Dylan Allen, M.D., specializes in internal medicine at Utica Park Clinic. His professional areas of interest include preventive care and quality of life. “I grew up in Chelsea, OK and have family all around Claremore and the surrounding area. The reason I chose this area was to come back and care for patients in the area I grew up,” said Dr. Allen.
Dr. Allen’s largest influence to go into medicine was his grandmother who was an ER nurse her entire career. “I grew up with her discussing different patients that came into the ER. I didn't know anything at the time about physiology or pathophysiology, yet I was still fascinated and inspired by those discussions trying to figure out what was wrong with the patient.” He adds, “In addition, like many other people my age who decided to go into medicine, watching the television show ‘House M.D.’ was huge in sparking an interest in learning medicine and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to come up with a diagnosis.”
When presented with several options or specialties of interests, it can be hard to narrow it down to just one. Dr. Allen said, “I chose internal medicine more from the standpoint that I couldn't choose a specific area of interest. I was interested in all of the different organ systems and accompanying illnesses, so I chose internal medicine in order to focus on the patient as a whole. Certainly not to the level of specialists, but I get to practice everything from cardiology to neurology to pulmonology etc. I believe that gives me the ability to consider all organ systems in the context of patient care, and then refer to specialists once further care in a specific organ system is required.”
Building relationships with patients starts with a good foundation and Dr. Allen attributes his patient relationships to a few things. Dr. Allen said, “The first is the era of medicine that I have trained, where medical care is more a result of shared decision making between patient/family and myself. In order to achieve this, I have found that honesty and good communication skills are my biggest assets. It is not reasonable for patients to be expected to fully understand the medicine and other factors behind those decisions.” He adds, “However, it is my goal for patients to understand my thought process including underlying relevant medical knowledge, concerns, risks, benefits and alternatives. This allows patients to make an informed decision that weighs the medical knowledge against the patient's own goals, wishes, concerns, etc. This does not always lead to patient's following my advice; however, it does allow patient to understand, take control of, and be invested in their medical care. I have found that this facilitates an open and honest relationship with patients, as well as a level of trust that may be needed at times to urge consideration of alternative decision.”
Dr. Allen’s likes to remind patients to, “Take ownership of your health and medical care, because ultimately your health and quality of life are up to you.”
Dr. Allen’s education and career experience include:
• Doctor of medicine degree at the University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Medicine in Oklahoma City, 2020
• Bachelor’s degree in biology at Rogers State University, 2015
Outside of work, Dr. Allen enjoys golfing, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
He welcomes new patients and accepts most insurance plans at the following location:
Utica Park Clinic
1501 N. Florence Ave., suite 201
Claremore, OK 74017
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 918-341-1886. To send a fax, dial 918-343-1727.
