January 2023

Wellness Through the Decades

For the new year, we asked health and fitness gurus of all ages about their personal wellness journeys and the best tips to help you with yours.

Top Doctors

A spotlight on some of OKC’s outstanding healthcare providers.

OWNER | PUBLISHER

Jordan Regas jordan.regas@405magazine.com

VICE PRESIDENT  Kaley Regas kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF  Julie Partin julie.partin@405magazine.com

INTERIM ART DIRECTOR Katie Henrichs

MANAGING EDITOR Evan Musil evan.musil@405magazine.com

SENIOR WRITER

Greg Horton greg.horton@405magazine.com

SENIOR WRITER Evie Klopp Holzer evie.holzer@405magazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jake Durham, Kristen Grace, Bennett Hill, Matt Kirouac, Lisa Lloyd, Linda Miller

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dale Carty II, Jake Durham, Lexi Hoebing, Jerry Hymer, Kimberly Martin, Aaron Michael, Charlie Neuenschwander, Shevaun Williams

READER SERVICES

405 Magazine 1613 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Phone 405 842 2266 Fax 405 604 9435 info@405magazine.com, 405magazine.com

BACK ISSUES

Back issues are $9.50 (includes P&H) each. For back issue availability and order information, go to shop.405magazine.com.

BULK ORDERS

For multiple copy order information, please contact our office.

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Meagan Matthews meagan@hilltopmediagroup.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lillian Meador ads@405magazine.com

CLIENT COORDINATOR Leesa Neidel leesa@hilltopmediagroup.com

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Lisa Munson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Cynthia Whitaker-Attalla cynthia.whitakerhill@405magazine.com

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Drew Smith drew.smith@405magazine.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Terry L. Bechtold terry.bechtold@405magazine.com

DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Raylee Lewis raylee.lewis@405magazine.com

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Follow 405 Magazine on Facebook and @405Mag on Instagram and Twitter

Story Ideas and Letters to the Editor

Your views and opinions are welcome. Include your full name, address and daytime phone number and email to editor@405magazine.com. Letters sent to 405 Magazine become the magazine’s property, and it owns all rights to their use. 405 Magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

Volume 9 / Number 1, 405 Magazine (periodicals 21350) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Hilltop Media Group, 1613 North Broadway Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73103. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 405 Magazine, P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

405 Magazine is available by subscription for $14 95 (12 issues), $24 95 (24 issues) or $34 95 (36 issues).

SUBSCRIPTION CUSTOMER SERVICE

405 Magazine P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. CST Phone 818.286.3160 Fax 800.869 0040 subscriptions@405magazine.com 405magazine.com/subscribe

DISTRIBUTION Community Racks

Early bird tickets (until January 11th) $85 (Member) | $110 (Non-Member)

After that date, tickets are $100 (Member) | $125 (Non-Member) Outstanding

ABOUT ULI OKLAHOMA

Fresh Perspective on Progression

AS I ROUND THE CORNER OF ONE DECADE and approach the next, I realize a few things. First, there are no feelings of dread, as I view each day of getting older as a blessing. Physically, I feel as good as I ever have and am deeply satisfied with life. Ages that once seemed to me to be “old” are actually phases of life filled with vitality and adventure. Second, my health needs are changing. My laissez-faire approach to eating and exercise is going to need to be a bit more disciplined.

One of my favorite magazine covers from the last few years is an Allure issue featuring the iconic and gorgeous Dame Helen Mirren. On it, it says “The end of anti-aging, our call to the industry.” I have noticed an extremely positive trend over the last few years: People, but women in particular, are no longer apologizing for the natural progressions of their bodies.

Our cover feature this month is “Wellness Through the Decades.” We chatted with local health and fitness experts in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s, and gathered information and tips about staying healthy at their specific age (pg. 31). I found each woman, whether she was a new mom, grandmother embracing a fresh lifestyle or a senior enjoying her golden years, to be incredibly inspiring. We were able to do a photo shoot together at Flo State studios, where a tight-knit yoga community with a moving story makes itself at home (pg. 35).

Speaking of staying healthy, this January issue also includes the always advantageous special section Top Doctors, a compendium of sterling local health care professionals in multiple specialties to help fulfill all of your health needs (pg. 42).

Also in this issue, you will find a bright and bold design spread (pg. 26) and get inspired by a creative dinner party (pg. 24). You will meet a prominent legacy member of Latino community development in OKC (pg. 20) and a vintage furniture flipper going viral on a regular basis (pg. 94). Additionally, we feature my favorite healthy dish (pg. 80) and welcome Dolly Parton’s young literacy program to town (pg. 98).

I hope 2023 brings with it a renewed sense of joy and gratitude!

With anticipation,

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

BEHIND THE SCENES

TRENDING

Good Through Guidance

Dr. Raúl Font reflects on his eight years at the Latino Community Development Agency. p. 20

Reset, Reflect, Reimagine

The new year means it’s time to reenvision our mind, body and wardrobe

BY BENNETT HILL

THE START OF A NEW YEAR CAN BE AN exciting time as we set fresh goals and ambitions — and maybe even plan that big summer vacation we have been dreaming of for years. But it can also be a daunting time for our wardrobe. Everything seems stale and boring … so last year. Instead of a total closet revamp, revisit those classic pieces and reimagine them with mixed materials. Play between structured silhouettes and flowing frocks, or a striking color combination. Tailored, tasteful and trusty — just because the pieces are classic doesn’t mean they can’t still be fresh.

1. Róhe Frames, Stevie Trousers; Gretta Sloane 2. Bobi, Propose Side Split Skirt and Impact Turtleneck Top; Silver Accents 3. Shiraleah, Aster Clutch; Mode

4. Anine Bing, Teegan Top; Edit & Co. 5. Ippolita, Teardrop Earrings; BC Clark

6. Jeffrey Campbell, Deneuv-Hi Boot; Betsy King Shoes

7. Greylin, Maroon Night Blazer; rosegold

2022 Painted Sky Opera Gala

PHOTOS BY FRAN KOZAKOWSKI

The opera celebrated a triumphant return — its first successful season on stage since the start of the pandemic — and remembered legendary voice teacher Florence Birdwell during last year’s black-tie gala at The Skirvin. The theme of “Gala Under the Stars” was achieved with an arch of twinkling lights and dancing set to a band led by Michael Geib. Performers such as executive director Barbara Fox DeMaio and Scott and Lindsie Guthrie sang throughout the night.

Jill and Joel Burcham

Ethan and Margaret Snowden

Michael Geib, Nicole Van Avery

Gilda Parlattolire, Corbyn Naumann, Savannah Gordon, Calliope Staudt

Conductor Jan McDaniel, Katherine McDaniel, Lindsie and Scott Guthrie

Katherine McDaniel, executive director Barbara Fox DeMaio, conductor Jan McDaniel

Christopher and Emily Remmert, Amy and Hugh Fudge

2022 Saints Ball

PHOTOS BY CARL SHORTT, FRAN KOZAKOWSKI AND RANDY CASSIMUS

The annual fundraiser for SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation, themed “A Night in Paris,” transported guests to the French metropolis for a dinner with silent and live auctions, raffles and dancing set to live music played by the band Stars. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum hosted the event and its roughly 500 attendees, which was co-chaired by Julie and Rick Naifeh and Drs. Pooja Singhal and Nigam Sheth. Money raised through sponsorships, ticket purchases, auctions and donations will benefit the foundation’s Areas of Greatest Need fund.

OMRF’s 241 Fundraiser

BY K.T. KING AND ROB FERGUSON

Grammy-winning country singersongwriter Emmylou Harris headlined the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s annual 241 fundraiser, along with a festival with premium wine and food. The money raised will help the organization recruit and retain scientists pushing medicine forward in Oklahoma. This was OMRF’s first 241 since the start of the pandemic, and was thanks to large supporters, business leaders and sponsors such as the Chickasaw Nation and Continental Resources.

Dr. Nigam Sheth, Dr. Pooja Singhal, Julie Naifeh, Rick Naifeh

World on a String Quartet

PHOTOS

Cayla Lewis, Kristen Torkelson, Leah Roper

Kris Morris, OMRF Board Member Lou C. Kerr, OMRF President Dr. Andrew Weyrich, OMRF Board Chair Len Cason

Former governors and first ladies Brad and Kim Henry, Cathy and Frank Keating

Event sponsorship co-chairs Judy Hatfield, Meg Salyer

Shaped by Service

Dr. Raúl Font and the Latino Community Development Agency

BY KRISTEN GRACE PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

DR. RAÚL FONT HAS HAD A 41-YEAR CAREER in education and leadership, teaching in schools across Oklahoma. In 1984, he earned his master’s degree in education and joined the Oklahoma State Department of Education, serving on numerous boards in the state. For the last eight years, he has worked as president of the Latino Community Development Agency. He plans to step down from this role in 2023, but he doesn’t use the word “retirement.”

“It is time for me to move on, and I have received several job offers,” Font said. “I’m now trying to decide what I don’t want to do next.”

The idea for the Latino Community Development Agency originated in 1989 from a United Way task force as a way to address the needs of the Latino community in Oklahoma County. It was formally established in 1991 to focus on mental health, education and social well-being. Dr. Font was one of its founding board members.

Font expresses great pride in the nonprofit organization and its growth since it began. “If you look at the background of the 80 people that I work with in the LCDA — a community of Hispanics and Latinos at the highest levels of corporate leadership, all committed to paying it forward, licensed and certified by the state, bilingual and bicultural, working in counseling and therapy — there’s nothing else like it in the country,” he said. “Today, we are a $4 million operation, and mental health is our bread and butter.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Font has won many awards, including being named one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Oklahoma in both 2021 and 2022 by the OKC Friday newspaper.

“The work I do is sacred and a ministry,” he said. “If the awards that I receive are not acknowledged by the community I’m a part of, then they’re not worth anything. I like the word ‘service’ more than the word ‘power.’”

It was the service that Font received as a kid that shaped his life path. “I wasn’t born in a suit and tie, like some people believe,” he said. “I grew up in Chicago. I’ve always been a street kid. At age 5, I was walking the streets of Chicago.”

After Font moved from Chicago to Puerto Rico with his mother and sisters, he dropped out of school at 11 years old. He met Officer Aviles, a police athletic league coordinator, who began playing basketball with him on the street. Within a year, Aviles was encouraging Font to get back in school. “He was the only male figure in my life,” Font said. “I listened and went back to school. Playing basketball kept me there. I had

“The

found something I was really good at. I graduated high school and played Division I basketball in college. I walked on, and it changed my life.”

The mentorship Font had influenced his own goals. “In college, I knew I wanted to be a teacher and a coach,” he said. “I wanted to do for other kids what had been done for me. I went back to the same school where I had been in so much trouble. I wanted the kids no one else could handle. It became

the mantra of my teaching career.”

