Dustin McLemore, M.D., specializes in pulmonology and critical care at Utica Park Clinic (UPC) on the campus of Hillcrest Medical Center. “I love to get to know my patients as more than their problems and medications. I really think it's important to know the person you are treating to really make an impact in their health,” said Dr. McLemore. “I want them to know I am interested in their health, and I want them coming to me with their hard questions and concerns. I want them to feel like I'm not just one of their doctors; I AM their doctor.”

Dr. McLemore’s journey into medicine began in 1994 when he decided to leave his family farm to pursue college in Weatherford, OK. There he discovered his love for science and biology.

“I ended up taking a break from college to join the U.S. Army in 1997 as an Army medic. I was sent to Germany in 1997 and joined an ambulance crew. I had the privilege of being part of the UN mission to Macedonia that led up to the invasion and liberation of Kosovo. I felt like I was finally doing what I was meant to do, whether working the clinic or driving the ambulance. I enjoyed taking care of my fellow soldiers so much that I immediately started my pre-med courses when I finished up my hitch in 2001,” he said.

Choosing a specialty was an easy choice for Dr. McLemore. He said, “I've always enjoyed and embraced the challenge of treating the most complex and ill patients. I was drawn to critical care primarily because of this, and I have never been disappointed in my choice. Likewise, I've found my skills at problem solving have also translated into my pulmonary clinic. I get a chance to see my patients outside the hospital and work with them and their families to make sure that they are getting 100% from me and my team when it comes to managing their health. I love to see my patients thriving as we find the plan that works best for them.”

Before Dr. McLemore returned to his home state of Oklahoma, he spent time in Alaska providing critical care to patients at a tribal health hospital. As a Native American himself, Dr. McLemore is proud of the opportunity to serve in the medical profession.

“I worked the first decade of my career in Indian health and I'm here to help bridge the gap that a lot of people have when it comes to trusting the medical community and their doctor,” he said.

Dr. McLemore is among the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma’s first graduating group of physicians in 2008. He added, “Myself from OU, and my sister and my second cousin both from OSU. I'm honored to be a part of that history.”

Outside of providing care to patients, Dr. McLemore enjoys spending time with his family, especially his two sons. He adds, “I try my best to get them out of the house to either go camping, swimming or fishing. I'm the camp cook on all our adventures, and we've spent a fair amount of time while in Alaska taking our boat out to remote islands to camp in some of the most remote places a person can get to. I can't wait to get back to Oklahoma for whitetail deer, though; they're my favorite.”