child immunizations.

• Why is it important for my child to follow the recommended immunization schedule?

The vaccination schedule is based on decades of research on the child’s immune system, their response to vaccines and the diseases that we vaccinate against. Just like how your child develops through milestones, so does the immune system. The timing of vaccinations is based on when the immune... Read More »

Wellness visits help patient, doctor work together on a personal health plan

Wellness visits can provide numerous patient benefits, according to Jeffrey Galles, D.O., chief medical officer of Utica Park Clinic.

“The definition of a wellness visit is unique to each patient,” Galles said. “We want to guide our patient’s care and optimize their health down the road.”

Wellness visits help primary care providers target their care based on specific factors such as a patient’s lifestyle, age, sex and family history.

Galles listed some of the most important benefits for a wellness visit.

Why a wellness visit?

Galles said wellness visits... Read More »

Skin safety tips while enjoying Mother Nature

Tara Linville, PA-C, who practices dermatology with Utica Park Clinic, shares skin safety tips for older adults as they embark on outdoor activities this spring and summer.

“As older adults get outside and have increased sun exposure, it is important to wear protective clothing, including a wide-brim hat and sunglasses,” Linville said. “They also need to apply sunscreen with a SPF 30 or above 30 minutes prior to exposure. Application needs to be repeated every two hours and sunscreen needs to be used even on cloudy days. Also, avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.... Read More »

Doctors' Day profile: James Ross, M.D., shares about how the pandemic has impacted palliative care

(March 30 is National Doctors’ Day. Utica Park Clinic would like to thank our physicians for the dedication and passion they show for their patients. In honor of National Doctors’ Day, we would like to spotlight palliative care specialist, James Ross, M.D.)

Palliative care typically plays a critical role in patient care. The COVID-19 pandemic only highlighted the importance this discipline plays in the hospital experience.

James Ross, M.D., who practices palliative care for Utica Park Clinic at Hillcrest Medical Center, said the pandemic has significantly impacted both him... Read More »

Treat, procedure helps Debra Johnson with carpal tunnel pain

Debra Johnson had dealt with carpal tunnel pain in both hands for two decades.

Her years as an elementary school computer teacher and computer software company worker had taken its toll on her hands. The Tonkawa resident struggled to maintain a firm grip on many objects in her hands.

“I couldn’t even sleep with the pain in my arm,” Johnson said. “The carpal tunnel would keep me awake.”

After resisting prior treatment plans, she underwent double carpal tunnel surgery in September 2021 from Christopher Treat, D.O., an orthopedic surgeon with Utica Park Clinic. It proved... Read More »

Timmeni Stevens speaks with Ch. 6 about severe COVID symptoms for pregnant women

Timmeni Stevens, D.O., with Utica Park Clinic at Hillcrest South, spoke with News On 6 about the rising number of pregnant women developing severe COVID-19 symptoms and how vaccination can help.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen a rise in severe illness and even death in our pregnant and postpartum patients. It’s at an alarming rate right now with the rise in the new delta variant and the COVID-19 illness that we’re seeing," Dr. Stevens said.

See her entire interview with KOTV – News on 6 here.

To learn more about the vaccine, visit uticaparkclinic.com/coronavirus.

Stay safe this summer! Common summer related injuries

The summer presents common seasonal injury opportunities. Pamela Grafton, D.O., from Utica Park Clinic, shares possible threats and subsequent tips to keep you safe while enjoying the warm weather.

• Sunburns: Exposure to the sun’s rays while outside can cause burns to unprotected skin.

Tips: Use sunscreen with SPF of 30-plus and remember to reapply every two hours. Cover skin with appropriate clothing and hats.

• Dehydration: Sweating outdoors while working and playing causes fluid loss.

Tips: Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic beverages, sugary and... Read More »

What to do if ... you get a firework burn

With July 4 coming, so is the possibility for firework-related burn injuries. Here are a few tips on what to do, and what not to do, when it comes to fireworks, according to Apryl McGill, RN, Utica Park Clinic outpatient burn nurse.

If a burn does occur:

Cool the burn with cool, not cold, water to stop the burning process. Cold water and ice are never a good idea, as they both can deepen the burn injury.  Remove all clothing and jewelry from the injured area.  Cover the area with a clean, dry sheet or loose bandage.  Seek medical attention immediately. 

How to prevent... Read More »