Dr. Raúl Font doesn’t completely know what his future plans are. “Maybe basketball?” he said with a smile. But he feels the life-changing capacity of education returns to him in many ways, even in his own family. “I’m so proud of my kids and grandkids and leaving them with a legacy that is positive,” he said. “Maybe someone that I helped and saved will save one of mine.”

work I do is sacred and a ministry,” he said. “If the awards that I receive are not acknowledged by the community I’m a part of, then they’re not worth anything. I like the word ‘service’ more than the word ‘power.’”

For 100 years, the Oklahoma Medical Board has promoted the Health, Safety and Well-being of the citizens (patients) of Oklahoma by requiring high levels of qualifications, standards and continuing education for regulated medical licenses.

We take pride in our agency’s ability to ensure that qualified healthcare professionals are available to the citizens of this state.

Learn more about our purpose and vision at www.okmedicalboard.org

Embracing the Sooner State

Work and a discovered love for Oklahoma’s people led Greg Boxer to call OKC his home. p. 26

Tableware from Thailand

A radiant outdoor dinner at Naifeh Fine Jewelry

PHOTOS BY AARON MICHAEL AND SCOTT VO PHOTOGRAPHY

FOR THIS EVENT, JEWELRY DESIGNER ERICA

Courtney celebrated her jewels and gems inspired by her love of Thailand. Valerie Naifeh and Calyn Jump imagined a wonderful Thai night celebrating Erica’s highly anticipated Trunk Show a few months earlier, and the planning began. On the patio at Naifeh Fine Jewelry, they set up a beautiful scene of bold colors and decor inspired by dreams of Bangkok. The guests were greeted by a grand dinner table awaiting them that left them in amazement of the cuisine, decor, flowers and the wonderful conversations. COMPLETE TABLE & ACCENT DECOR: THE SET EVENTS & DESIGN CATERING: CHEF BO TAYLOR

The Preferred Place

In a tale of two cities, Greg Boxer picks OKC

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER PHOTOS BY SARAH STRUNK FLOWERS BY THE FLOWER TRUCK

IT SHOULDN’T BE A COMPETITION, BUT IF IT WERE, Oklahoma City would win. With a career in investment banking focused on natural resources, New Jersey native Greg Boxer was working in New York City when new opportunities lured him to Oklahoma.

“I knew about three people when I first moved here in 2014, and I knew zero about the city — the culture, the people, the neighborhoods — literally zero,” Boxer recalled. He spent the next three years bouncing between NYC and OKC. In the end, Oklahoma won his heart.

“I fell in love with the people here,” he said. “I’ve met so many great people of all ages, and everyone genuinely took me in as if I were one of their own family members. That just doesn’t happen in New York City, or anywhere else that I’ve ever lived or visited.”

Interior designer Ivy Pierce began working with Boxer in 2014, and — along with her husband, Mark Pierce, who shares Boxer’s affinity for golf — they quickly forged a friendship. Since then, she’s helped him design a

HOME Wild details, like the living room’s snakethemed Schumacher fabric and “Direwolf” painting by Ryan Cunningham, punctuate the home.

The home’s modern lines are complemented by punchy interiors, such as the custom cowhide rug designed by Kyle Bunting, a playful Pierre Frey wallpaper (detailed below left) and an antique Moroccan table sourced from Chairish (detailed below right).

condo and two houses in Oklahoma City as well as an apartment in New York. Most recently, Ivy Pierce worked with Boxer to personalize an edgy modern home built by Randy Sudderth in Nichols Hills. Pierce pulled in bright and playful elements to match Boxer’s highenergy persona.

“Greg is one of those clients that’s like, ‘I trust you, you know me, and let’s just make it look cool,’” Pierce said. “When you’ve done like four houses together, it makes it easy. I can kind of get in his head and think, ‘Oh, he’s gonna love this.’ I wanted the home to look tasteful, but funky and interesting.”

Colorful custom rugs by Kyle Bunting and paintings by Ryan Cunningham — both Boxer’s friends — achieve such aesthetics. Unexpected details like mismatched ikat pillows and a wild Pierre Frey wallpaper bring more character into the home.

HOME Homeowner Greg Boxer says this is his favorite spot to sit: where indoors and outdoors connect.

Interior designer Ivy Pierce created an eclectic and inviting patio with perfectly mismatched ottomans and pillows.

While Ivy Pierce coordinated interiors, Mark Pierce, a landscape architect, designed a putting green for the backyard, a feature he and Boxer were eager to add. In addition, Pierce Landscapes perfected other outdoor spaces surrounding the home.

“Some people probably don’t like doing big projects like this with such good friends — you know, in case something goes wrong — but for me, I thought it was awesome,” Boxer said. “Mark and Ivy are both so talented and such great humans.”

To accommodate all of the great humans in Boxer’s life, the home has spacious entertaining areas downstairs, plus an upstairs filled with puzzles, toys and video games for his friends’ kids. (After all, Boxer is the godfather to the Pierces’ daughter.) Two living areas, a large dining room, wine storage tucked under the stairs and an expansive kitchen connect seamlessly to an equally welcoming patio. Boxer loves how the entire back wall of his living room opens up to the backyard for easy indoor-outdoor enjoyment. This home allows him to comfortably host those he loves in a city he has adopted as his own.

“OKC is a gem of a place,” he said. “We have something pretty special here in our city. The people, the lifestyle, the ease of living … The list goes on and on. I’m just thankful I found this place and have been able to truly make it ‘home.’”

Landscape architect (and Boxer’s golf buddy) Mark Pierce installed a putting green in the backyard.

A Desmond Mason painting hangs behind the dining room table, while another work by Ryan Cunningham is visible throughout the back of the home.

WELLNESS THROUGH THE DECADES

How to stay healthy and fit at every age with tips from local experts

“Change is the only constant in life.” You don’t have to be a Greek philosopher to appreciate these wise words from Heraclitus, especially as you notice how your body has been — ahem — evolving with age.

As we embark on 2023, another year older and hopefully another year wiser, perhaps we can also embark on a few lifestyle changes. In this article, we’ve asked local health and wellness experts of all ages to discuss their best practices based on their personal experiences and advice shared with others. So, read on — and here’s to the year ahead! May we all be well and live well, despite life’s constant changes.

words Evie Klopp Holzer, Julie Partin & Evan Musil photography Charlie Neuenschwander

CARING FOR YOUR BODY IN YOUR 20S CAN AFFECT YOUR HEALTH FOR DECADES.

LIMIT HARMFUL TOXINS AND SCREEN TIME.

USE SUNSCREEN, GET SUFFICIENT SLEEP AND HYDRATE.

WHILE MANY 20-SOMETHINGS are not necessarily thinking hard about their long-term health, they might want to start.

Chanel Rogers is no stranger to fitness. A high school athlete and collegiate fitness competition contestant (bikini division), Rogers knows how to blend diet and exercise for desired results. She studied kinesiology in college and launched her own company, ConFITdent Training, thereafter. She provides personal training and online fitness coaching.

“After four years of creating connections and building my body mentally, physically, spiritually … I developed what I really enjoy: the whole aspect of putting it together,” Rogers said.

Whether you yearn for a bikini-ready body or looser fitting jeans, Rogers said, “Starting is always the goal.”

SMALL WORKOUTS ADD UP

Often, people get overwhelmed when thinking about exercising, which can make them feel defeated even before they get going. Rogers says workouts don’t have to be drastic, just consistent. Even short workouts count.

“I want to help people believe in themselves and quit putting limits on what [they think] they’re capable of, because all of us are busy,” she said. “All of us have an excuse for why we can’t do something, but if you find a 30-minute window to just do some jumping jacks, push-ups — something intentional — you’ll definitely start seeing those results.”

Over time, Rogers believes the way you look and feel will encourage you to up your routine. After all, you will want the physical and mental benefits you are experiencing to continue.

“Whether it's an hour on a YouTube video in your basement or a 30-minute jog in your neighborhood, it's a mental detachment from what's actually going on,” she said. “It's [your time] for you to focus on a specific goal that you have set for yourself … Not thinking about the kids, not worrying about your husband or the meeting that you have in the morning — just really focus on that specific exercise and giving your biggest effort. It starts from the inside out.”

EAT MINDFULLY

What you eat is just as important as what you do, and Rogers advises clients to practice mindful eating.

“What I mean is being mindful of what you eat and eating at home,” she said. “Have your plate become a little bit more colorful with pickled onions, kale, avocado, carrots, leafy greens and lean meats.”

If you can limit your junk food intake (and emotional eating), your healthy food choices will work even better for your body.

Rogers thinks of food as fuel: What she consumes today is going to fuel her workout tomorrow. Chips and soda may taste good, but do they provide quality fuel to your body? Nope.

TAKE A “REST DAY”

Rogers takes what she calls a “rest day,” a break in the week to relax. She advises clients to do the same. Everyone needs time to refresh.

“As a personal trainer and a fitness professional, I think for 50 people every day. It gets mentally exhausting, so my Saturdays are my mental days,” said Rogers. “I tell my clients to take a rest day to absorb all the accomplishments that you had during that week, because you're not a robot. You have to take a break…That doesn't mean eat crappy, it just means to be a little bit less exerting on those mental days. Read a book. Plan a vacation for yourself. Do a hobby that you enjoy — because, again, everything starts from the inside out.”

CHANEL ROGERS

30 s

DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP WITH A PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER, SCHEDULE ANNUAL PHYSICALS AND DON’T SKIP SCREENINGS.

METABOLISM BEGINS TO SLOW IN YOUR 30S. STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE AND EAT A HEALTHY, BALANCED DIET.

AFTER AGE 30, PEOPLE TEND TO LOSE LEAN TISSUE. HIKING AND STRENGTH TRAINING CAN HELP REBUILD.

HILE 30S IS STILL CONSIDERED “YOUNG” by the majority of the population, it can sure feel like aging to those experiencing the changes this decade brings.

Chelsea Cooke has been working in the OKC fitness industry for 10 years. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), personal trainer, group fitness instructor and owner of her own wellness brand, Chelsea Cooke Wellness, and has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology/exercise science. She is also a new mom. “I am super passionate about bringing education and authenticity to this field while helping people in their fitness journey,” she said. Cooke is a NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist, NASM-certified personal trainer, Functional Movement Screen-Level 1, and ACE Group fitness instructor.

SHIFT YOUR MINDSET

When discussing her personal wellness journey, Cooke said, “Movement has always been a huge part of my life. I have been an athlete for as long as I can remember and always been very active. Sports were my life, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. However, when I stopped playing competitive sports, my relationship with movement became very unhealthy. It took some serious self-work to change my mindset from training for punishment or aesthetic to training for quality of life. There was an innate need to be freed from the ‘punishment’ mindset — the pressure of basing my worth on the way my body looked — and [to] find a better way to think about health. I wanted to be stronger, healthier and move my body well for the rest of my life. I began to train ‘for the long haul’ and with the goal of enhancing my quality of life. Giving myself permission to shift the focus AWAY from what I looked like was pivotal and freeing. I have been blessed to make a career out of this, and my goal is to help others within this community that I love find the same freedom. We are worthy of the investment in ourselves and deserving of a healthier relationship with movement.”

MOVEMENT IS KEY

Cooke embraced turning 30 and believes it allowed her to see herself and her body in a new light. “So many things have changed the way that I move now: pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, years of playing sports and the occasional sleep-deprived workout. We truly are training for life. I am so much smarter about how I move now, meeting myself exactly where I’m at each day, and pushing myself or giving grace accordingly. The older I get, the crazier life seems to be. No matter the time frame or how I’m feeling, I just move my body. Each day looks different, but I always try to warm up properly, consistently strength train, get my heart rate up and recover with intention. Some days are full workouts, some days are going for a walk, but movement has stayed a huge priority in this phase of life.”

FOCUS ON YOUR OWN JOURNEY

To her clients and friends, she has the following fitness advice: “Put your freaking blinders on. Don’t compare your fitness journey to mine or anyone else’s. Every person, every body, every situation is so very different. Take the time to work out smarter. Warm up, focus on your form, don’t be afraid to lift weights, get your heart rate up, cool down and just stay consistent. We are blessed with the ability to move, and our bodies crave it, so buckle up and put your focus on being in it for the long haul.”

CHELSEA COOKE

TO COMBAT LEAN MUSCLE MASS LOSS, EAT HIGHQUALITY PROTEIN AND BEGIN LIFTING WEIGHTS SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK.

WHEN YOU HIT 40, YOUR HORMONES START A 10- TO 15-YEAR DECLINE. THIS CAN BE BALANCED WITH DIET AND SUPPLEMENTS.

MANAGE STRESS LEVEL AND SLEEP SEVEN TO NINE HOURS A NIGHT TO COMBAT BRAIN FOG.

YOUR 40S CAN BE FULL of transitions. Many in this phase of life are caring for growing children as well as aging parents. This can also be a pivotal time in a person’s career. Self-care is especially important during this phase of your life.

Twenty years ago, Stephanie Fisher pushed her body to perform, running marathons, kickboxing and committing herself to high-intensity interval training workouts. Then, all that “push” pushed back.

“I had some bulging discs in my back that really started to bother me,” Fisher recalled. “For the first time in my life — I think I was about 36 — I got to the point where I could barely move without pain.”

Fisher had little choice. She had to shift her lifestyle.

“I had to look at what I defined as healthy,” she said. “I was so numbers- and goal-focused. It took hitting that wall and, you know, having the injury to [realize] this would not work for me going into the next decade of my life. The pain is a gift sometimes. Falling down in the dirt a little bit gives us some time to take a deep breath and just reevaluate.”

The 45-year-old mother of four began a new approach. She is now a certified yoga and pilates instructor, health coach, Arbonne vice president and Flo State studio owner (see sidebar).

STEPHANIE FISHER

FLO STATE KEEPS FLOWING

Flo State Studio is Oklahoma City’s hot yoga hotbed. Founder Tiffany Woodruff started the studio in 2010, originally named Yoga at Tiffany’s, as one of the first yoga spaces in the 405. It grew in popularity and moved to bigger spaces, and Woodruff offered certification in yoga instruction to aspiring yogis. “Several studios in the OKC area are stems from her and her influences and her teaching,” said Stephanie Fisher, whose time in Woodruff’s studio helped alleviate her back pain.

While she was teaching relaxation and strength, she was living with cancer. The yoga community that she raised supported her through treatment and tough times. Woodruff and her friends renamed the space to Flo State to better reflect the studio’s offerings and its central place in Oklahoma City. (The O stands for Oklahoma.) After selling the studio to Fisher, Woodruff died in May 2021. Fisher now continues Woodruff’s wide-reaching legacy through sustaining Flo State as a healing space. “It's really neat to see people walk back in and say, ‘This is my first time back here since before Tiffany passed; thank you for being here because I needed to come back into this space — this is a part of my healing from losing her,’” Fisher said. “It’s definitely inspired me.”

To learn more about the story of Woodruff, Fisher and Flo State, read the full story at 405magazine.com

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Fisher takes a softer approach to exercising now, which comes from a place of self-love rather than obligation.

“I don't run as often, I don't run as far and I don’t run as fast; some of that can be a lit tle humbling — but also I do run when I feel like I want to run,” she said. “In the picture of health, just remember to do what feels good. Instead of checking the boxes like I did before, now I'm in a place of almost — oh, it sounds cheesy — but it's just a fun adventure.”

Referencing the book The Feel Good Effect by Robyn Con ley Downs, Fisher says we can use intuition to guide our exer cise and diet habits, and then, if the results make us feel good overall, we know we’re headed in the right direction. In addi tion, if we enjoy the process, it becomes sustainable.

BE A WISE CONSUMER

Another book Fisher recom mends is Eat Smarter by Sean Stephenson, which presents the nuts and bolts about main taining your microbiome, consuming probiotic-rich foods and calculating how much protein you need in a day.

“I tell people to slow down long enough to listen to your body, and then start with the basics: hydration, fiber — which you need soluble and insoluble — microbiome and protein,” she said.

REST AND DIGEST

Equally important to what we feed our bodies is what we feed our souls.

“We all have different obstacles, and it might not be just what you're consuming food-wise, it might be what you're consuming mentally,” Fisher said. “What sort of boundaries do you have in not bringing in some of the things that just aren't healthy for you?”

Fisher emphasizes the mind-body-spirit connection and advises clients to take time every day to “rest and digest.” That quiet, meditative space can be found in a yoga class, a religious organization or at home with a designated time and place to sit with your thoughts.

“Slow down long enough to listen and give yourself the gift of intuition,” Fisher said. “It will personally guide you on your next steps.”

50 s

TO PROTECT WEAKENING BONES, EAT FOODS THAT ARE HIGH IN CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY HELPS REDUCE THE RISK OF SOME DISEASES, INCLUDING DEMENTIA, AND HELPS WITH HEART HEALTH, MUSCLE STRENGTH, FLEXIBILITY AND BALANCE.

BEGIN ROUTINE CHECKUPS ON BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL, AND CANCER SCREENINGS.

WE CONSULTED TWO LOCAL health experts in their 50s: Lori Payne — a physical therapist, master pilates instructor and co-owner of Absolute Wellness — and Stacey Rist, former collegiate dancer and current yoga instructor who received her 200-hour RYT yoga instructor certification through Yoga Mazé and Briohny Smith/Dice Iida-Klein in 2015.

When Payne started eating only “real foods” — organic, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables and hormone-free, pasture-raised meat products — she was astounded by the results.

“I lost like 20 pounds, that menopausal fat around my middle.” Payne said. Eating real foods improved how she looked and felt, reducing hormonal imbalances and inflammation. She was even able to eliminate her acid reflux medication; the reflux stopped.

Wanting to share the benefits of this lifestyle with others, Payne co-founded Absolute Wellness with functional nutritionist and fellow physical therapist Jennifer Kerr. Payne and Kerr use a science-based holistic approach to wellness, starting with diet, to address the root causes of negative health symptoms and weight gain.

“It’s more medical-based, which makes sense since we're both physical therapists and we are trying to reduce inflammation in everyone's joints,” Payne said. “Based on my experience and what I've seen with others, the single most important thing that someone can do is change their diet program.”

THINGS THAT GET BETTER WITH AGE MENTAL HEALTH

Although there are many factors at play, such as survivorship bias and how poor mental health can affect physical health, the prevalence of any mental illness at ages 50 or older is significantly lower than all other adult age groups. A 2016 study from the University of California, San Diego even suggests that our mental health may linearly improve with age.

EMOTIONS AND WELL-BEING

Many studies indicate that people’s happiness and well-being over the years reflect a U-shape: we start content as children, and that contentment falls as we enter adulthood until our 50s, when it trends upward again.

RELATIONSHIPS

The feeling of loneliness, regardless of how many people are in your life, can hurt your health in countless ways. However, recent studies find that as we get older, our relationships tend to be more positive and fulfilling.

QUALITY FOODS, QUALITY LIFE

When grocery shopping, Payne tells clients to shop the edges of the store, where you’ll find fruits, vegetables, unprocessed meats and dairy products. (Preserved and processed foods are mostly found in the middle of the store.) Then, she suggests buying items that are natural and chemical-free.

“Just by eating real food, you're not putting all these pollutants and pesticides in your body,” she said. “Anything that something is sprayed with goes into your body and affects your health. When you put processed food into your body, your body does not know what to do with that; it can't use it. So, therefore, it just gets stored in your cells and bloodstream. It's like putting something into an engine that doesn't belong in the engine.”

As we age, our hormones change. While this change may be unavoidable, the unpleasant symptoms can be exacerbated by ingesting animals raised with hormones.

“That's why ‘free-range,’ ‘pasture-raised’ and all that stuff is so important: Whatever that chicken or cow is being fed, you eat that.”

FOLLOW YOUR GUT

If you listen to your body, you may find that you don’t have to be allergic to a specific food for it to irritate your system.

“If you can learn the foods that your body is intolerant to and then avoid those foods, you will reduce inflammation,” Payne said.

With a total “reboot” approach, Absolute Wellness pinpoints foods that make clients feel good as well as those foods they should avoid.

“So, you're going through and picking the new foods that you're going to try, and you're seeing how your body responds. Did my reflux come back? Did I have diarrhea? Did I have cramping in my stomach? Did I start sweating at night again?” she explained. “It's hard because you don't get to be as gluttonous as you used to be, but it's also not hard because you know what you're going to feel like when you start [eating] that again.”

AND YES, OF COURSE, EXERCISE

Though Payne believes diet is 80% of well-being, we shouldn’t discount the benefits of a steady workout routine. Payne advises people to find activities they enjoy, ones they will want to do consistently to keep them active. For cardiovascular exercise, instead of overstressing your body and spiking your cortisol levels with high-intensity workouts, Payne recommends gentler activities, such as speed walking. She also says pilates is a great choice for strength building, since the equipment, resistance and moves can be tailored individually.

60 s

PRIORITIZE CONSISTENT, LOW-IMPACT EXERCISING AT LEAST TWO AND A HALF HOURS A WEEK.

ADD MORE FIBER TO YOUR DIET TO REDUCE CONSTIPATION AND HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS, WHICH REDUCES THE RISK OF DIABETES AND HEART DISEASE.

FOUR OUT OF 10 AMERICANS IN THEIR 60S HAVE TROUBLE HEARING. ONE IN THREE HAVE DEGENERATIVE EYE DISEASES BY 65. GET YOUR EARS AND EYES CHECKED EVERY YEAR, EVEN IF YOU DON’T NOTICE A PROBLEM.

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE to turn your health around. Just ask Wanda Graham, mother to four daughters and grandmother of one, who believes “aging is just a new season, not the end of life.”

START SOMEWHERE

With the drastic changes that happen to your body in your 60s, fitness sometimes requires a different approach. “I started my fitness journey in 2014 at the Redbud 5K Run,” Graham said, “completely out of shape and wondering what I was doing there. As I start to look at various people who outran me, these individuals were 60-plus [and] still running at their maximum. Some had knee braces, hip surgery, etc. I asked one woman what's her secret, and she said, ‘Never stop taking care of yourself, never!’ Life is meant to be lived no matter what age. So it's been full speed ahead since!”

CHANGE THINGS UP

“I started out as a runner and changed my diet,” Graham said. “I was 54 years old and weighed 175 pounds. I had joint problems, no energy, no sleep and worked 60-plus hours a week. My family has a history with heart disease, especially the women in my family. I knew nothing about the proper way to care for my health; just bits and pieces of information I gathered here and there. Then I started menopause, at the same time my father was showing the signs of Alzheimer's. I became his full-time caregiver. The stress was on a 10! I started to feel like my life was crumbling. I went from taking care of siblings, to taking care of a husband, then children and now a parent. So I began to self-loathe. That's when I was introduced to Holy Yoga. When you are so defeated about how your life has turned out, you start to reach out for things that are bigger than you. Yoga was the key for me. Yoga has all the elements of self-care, and it's ageless!”

FIND THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR BODY

Graham credits yoga with turning around her perspective and her body. She is now a 200-hour certified yoga teacher since 2019, Holy Yoga small group instructor at People’s Church and a breath and movement yoga instructor. Graham loves teaching middle-aged and senior women yoga, nutrition and spirituality — giving women the determination and tools to live their best lives. She said, “It covers healthy eating, movement, strengthening, and most important it deepens your spirituality. And it never gets old, you just get better!”

TIPS TO HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER CONSISTENT SCHEDULE

Maintaining a precise time to wake up and go to sleep, and limiting disruptions to that schedule, keeps your body’s biological clock stable, which increases your chances of healthy, quality sleep.

LIMIT STRESSORS AND DISTRACTIONS

Finding successful ways to reduce stress in your life and sticking to them can sometimes be just as taxing as the stressors themselves. But de-stressing can start with small habits before bed, such as cutting down on distractions like cell phone use or taking deep breaths to flush your mind and relax.

EXERCISE

You don’t need to completely exhaust yourself when working out to sleep better. Even a little exercise throughout the week releases melatonin that helps you naturally induce sleep. Working out too close to bedtime might make your body and mind too active to snooze, but any other time might make it easier to fall asleep.

70 s

TOP FOODS TO BOOST METABOLISM PROTEINS

Foods rich in protein, such as meat and nuts, have a higher thermic effect of food, which means they take more time for the body to break down and absorb them. A diet that includes a balanced amount of proteins can increase metabolism.

WATER

A few studies found that drinking more water could make your body spend more energy to heat it to body temperature. The loss of energy through heat production is generally referred to as thermogenesis, and although its water-induced effects on metabolism are likely minimal, it’s another good reason to drink a little more water.

GREEN TEA AND COFFEE

Some scientists found that the caffeine in coffee and green tea can boost metabolic rates, which means the body burns more energy even when you aren’t active.

CREATE STRONG SOCIAL CONNECTIONS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF DEPRESSION.

BEGIN REGULAR OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENINGS.

LOW T-CELL PRODUCTION MAKES IT HARDER TO AVOID INFECTIONS AND VIRUSES, SO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS DURING COLD AND FLU SEASON.

EVEN THOUGH IT MIGHT look different than it has the rest of your life, it is possible to stay active and healthy in your golden years. Just ask actor OvaJean Siemens, who is nearing her 80s and loving every minute of it. The current performer, former educator and widowed mother of three has never stopped evolving. She started college in her mid-40s and is planning on beginning golf lessons in the spring.

CONTINUOUSLY EVALUATE YOUR DIET

Siemens said, “Our household seemed to stay in the Depression era long past when others had moved on. We had an outdoor toilet, no electricity, a wood-heating stove and cookstove, and we carried water from the windmill 50 feet from the house that provided the best water in the world. Our diet was primarily pinto beans and fried potatoes, with pancakes every morning of the world.” This left Siemens with decades of an unhealthy diet to remedy. “At age 40, I realized I needed to take better care of my body, and I've been trying ever since to undo the years of indulging my sweet tooth — still have to work on that. I discovered the world of natural supplements and have practiced using natural remedies for ailments.”

ENJOY LESS EXTREME EXERCISE

Keeping a regular fitness routine can be much more challenging for those of advanced age. The risk of injury increases even with mild actions. But regular movement can keep seniors doing day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others. According to Siemens, it is about staying active. “I've lived 77 years without depending on medicines, for the most part,” she said. “I still prefer natural remedies. As I've aged, I've chosen less extreme measures of exercise … I usually saunter on a walk with the dog or the little kiddos we occasionally care for, rather than taking a brisk power walk or jogging. It seems one gets lots of movement and exercise opportunities just maintaining a household. Over the years I've had periods of consistent exercise and other times of a more relaxed physical regimen. I am in generally good health, and actually feel better than I have in a while.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT PERSPECTIVE

Siemens’ sage advice and youthful mentality inspire those around her. She said, “Above all, I honestly believe a person needs purpose. And perhaps a passion, something one loves to do that fulfills a long-held dream. I live filled with gratitude and am so thankful for this time in my life. I'm having fun. Life is good, no matter what. Having a truly positive outlook on life is, I believe, the most valuable factor for having good health — no matter one's age.”

T O P D C S

THE ANNUAL TOP DOCTORS LIST PROVIDES THE NAMES OF 405-AREA DOCTORS RECOMMENDED BY THEIR PEERS. THE 2022 LIST CONTAINS 373 DOCTORS ALPHABETICALLY AND SECTIONED BY SPECIALTY AREA.

METHODOLOGY & DISCLAIMERS

Summary. DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the "top doctors" list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peernomination process, also referencing government sources. In addition, DataJoe often conducts media analysis through Internet research to factor in public perception. DataJoe then tallied the nominations per category for each doctor to isolate the top nominees in each category. After collecting nominations and factoring additional information from the media analysis, DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had a current, active license status with the state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a doctor's current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that doctor was excluded from the list. In addition, any doctor who has been disciplined, up to the time-frame of our review process for an infraction by the state regulatory board, was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine staff for final review and adjustments.

Final note. We recognize that there are many good doctors who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding doctors in the region and the results of our research campaign. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective doctors may not appear on the list.

Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.

Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY

Amy L. Darter

Oklahoma Institute Of Allergy Asthma & Immunology 405-607-4333

Martha M. Tarpay

Allergy Asthma And Clinical Research Center 405-752-0393

George Chrysant

Integris Health Cardiovascular Physicians Cardiology Clinic 405-948-4040

Bryan Cogar

Integris Health Cardiovascular Physicians Cardiology Clinic 405-947-3341

Luke Cunningham

Advanced Cardiac Care 405-713-9911

W Lance Garner

Udho Thadani

OU Health PhysiciansCardiology Pulmonary & Vascular Medicine Clinic 405-271-7001

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

Harold M. Burkhart

Oklahoma Children's Hospital 405-271-4411

Kristina Booth

OU Health Physicians –General Surgery Clinic 405-271-1400

Steven Carter

OU Health Physicians –General Surgery Clinic 405-271-1400

COSMETIC SURGERY

Anu Bajaj

Adrienne Lam

Lam Dermatology + Associates 405-735-9882

R. Blaine Lehr

The Dermatology Clinic Inc 405-951-4949

Pranathi Lingam

Oklahoma Sports Science and Orthopedics Edmond 405-341-8829

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Andrew Crabbe

Integris Health Partners 405-272-9641

Suanne Daves

OU Anesthesiology 405-271-4351

Bennett Evan Fuller

Affiliated Anesthesiologists 405-755-1080

Randall Schwartz

OU College of Medicine 405-271-4351

Brian Seacat

Integris Southwest Medical Center 405-636-7000

Nigam Sheth

Integris Health Partners 405-272-9641

Kofi Vandyck

OU College of Medicine 405-271-4351

Harper Ward

Integris Baptist Medical Center 405-951-2815

Jeremy Wynn

Integris Baptist Medical Center 405-949-2815

CARDIOLOGY

Mazen Abu-Fadel

Oklahoma Heart Hospital 405-608-3800

Jon Blaschke

Integris Health Cardiovascular Physicians Cardiology Clinic 405-948-4040

Cardiovascular Health Clinic PLLC 405-701-9880

Archana Gautam Norman Regional Health System 405-515-2222

Terrie Gibson

Integris Health Cardiovascular Physicians Cardiology Clinic 405-947-3341

John R Harvey Oklahoma Heart Hospital 405-608-3800

Douglas Horstmanshof

Integris Advanced Cardiac Care 405-713-9900

Michael Koehler Oklahoma Heart Hospital 405-608-3800

Faisal Latif SSM Health Medical Group 405-231-3737

George Madden Integris Cardiovascular Physicians LLC 405-644-5120

Derek L. Norman

Oklahoma Heart Hospital 405-608-3800

Dwayne A. Schmidt

Cardiovascular Health Clinic PLLC 405-701-9880

Chittur A. Sivaram

OU Health PhysiciansCardiology Pulmonary & Vascular Medicine Clinic 405-271-7001

Marcus Smith Cardiovascular Health Clinic PLLC 405-701-9880

John Chaffin

Integris Cardiovascular Physicians Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinic 405-951-4345

C Craig Elkins

Integris Cardiovascular Physicians Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinic 405-951-4345

Lacy Harville, III OU Health Physicians –General Surgery Clinic 405-271-1400

John D. Randolph Oklahoma Heart Hospital 405-608-3800

David Vanhooser Integris Cardiovascular Physicians Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinic 405-951-4345

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Bajaj Plastic Surgery 405-381-8091

James Lowe Lowe Plastic Surgery 405-942-4300

Scott Shadfar Integris Facial Plastic Surgery 405-657-3895

Ivan Wayne Surgery Center Of Oklahoma 405-748-5950

CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE

Christopher W. Lentz

Integris Paul Silverstein Burn Center 405-951-8042

DERMATOLOGY

Karen J. Beckman

OU Health Physicians –Cardiology Pulmonary & Vascular Medicine Clinic 405-271-7001

Sunny Po

OU Health Physicians –Cardiology Pulmonary & Vascular Medicine Clinic 405-271-7001

COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY

Hani Burhan-Eddin Baradi

Mercy Clinic Colon and Rectal Surgery - McAuley 405-936-5718

Tiffany Brazeal Tiffany Brazeal Saint Medical Group LLC 405-280-7546

Lindsey K Collins

OU Health Physicians Dermatology Clinic 405-271-6110

Otobia G. Dimson

Integris Health Partners 405-724-7075

Renee Grau

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine 405-271-6110

Jason M. Hirshburg

OU Health Physicians Dermatology Clinic 405-271-6110

Julie Lowe Lowe Dermatology 405-608-6877

Ngoc Nguyen THP Yukon 405-467-5340

Roy Rindler

SSM Health Medical Group 405-280-7546

Stacie Elizabeth Rougas

Dermatology And Aesthetics Of Oklahoma 405-803-8020

Joshua Weingartner

Lam Dermatology + Associates 405-735-9882

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY

Anthony Alleman

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine 405-271-2300

Robert K. Gelczer Integris Health Partners 405-553-0847

Charles Anthony Lawrence, Jr The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine 405-271-4750

C. Brett Nelson

Eagle Imaging Partners Of Oklahoma PLLC 405-286-4114

Justin North

OU College of Medicine 405-271-5125

Jason M. Wagner

OU College of Medicine 405-271-5533

Clint Williamson

Integris Health Partners 405-945-4710

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Brandon Stephen Brown

Mercy Emergency Department 405-752-3715

Ryan Fish

Integris Baptist Medical Center 405-951-2545

Josh C. Mcwilliams Community Hospital 405-602-8100

Dillon Roach

Integris Baptist Medical Center 405-951-2541

ENDOCRINOLOGY DIABETES AND METABOLISM

Mary Zoe S. Baker

OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center 405-271-1000

Perihan Dimachkie

Integris Endocrinology South 405-644-5030

Jonea Lim

OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center 405-271-1000

Cassie Smith

Modern Endocrine 405-286-1571

Donny Wynn

SSM Health Medical Group 405-231-8740

FAMILY MEDICINE

Dustin Baker

Integris Health Partners 405-470-6510

Heather Barnes

Integris Health Medical Group Yukon 405-717-5400

James Barrett

OU Health Physicians Family Medicine Center OKC 405-271-4311

Rebecca Barrett

Integris Family Care Southwest 405-644-6264

Brant Q. Bennett

Norman Regional Health System 405-307-6955

W Stanley Bevers

Integris Health Partners 405-692-9300

Catrina Bourne

Primary Health Partners 405-265-2778

Joseph C. Broome Community Hospital 405-602-8100

Melinda Cail

Primary Health Partners 405-471-5655

Natalie Cochenour

Integris Health Medical Group Yukon 405-717-5400

Maurice Corman

Integris Health Partners 405-373-0380

Jeffrey Cruzan

Integris Family Care Memorial West 405-773-6415

Robert C. Dimski MDVIP 405-455-3636

Anton Dreier

Integris Health Partners 405-787-8555

David Fisher

Total Healthcare Partners 405-787-1199

Rachel Franklin

OU Health Physicians Family Medicine Center OKC 405-271-4311

Holly Goracke

Total Healthcare Partners 405-730-6460

Russell D. Ingram

Total Healthcare Partners 405-470-7414

Preethi Krishnan

Integris Family Care Baptist 405-713-7402

Stuart Lisle

Integris Health Partners 405-787-8555

Melanie Marshall

Integris Family Care Council Crossing 405-470-2590

Wade T. McCoy Total Healthcare Partners 405-787-7747

Angela Morgan Morgan Family Medicine 405-330-8819

Tomas Owens Great Plains Family Medicine Center 405-951-2855

Kalyanakrishna Ramakrishnan OU Health Physicians Family Medicine Center OKC 405-271-4311

Kyle Rickner

Primary Health Partners 405-607-8855

Douglas Riddle Integris Family Care Edmond East 405-657-3984

Paul Rothwell Total Healthcare Partners 405-787-8550

Stanley C. Shadid Integris Family Care Coffee Creek 405-252-8761

Robert Stepp Integris Health Medical Group Hefner Pointe 405-751-5555

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Carl A. Raczkowski Digestive Disease Specialists Inc 405-702-1300

David Neil Roberts Mercy Clinic Gastroenterology 405-340-4937

Kenneth Seres Integris Health Partners 405-702-1300

Sanjay Sikka Mercy Clinic Interventional Gastroenterology 405-749-7014

Pooja Singhal SSM Health Medical Group 405-772-4338

David S. Stokesberry Digestive Disease Specialists Inc 405-702-1300

William Tierney

OU Health PhysiciansGastroenterology Clinic 405-271-8478

Tony Huu Tran Mercy Clinic Gastroenterology 405-749-4247

Verapan Vongthavaravat Digestive Disease Specialists Inc 405-702-1300

Clinton Wallis Integris Health Partners 405-486-6960

Joe Carroll Zuerker Mercy Clinic Gastroenterology 405-416-9703

Brady Hagood

Surgical Partners Of Oklahoma PLLC 405-265-2210

Svein Holsaeter

SSM Health Medical Group 405-232-4211

Alexander Raines

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine 405-271-6308

James Daniel Shepherd

General Surgery Baptist Clinic 405-713-9935

Stephanie Taylor

Surgical Partners Of Oklahoma PLLC 405-265-2210

Timothy A. Vavricka

Integris Health Partners 405-601-5169

Tim Weaver

Integris General Surgery Yukon 405-717-5462

Ryan F. Wicks

Integris General Surgery Baptist 405-713-9935

GERIATRIC MEDICINE

Robin Gonzalez

SSM Health Medical Group 405-272-5555

Saleem M. Qureshi

OU College of Medicine 405-628-9981

Bryan Struck

Tauseef Ali SSM Health Medical Group 405-772-4338

Muhammad Adnan Altaf OU Children's Physicians 405-271-6549

Neil Crittenden Digestive Disease Specialists Inc. 405-767-6630

Shih-Kuang Sam Hong SSM Health Medical Group 405-772-4338

William Randall Kakish Mercy Clinic Gastroenterology 405-416-9703

GENERAL SURGERY

Christopher D. Carey General Surgery Baptist Clinic 405-713-9935

Joshua Carey Integris General Surgery Edmond 405-657-3690

Timothy Eldridge

SSM Health Medical Group 405-232-4211

Jessica Enix Surgical Partners Of Oklahoma PLLC 405-265-2210

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center – Survivorship & Supportive Care Clinic 405-271-4385

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

Robert S. Mannel

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center –Gynecologic Cancer Clinic 405-271-8707

Joan Walker

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center –Gynecologic Cancer Clinic 405-271-8707

Valerie Engelbrecht

Lakeside Doctors Gynecology & Obstetrics 405-936-1000

Teresa A. Folger

Lakeside Women's Hospital 405-936-1000

Elizabeth Pinard

Lakeside Women's Hospital 405-936-1000

Noel R. Williams

Optimal Health Associates 405-715-4496

Rachelle Wilson Wilson Medical 405-265-2733

HAND SURGERY

Ashley C. Cogar

Community Hospital 405-602-8100

Daron C. Hitt

OSSO Orthopedic & Spine Center 405-486-6800

Mark Shreve

McBride Orthopedic Hospital 405-230-9270

Robert S. Unsell

OSSO South 405-692-3748

Legacy

HEMATOLOGY

Philip Comp

OU Health Stephenson

Cancer Center – Transplant & Cellular Therapy Clinic 405-271-8299

Jennifer Holter-Chakrabarty

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center – Transplant & Cellular Therapy Clinic 405-271-8299

Robert Reynolds

Integris Health Partners 405-752-0871

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE

Stefani D. Madison

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center – Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic 405-271-7635

Robert Salinas

OU Health Physicians Family Medicine Center Okc 405-271-4311

Patrick Michael Garrison, Jr Mercy Clinic Primary CareEdmond Memorial 405-341-7009

Erin Glasgow

Integris Health Medical Group Central 405-945-4589

David Karasek

SSM Health Medical Group 405-231-8866

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Saud Iqbal Ahmed

Crescent Infectious Diseases 405-594-5848

Ahmad Ashfaq

Crescent Infectious Diseases 405-594-5848

Michael S. Bronze

OU Health Physicians –Internal Medicine Clinic 405-271-3445

David Chansolme

Integris Health Partners 405-644-6464

Vijay Kumar Kolli

Crescent Infectious Diseases 405-594-5848

Michelle Salvaggio

OU Health – University Of Oklahoma Medical Center Clinics 405-271-6434

Bushra Siddique Infectious Disease Associates LLC 405-420-0152

Donna L. Tyungu

Oklahoma Children's Hospital 405-271-4700

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Lawrence V. Deck, III

MDVIP 405-607-8945

Susan Dimick Central Oklahoma Early Detection Center 405-475-0100

S A Dean Drooby SA Dean Drooby MD 405-603-7610

Todd Krehbiel

Integris Health Partners 405-726-2701

Brian P. Levy MDVIP 405-330-7606

Tanna Shaw

Primary Health Partners 405-607-8855

George Tardibono

OU Health Physicians –Internal Medicine Clinic 405-271-3445

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

Santosh Prabhu

Integris Health Cardiovascular Physicians Cardiology Clinic 405-947-3341

Dwight W. Reynolds OU Health Physicians –Cardiology Pulmonary & Vascular Medicine Clinic 405-271-7001

Brook D Scott Oklahoma Heart Hospital 405-608-3800

Jeffrey Sparling

Integris Health Cardiovascular Physicians Cardiology Clinic 405-948-4040

Soni J. Zacharias

Oklahoma Heart Hospital 405-608-3800

Robert F Hines

Healthcare Partners Investments LLC 405-348-6004 Legacy

Robert S. Unsell OSSO South 405-692-3748 Legacy

MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE

Ronan Bakker

The Perinatal Center 405-606-2850

Charles Paul Mirabile, Jr

The Perinatal Center PLLC 405-748-4726

Jennifer G. Smith

The Perinatal Center PLLC 405-606-2850

John R. Stanley, III The Perinatal Center 405-748-4726

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY AND HEMATOLOGY

Lorraine Merhib Wilson Oklahoma Kidney Care 405-748-5800

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY

Shon Cook

Keyhole Brain And Spine 405-310-6977

Ian Dunn

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center – Brain Tumor Clinic 405-271-8299

Emily Friedman Community Hospital 405-395-2633

Fadi F. Nasr Spine Surgery Associates 405-242-4345

Leonard Michael Bowen

Saint Anthony's HematologyOncology Physicians 405-228-7100

Johnny McMinn Integris Cancer Institute 405-773-6400

NEPHROLOGY

Pankaj Baluja

SSM Health Medical Group 405-272-8367

Gary Dean Bond Integris Health Partners 405-942-5442

Brad Carter

Kidney Specialists Of Central Oklahoma 405-942-5442

Laxmi Gadde

Integris Health Partners 405-942-5442

Sudhir K. Khanna

Integris Health Partners 405-942-5442

Anupa Khastgir

Integris Health Partners 405-942-0794

Chris Sholer

Integris Health Partners 405-842-8298

Gigi Toma

SSM Health Medical Group 405-272-8367

Jeffrey P. Nees

Fountain Park Medical Clinic 405-486-6720

Pal S. Randhawa

Integris Spine And Neurological Surgery 405-552-0401

Hakeem Shakir

SSM Health Medical Group 405-271-4912

NEUROLOGY

John H. Barghols Integris Neuroscience Institute 405-949-3011

William Bendure

Integris Neuroscience Institute 405-644-5160

Marguerite Anna Butchee

Mercy Clinic Neurology 405-302-2661

Aaron Keith Farrow

Mercy Clinic Neurology 405-302-2661

David Lee Gordon

OU Health Physicians — Neurology Clinic 405-271-3635

Joshua Kershen

Integris Neuroscience Institute 405-644-5170

Congratulations to DMEI’s 24 Ophthalmologists

Named TopDoctorsofthe405

Andrew K. Bailey, MD Reagan H. Bradford, MD Brian K. Firestone, MD

Ben J. Harvey, MD

Ralph B. Hester III, MD David W. Jackson, MD

Mahmoud A. Khaimi, MD Ronald M. Kingsley, MD

Carolyn E. Kloek, MD Maria E. Lim, MD Andrew T. Melson, MD Aman Mittal, MD

Annie Moreau, MD

James C. O’Brien, MD Anil D. Patel, MD Kamran M. Riaz, MD

Vinay A. Shah, MD R. Michael Siatkowski, MD Rhea L. Siatkowski, MD Gregory L. Skuta, MD

Jeremy F. Tan, MD Deana S. Watts, MD Tammy L. Yanovitch, MD Emily M. Zepeda, MD

Since its dedication on December 4, 1975, the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) has become one of America’s largest and most respected centers for medical and surgical eye care, providing more than 210,000 total patient visits per year from all 77 Oklahoma counties and the surrounding region, and performing 8,500 surgeries annually in its ambulatory surgery center.

Twenty-five of the Eye Institute’s 35 ophthalmologists were listed among the Top Doctors of the 405 and/or Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2022.

In U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 survey, DMEI was recognized as one of the nation’s top 20 academic eye centers (eighth among those affiliated with a public university). Its residency program, in affiliation with the University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Medicine, also is ranked among the country’s top 20 by Doximity (seventh among public universities) and attracts top medical students from across the nation.

In 2021, the OU College of Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology, which is housed in DMEI, was awarded $3.7 million in National Institutes of Health funding and has received more than $6.2 million in cumulative support from Research to Prevent Blindness.

All of this and $50 million in expansions of its state-of-the-art facilities during the past decade allow the Institute, now spanning 148,000 square feet, to build on its world-class achievements, explore new horizons, and fulfill its deep commitment to serving all Oklahomans and the global community through excellence and leadership in patient care, education, and vision research. To learn more about the Dean McGee Eye Institute or to schedule an appointment, please visit dmei.org.

The Preferred Eye Care Provider of the OKC Thunder

dmei.org

Oklahoma Health Center

608 Stanton L Young Blvd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73104 405.271.6060

Northwest

OKC Office

3500 N.W. 56th St., #101

Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405.271.9500

Edmond Office

1005 Medical Park Blvd. Edmond, OK 73013 405.271.0913

Lawton Office

3201 W. Gore Blvd., #200 Lawton, OK 73505 580.250.5855

ANDREW K. BAILEY, MD Glaucoma Eye Specialist Clinical Associate Professor

DR. BAILEY is a glaucoma specialist at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) where he provides his patients with the latest in glaucoma treatments including medications, laser therapy, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Born in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Bailey earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado and his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Medicine. He served as a general medical officer in the United States Navy from 2005 to 2010. He completed a residency in ophthalmology at DMEI/OU, where he also completed a glaucoma fellowship, and joined the DMEI/ OU faculty in 2014. In addition to the care he provides patients at DMEI, Dr. Bailey also cares for patients at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Oklahoma City. As a veteran, Dr. Bailey is honored to continue to provide medical service to his fellow service members.

Dr. Bailey is wholeheartedly invested in the education of the next generation of ophthalmologists. In conjunction with other faculty at DMEI/OU, he works to assure that the highest standards of care are being taught to ophthalmology residents. He is the recipient of a number of teaching awards including the M. Dwayne Andrews, MD Excellence in Teaching Award in Graduate Medical Education in 2018. Dr. Bailey has also conducted research on a number of MIGS procedures. Dr. Bailey and his wife, Breen, have three children.

DR. FIRESTONE is the only fellowship-trained ocular oncologist and pathologist in Oklahoma. He has specific interest and expertise in caring for patients with tumors in or around the eye and also performs microscopic evaluation of eyerelated biopsies and tissue. He sees adults with a wide variety of lesions ranging from small “freckles” and other benign tumors to melanoma and other cancers. He also sees children with retinoblastoma, Coats’ disease, and other lesions. Dr. Firestone’s team works with other cancer specialists at OU Medical Center to provide the most comprehensive and high-quality treatment for eye cancer available in the state.

Dr. Firestone is a native of Oklahoma and received his undergraduate education at Oklahoma Baptist University and his medical training at the University of Oklahoma. He served as clinical fellow on the oncology service at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the largest eye cancer center in the United States.

Dr. Firestone then served as a fellow in the ocular pathology department at Wills Eye Hospital, which processes one of the largest volumes of ophthalmic specimens in the world. He joined the Dean McGee Eye Institute/University of Oklahoma Department of Ophthalmology in 2014. Dr. Firestone has delivered invited lectures and produced numerous publications on topics related to ocular oncology and pathology. His team participates in several multicenter clinical trials with the nation’s leading ocular oncology centers. Dr. Firestone and his wife, Jessica, have four children.

REAGAN H. BRADFORD, JR., MD Vitreoretinal Specialist Clinical Professor

DR. BRADFORD is an accomplished vitreoretinal surgeon who sees patients at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) located on the University of Oklahoma (OU) Health Sciences Center campus in Oklahoma City. He specializes in the treatment of patients with conditions such as retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.

Dr. Bradford served in the role of Medical Staff Service Chief for Ophthalmology from 1998 – 2020 and led the OU Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Service well during an eventful period spanning more than 20 years. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of OU-Norman and received his medical degree from the OU College of Medicine. After an internship at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, he completed his residency at DMEI followed by a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the esteemed Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami.

Dr. Bradford joined the DMEI retina faculty in 1985 and has been a clinical professor since 2004. He also served as an advisory member on the DMEI Board of Directors from 1998 to 2018. Dr. Bradford has participated in numerous clinical trials and has many published articles. He is a past recipient of the Edward and Thelma Gaylord Faculty Honor Award and was a Guest of Honor at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting in 2017.

DR. HARVEY is a glaucoma specialist and clinical associate professor on the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI)/University of Oklahoma (OU) Department of Ophthalmology faculty. In his practice, he enjoys building a relationship with his patients and helping them maintain their vision and improve their quality of life. He joined the glaucoma service in March 2019.

He earned his undergraduate (summa cum laude) and medical (Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society) degrees from Texas Tech University and completed his residency at DMEI/ OU, followed by a glaucoma fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Dr. Harvey is very active in the state and national ophthalmologic communities. He served as president of the Oklahoma Academy of Ophthalmology (OAO) from 2017 to 2020, and is a graduate of the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Leadership Development Program. In 2019 and 2020, Dr. Harvey was recognized as a member of the “Forty Under 40” by the Oklahoma Gazette (2019) and Oklahoma Magazine (2020) as an influential individual under age 40 who have made significant contributions to the city and state.

Dr. Harvey and his wife Leigh, who is a physical therapist, have three children, Dane, Boyd, and Layla.

BRIAN K. FIRESTONE, MD Ocular Oncology and Ophthalmic Pathology Clinical Associate Professor

BEN J. HARVEY, MD Glaucoma Eye Specialist Clinical Associate Professor

DR. HESTER is a comprehensive eye specialist at the Dean McGee Eye Institute’s (DMEI’s) Northwest Oklahoma City Clinic, one of DMEI’s busiest facilities with more than 1,000 patient visits each month. Building long-term relationships with patients is an important part of eye care. Dr. Hester has many patients to whom he has provided eye care for more than 25 years. He prides himself on being accessible to patients and developing relationships with their other medical providers to address related conditions.

Dr. Hester’s special interests are cataract surgery and lens implant surgery, including the use of advanced technology intraocular lenses with an emphasis on multifocal presbyopia-correcting lenses and astigmatism-correcting lenses. He has experience performing cataract surgery on patients with prior retinal and glaucoma surgeries, and after refractive surgeries such as RK, PRK, or LASIK. He also has experience with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. Dr. Hester performs a large number of cataract surgeries at the McGee Eye Surgery Center. He received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma (OU) and completed his residency training at DMEI/OU in Oklahoma City. He is a clinical associate professor at OU and enjoys training ophthalmology residents in the art of cataract surgery.

DR. KHAIMI sees pediatric and adult glaucoma patients. His interests include complex anterior segment surgery, glaucoma laser therapy, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), filtering/drainage implant surgery, and routine and complex cataract surgery. He also serves as the team lead ophthalmologist for the OKC Thunder. Dr. Khaimi is the pioneer/developer of the minimally invasive glaucoma procedure–ab interno canaloplasty (ABiC). ABiC now enables surgeons to intervene earlier in glaucoma than with conventional filtering procedures, and doctors and patients receive the added benefit of simplified postoperative follow-up and fewer side effects and complications compared with traditional glaucoma surgery. As a world authority in ABiC, Dr. Khaimi has been asked to do live surgery and help launch the procedure both nationally and internationally. As a world renowned glaucoma surgeon, Dr. Khaimi has hosted numerous ophthalmologists from throughout the world in his operating theatre.

Dr. Khaimi was recently named the James P. Luton, MD Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology. He is director of the prestigious and highly competitive glaucoma fellowship at the Dean McGee Eye Institute/University of Oklahoma. He has delivered many national and international lectures, is the associate editor for the glaucoma textbook “Essentials of Glaucoma Surgery,” and has authored a number of other book chapters and publications. Dr. Khaimi served as vice chair of the glaucoma panel for the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Practicing Ophthalmologists Curriculum and is lead investigator for numerous nationally recognized clinical and surgical research trials. Dr. Khaimi and his wife, Suzie, have six children.

DR. JACKSON is a 20-year veteran with the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) and is an expert in LASIK surgery, premium cataract surgery to correct vision and reduce the need for glasses, and post-LASIK cataract surgery. He served as a team ophthalmologist to the OKC Thunder and is the cataract and refractive surgeon of choice for prominent business leaders, major university football players and coaches, NFL quarterbacks, and NBA players.

Dr. Jackson lectures nationally and internationally and is the author of numerous book chapters and scientific publications. As a Clinical Professor and Medical Director of DMEI’s Stephenson Refractive Surgery Center, he teaches residents and fellows and contributes to clinical trials advancing the field of ophthalmology.

Dr. Jackson received his ophthalmology training at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, where he was voted chief resident by faculty and peers. At Baylor, he went on to complete a fellowship in cornea, refractive and anterior segment surgery.

Dr. Jackson’s wife, Traci, is an early childhood development educator and they have three sons and a grandson. He would enjoy the opportunity to care for you and your family.

DR. KLOEK is the Senior Vice President of Clinical Strategy and Integration for OU Health and joined the faculty of the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) in January 2019 as a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon. In addition, she serves as Associate Residency Program Director for the University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology as well as the Vice Chair for Quality and Innovation for DMEI/OU. In this latter role she develops data streams to measure important patient experience, safety, and outcomes parameters, and designs and implements process improvements.

Dr. Kloek received her BA from Dartmouth College, followed by her MD from Harvard Medical School. She completed an internship in internal medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital followed by an ophthalmology residency at the Harvard Ophthalmology Residency Training Program. Following completion of residency, she served as Chief Resident and Director of the Eye Trauma Service at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, a position in which she organized educational initiatives, lectured and mentored trainees, and oversaw one of the busiest eye trauma centers in the northeast. She also completed a one-year fellowship in medical education at Harvard Medical School. She subsequently joined the Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service at Mass. Eye and Ear where she enjoyed a busy comprehensive ophthalmology and cataract surgery practice for many years. During this time she also held numerous leadership roles including Residency Program Director for the Harvard Ophthalmology Residency Program, Chief of the Division of Ophthalmology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Associate Chief of Ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear.

Dr. Kloek, her husband Ian, and their three children,Catherine,Jack,andCarys,liveinEdmond.

RALPH B. HESTER III, MD Comprehensive Eye Specialist Clinical Associate Professor

DAVID W. JACKSON, MD Premium and Refractive Surgery Specialist Clinical Professor

MAHMOUD A. KHAIMI, MD

Glaucoma and Anterior Segment Eye Specialist

Clinical Professor

James P. Luton, MD

Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology Director of Glaucoma Fellowship

CAROLYN E. KLOEK

Comprehensive Ophthalmology & Cataracts

Premium Cataract Surgery Clinical Assistant Professor

DR. LIM is a pediatric ophthalmologist at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI). She has a busy clinical and surgical practice, seeing children at OU Health’s Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, the DMEI OUHSC location, and the DMEI Edmond Clinic. Her clinical interests include strabismus, amblyopia, and pediatric cataracts and glaucoma. Dr. Lim enjoys building patient relationships and providing education. She finds that pediatric care is a team approach and works to give families agency for their child’s health and visual development.

Dr. Lim grew up in Ohio where she graduated from the University of Akron and earned her medical degree with honors from Northeast Ohio Medical University. She completed ophthalmology residency at Indiana University and pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus fellowship at Duke University. Dr. Lim joined the DMEI faculty in 2017 and is an examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Lim and her partner, Mark, enjoy renovating their historic home. She values community engagement and is an alumna of Leadership Oklahoma City’s “Linking OKC’s Young Adult Leaders (LOYAL)” Program. She sits on the Moderns Board (the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s community engagement organization) and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Leadership Council.

MARIA E. LIM, MD Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Specialist Clinical Assistant Professor

DR. MITTAL joined the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) and the University of Oklahoma (OU) Department of Ophthalmology in August 2021 as a clinical assistant professor in cornea/external disease/refractive surgery. His special clinical/surgical interests include severe ocular surface disease, corneal transplantation, corneal cross-linking, advanced dry eye disease, complex cataract surgery, and LASIK. Dr. Mittal sees patients at the DMEI clinic on the OU Health Sciences Center campus.

Dr. Mittal was born in California and grew up in Florida. He earned his bachelor of science degree (magna cum laude) in biomedical engineering from Duke University and his medical degree from Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. He completed his internship in internal medicine at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles and his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Prior to joining the DMEI/OU faculty, Dr. Mittal served as a cornea/external disease/refractive surgery fellow at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California-Irvine, which provided a broad spectrum of clinical and surgical experience.

Dr. Mittal is a self-described foodie and enjoys OKC Thunder basketball. He is also an accomplished tennis player and speaks three foreign languages.

DR. MELSON is a comprehensive eye surgeon and neuroophthalmology specialist at the Dean McGee Eye Institute. He takes pride in delivering patientcentric care for a variety of ocular conditions that allows him to provide truly comprehensive care to his patients. In addition to providing advanced cataract surgery options to his patients, Dr. Melson performs strabismus surgery, helping to restore function for adults with acquired misalignment of the eyes and double vision. He works extensively with neuro-surgery, neurology and other specialists to provide multidisciplinary care for his patients with skull based tumors, multiple sclerosis, thyroid eye disease and other diseases effecting the connection between the eyes and brain. He also performs botox chemodenervation for functional eyelid disorders and spasms.

Dr. Melson graduated from medical school at St. Louis University and completed his residency and neuro-ophthalmology fellowship at the Dean McGee Eye Institute. Dr. Melson has a passion for educating his patients as well as physicians in training and has won numerous teaching awards. He is an expert in cataract surgical education and has served as an invited instructor for cataract courses for residents across the country. He now serves as the Residency Program Director and Director of the Resident Clinic at Dean McGee Eye Institute. Dr. Melson is a father and is married to Danielle Melson, a physical therapist with Integris Health.

DR. O’BRIEN is a fellowship trained Neuro-Ophthalmologist with the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI)/University of Oklahoma (OU) Department of Ophthalmology, where he is an Assistant Professor. He evaluates patients for vision problems which could be related to neurologic disorders, including double vision, vision loss from strokes, visual changes related to brain or eye socket tumors, or other unexplained visual loss. He performs adult strabismus surgeries, temporal artery biopsies, optic nerve decompressions, and also administers botulinum toxin injections for patients with facial spasticity disorders. He is regularly involved in medical student, resident, and fellow education in addition to his clinical activities. He received the Dewayne Andrews Excellence in Graduate Medical Education teaching award in 2020.

Dr. O’Brien is a native of Austin, Texas where he attended The University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He worked as an optical lab technician and optician prior to obtaining his medical degree at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, where he graduated summa cum laude and where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He then completed his internship at Houston Methodist Hospital, followed by residency training in Ophthalmology at DMEI/OU, where he served as Chief Resident in his senior year. He then completed his Neuro-Ophthalmology fellowship training at DMEI/ OU before joining as a faculty member. Dr. O’Brien’s wife, Ginny, is a licensed optician who works in Edmond. They have one daughter, Annie, who attends high school in Edmond.

JAMES C. O’BRIEN, MD Neuro-Ophthalmology Specialist Assistant Professor

ANDREW T. MELSON, MD Neuro-Ophthalmology Specialist Assistant Professor

AMAN MITTAL, MD Cornea and External Disease Specialist Clinical Assistant Professor

KAMRAN M. RIAZ, MD Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Surgery Clinical Associate Professor

DR. RIAZ, a clinical associate professor in the University of Oklahoma (OU) Department of Ophthalmology and the Dean McGee Eye Institute, has been named Director of Medical Student Research at the OU College of Medicine (COM).

As the Director of Medical Student Research, Dr. Riaz will lead the medical student research program. His role will include matching medical students from both OU and outside institutions with research projects. He will also organize research electives and preceptorships for medical students.

In April 2022, he was awarded the Aesculapian Teaching Award from the OU College of Medicine – the first ophthalmology faculty to ever receive this award since its inception in 1962. Dr Riaz was recognized for his outstanding mentorship of junior and senior medical students in research and in the clinic.

Dr. Riaz is passionate about resident and fellow education, especially in optics and refractive surgery. He is the Chief Editor of a recently released optics textbook, Optics for the New Millennium (Sept 2022), a comprehensive resource combining optics information needed for exams, clinical practice, and surgical preparation, presented in an engaging style.

VINAY A. SHAH, MD Vitreoretinal Specialist Clinical Professor

Thelma

Gaylord

DR. SHAH’S expertise includes managing patients with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and other complex issues of the retina. Dr. Shah manages a high-volume efficient clinic schedule, seeing patients at the Dean McGee Eye Institute’s (DMEI’s) Oklahoma Health Center and Lawton locations. Dr. Shah has a special interest in treating complex surgical retinal pathology.

DR. SIATKOWSKI sees both adults and pediatric patients at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI), while also seeing children at the DMEI satellite clinic at OU Children’s Physicians Building. His primary clinical interests include strabismus, abnormal eye movements, eye muscle surgery, retinopathy of prematurity, and neurologic diseases of the visual system.

Dr. Siatkowski is a member of the Academy of Teaching Scholars and serves on the Oklahoma Department of Health’s Children and Infant Advisory Committee. He is a former Director of the American Board of Ophthalmology, past President of both the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and the Christian Ophthalmology Society, and past Vice-Chair of the Residency Review Committee for Ophthalmology.

Dr. Siatkowski has received eight different teaching awards throughout his career, and has given dozens of invited lectures on five different continents. He has published over 185 peer-reviewed articles and has received grant support from the National Eye Institute for 24 of the last 26 years. Dr. Siatkowski is a recipient of a Presidential Professorship from the University of Oklahoma, the Life Achievement Honor Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Straatsma Award for Excellence in Resident Education. Dr. Siatkowski is a father of three and married to Dr. Rhea Siatkowski, a cornea and external disease specialist also in practice at DMEI.

Endowed

Chair in Ophthalmology Director of Retina Fellowship

Dr. Shah is considered one of the world’s experts in using technology in eye care. He moderates and lectures at courses regarding technology at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Dr. Shah is the co-developer of “Eye Handbook,” the most popular mobile application in eye care. He was the editor for the Retina Section for “EyeWiki” and has been honored with a Senior Achievement Award and a Secretariat Award by the AAO for his services.

Dr. Shah has authored over 70 peer-reviewed research publications and book chapters. He is an investigator for clinical trial studies with the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, and Harvard University, as well as various other studies related to diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Dr. Shah is the vitreoretinal fellowship director and is actively involved in ophthalmology residency and fellowship education. He was the recipient of the 2018 Edward and Thelma Gaylord Faculty Resident Teaching Award.

DR. SIATKOWSKI is a cornea, external disease, uveitis, cataract, conjunctival, and anterior segment ocular surgeon. After completing her medical degree at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University in New York, she completed her residency in ophthalmology and her cornea and external disease fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami.

Dr. Siatkowski manages an extremely busy clinic and surgery schedule to help restore vision to her patients.

Dr. Siatkowski’s practice is focused on Fuch’s dystrophy, corneal transplant, endothelial transplant, keratoprothesis, dry eye, severe ocular surface disease, autoimmune diseases, Sjogren’s syndrome, chemical injury, and ocular surface cancers.

For Dr. Siatkowski, restoring vision is what it is all about. The combination of basic and clinical research at the Institute gives her the very latest tools to combat corneal diseases. Her access to such ground-breaking technology and procedures, and her experience, has helped Dr. Siatkowski make the cornea/external disease program at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) one of the top-tier programs in the nation. Dr. Siatkowski is a mom of three and married to Dr. R. Michael Siatkowski, a pediatric and neuroophthalmologist also in practice at DMEI.

RHEA L. SIATKOWSKI, MD Cornea and External Disease Specialist Clinical Associate Professor Director of

R. MICHAEL SIATKOWSKI, MD, MBA Pediatric and Neuro-Ophthalmology

Chief Executive Officer – Dean McGee Eye Institute

Edward L. Gaylord Professor and Chair Department of Ophthalmology University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

Cornea Fellowship

DR. SKUTA is a glaucoma specialist, the David W. Parke II, MD Professor, a Vice Chair, and Regents’ Professor at the Dean McGee Eye Institute and in the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine’s (OUCOM’s) Department of Ophthalmology in Oklahoma City. He served as president, chief executive officer, and department chair from 2009 to early 2021. A native of Illinois, Dr. Skuta received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Illinois (U of I). He completed an ophthalmology residency at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he was chief resident, and a glaucoma fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami.

DR. TAN practices ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI). His focus is on patients with any periocular, lacrimal, or orbital disease. This includes inflammatory, oncologic, and trauma to the area around the eye as well as those looking for aesthetic and rejuvenative enhancements such as blepharoplasty (removal of excess eyelid skin), ptosis repair (droopy eyelid lifting), endoscopic forehead and brow lift, mid-face lift, lower eyelid fat removal, and injectables (Botox, fillers, etc). Dr. Tan sees patients at DMEI’s three Oklahoma City area clinics – the University of Oklahoma (OU) Health Sciences Center location; Northwest Oklahoma City; and Edmond.

GREGORY L. SKUTA, MD Glaucoma Past President and Chair David W. Parke II, MD Professor and Vice Chair Regents’ Professor

A contributor to more than 120 publications, book chapters, and educational products, Dr. Skuta has a particular research and clinical interest in surgical wound healing as well as glaucoma clinical trials. He has served as president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), American Glaucoma Society, and American Eye Study Club; as a director of the American Board of Ophthalmology; and on the Board of Governors of the World Glaucoma Association. Dr. Skuta currently serves as chair of the AAO’s Foundation Advisory Board, on the editorial board for the Journal of Glaucoma, and on the Board of Directors for the Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company and for the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research. Among Dr. Skuta’s honors and awards are Phi Beta Kappa, president of the U of I Varsity Men’s Glee Club, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, an AAO Life Achievement Honor Award, and the OUCOM Alumni Association Dean’s Award for Distinguished Medical Service. He and his wife, Anne, have three children, two children-in-law, and one granddaughter.

DR. WATTS is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Medicine. She completed her ophthalmology residency at UT Southwestern in Dallas, and practiced in Wichita Falls before moving back to Oklahoma to join the faculty at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI)/OU Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Watts sees adult patients for comprehensive eye care. Her practice includes evaluation and treatment of eye conditions such as dry eyes, diabetic eye exams, glaucoma, refractive errors, cataracts, and other ocular disorders.

DEANA S. WATTS, MD Comprehensive Ophthalmology Specialist Clinical Associate Professor

Dr. Watts’ primary role at the Dean McGee Eye Institute is supervising residents and overseeing their care of patients. This educational role is very rewarding and she is grateful for the opportunity to train future ophthalmologists.

Dr. Watts believes serving in the resident clinic is truly one of the best places to practice medicine, as the patient population is diverse and the patients often have significant and challenging medical needs. She has been the recipient of the Edward and Thelma Gaylord Faculty Resident Teaching award in 2002 and 2013. Dr. Watts is a mother of four and is married to Dr. Jeff Watts, a radiologist who is in private practice in Edmond.

JEREMY F. TAN, MD

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Eye and Facial Cosmetic Treatments

A native of New Jersey, Dr. Tan earned his undergraduate degree (major in ceramics and minor in biology) from the University of Delaware, where honors included summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and Phi Kappa Phi. He completed his medical studies at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, and his ophthalmology residency at DMEI/OU (during which he served as chief resident). He completed a twoyear ASOPRS fellowship in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery with Ophthalmic Surgeons and Consultants of Ohio in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Tan joined the DMEI/OU faculty in 2018.

Dr. Tan is a first-generation American, born of immigrant parents from the Philippines with ethnic roots in Southeastern China. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children and exploring the surprisingly diverse and thriving culinary scene in Oklahoma City.

DR. YANOVITCH focuses on pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, with special interests in amblyopia, eye muscle surgery, double vision, and children with special needs. She sees patients at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) and at OU Health’s Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Tulsa and earned her medical degree with high honors from the University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Medicine.

Dr. Yanovitch completed her ophthalmology residency at DMEI/ OU and her fellowship at Duke University, where she also served on the faculty before returning to join DMEI/OU.

Dr. Yanovitch received a 2019 M. Dewayne Andrews, MD Excellence in Teaching Award in Graduate Medical Education. She also has received an American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Achievement Award and AAO Secretariat Award. Dr. Yanovitch is an Oral Board Examiner. She is the director of medical student

DMEI/OU. Dr. Yanovitch is also Co-Associate Editor of the book, The Duke Manual of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Surgery, and serves as Associate Editor for the “Journal of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology

Clinical Assistant Professor

education at

and Strabismus.” She also is Vice President of the Learning Disabilities Committee for the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.

Dr. Yanovitch is a mother of one and married to Rob, PGA Golf Director at the Shangri-la Resort, Monkey Island, Grand Lake, Oklahoma.

TAMMY L. YANOVITCH, MD, MHS c Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Clinical Associate Professor Director of Medical Student Education

Jeanne Ann King

OU College Of Medicine 405-271-4113

Ashish Masih

Integris Neurology North 405-713-9930

David Mccoy Wilson Medical 405-467-4809

Salomi Salins

Integris Neurology North 405-713-9930

Salman Zubair

SSM Health Medical Group 405-815-5050

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

Susan L. Chambers

Integris Health Partners 405-936-1000

Darren Walter Goff

Mercy Clinic Ob/Gyn 405-242-4030

Monica S. Reid

OU Health Physicians –Women's Health Clinic 405-271-5239

Courtney Seacat

Integris Edmond Women's Health 405-657-3955

Misty Lynn Wayman

Center For Women's Health 405-755-7430

OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE

Jason M. Leinen

Fountain Park Medical Plaza 405-703-3611

ONCOLOGY

Bashar Alasad

Integris Cancer Institute At Southwest Medical Center 405-773-6400

Jess Franklin Armor

Mercy Clinic Oncology And Hematology 405-751-4343

Brian Geister

Integris Cancer Institute 405-773-6400

Sanjaykumar Hapani

Robert Reynolds Md PC 405-752-0871

Michael Joseph Keefer

Mercy Clinic Oncology And Hematology - Coletta 405-751-4343

David Lam

SSM Health Medical Group 405-228-7100

Romeo Mandanas

Integris Cancer Institute 405-773-6400

Namali Pierson

Norman Regional Health System 405-515-4644

Craig Lee Reitz

Mercy Clinic Oncology And Hematology 405-751-4343

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Andrew K. Bailey

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1093

Charles Bogie, III

Bogie Eye Care 405-528-8193

Reagan H. Bradford, Jr

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1092

Brian K. Firestone

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-7825

Ben J. Harvey

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1093

Ralph B Hester, III

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-9500

David W. Jackson

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-6060

Mahmoud A. Khaimi

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1093

Ronald M. Kingsley

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1092

Carolyn E. Kloek

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1090

Maria E. Lim

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1094

Andrew T. Melson

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1091

Amalia M. Miranda

Amalia Miranda MD 405-602-0002

Aman Mittal

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1095 Rising Stars

Annie Moreau

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1096

Sumit Kumar Nanda

Integris Health Partners 405-948-2020

Sayeda A. Nazir Rose Rock Ophthalmology 405-225-1305

James C. O'Brien Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1091

Anil D. Patel

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1091

Kamran M. Riaz Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1095

Steven R. Sarkisian Oklahoma Eye Surgeons 405-943-4413

Vinay A. Shah Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1092

Rhea L. Siatkowski

Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1095

Raymond Siatkowski

Integris Health Partners 405-271-1094

R. Michael Siatkowski Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-6060

Scott C. Sigler Edmond Eye Associates 405-348-9993

Gregory L. Skuta Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1093

Carl Sylvester Sylvester Eye Care & Aesthetics 405-716-4460

Deena Sylvester Sylvester Eye Care & Aesthetics 405-716-4460

Diana Tamboli Oculoplastic Surgeons Of Oklahoma PLLC 405-521-0041

Jeremy F. Tan OU Health 405-271-6060

Deana S. Watts Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1090

Tammy L. Yanovitch Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1094

Emily M. Zepeda Dean McGee Eye Institute 405-271-1094

Rising Stars

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Matthew Diesselhorst Integris Health Partners 405-463-3337

Timothy Geib SSM Health Medical Group 405-218-2530

JT Glomset Jt Glomset MD 405-885-8195

Kevin Wayne Hargrove Orthopedic SolutionsNeuroscience Specialists 405-513-8326

Robert F Hines Healthcare Partners Investments LLC 405-348-6004

Legacy

M. Brandon Johnson Oklahoma Sports Science And Orthopedics 405-424-5417

Mac E. Moore Oklahoma Shoulder & Knee Institute 405-692-3708

ORTHOPEDICS

David Bobb

Orthopaedic And Sports Medicine Center 405-364-7900

James L. Bond Ortho Central 405-360-6764

Paul A. Kammerlocher

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine 405-721-8090

Laura Luick OKFootMD 405-286-7837

Donald W. McGinnis McBride Orthopedic Hospital 405-230-9270

Vytautas Ringus Orthopaedic And Sports Medicine Center 405-364-7900

Austin L. Taylor McBride Orthopedic Hospital 405-230-9270

David C. Teague OU Health Physicians –Orthopedic Surgery Clinic 405-271-2663

Jeremy Woodson McBride Orthopedic Hospital 405-230-9270

OTOLARYNGOLOGY EAR NOSE THROAT

Wayne E. Berryhill

Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates LLC 405-364-2666

Jeffrey A. Buyten Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates LLC 405-364-2666

Keith Clark

SSM Health Medical Group 405-272-6027

Benjamin Collins

Integris Health Partners 405-759-7600

R Kent Dyer, Jr

SSM Health Medical Group 405-946-5563

Edward El Rassi

OU Health Physicians — Ear Nose & Throat Clinic 405-271-1368

J. Mark Gilchrist

Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates LLC 405-562-1810

John R. Houck, Jr University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center 405-271-5504

Greg A. Krempl

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center – Head & Neck Cancer Clinic 405-271-7559

Michael McGee Hough Ear Institute 405-946-5563

Wendy Mcconnell

Integris Ear Nose and Throat Clinic Yukon 405-494-9300

Kibwei A. Mckinney

OU Health Physicians — Ear Nose & Throat Clinic 405-271-1368

Christopher A. Paskowski Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates LLC 405-364-2666

Brandon W. Pierson Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates LLC 405-759-7600

Steven Craig Quattlebaum, II Mercy Clinic Ear Nose And Throat 405-757-3710

Gaylan D. Yates Oklahoma Spine Hospital 405-749-2766

PATHOLOGY

Apple N. Rice

The Pathology Group PC 888-912-7927

Michael Talbert University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center 405-271-2422

PEDIATRIC ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY

Bret R. Haymore Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic 405-235-0040

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

Andrew Tom Cave Children's Hospital At Oklahoma University Medical Center 405-271-4411

Elizabeth Makil Oklahoma Children's Hospital 405-271-4411

Arshid M. Mir Oklahoma Children's Hospital 405-271-4411

Aswathy K. Vaikom House Oklahoma Children's Hospital 405-271-4411

Kent E. Ward Oklahoma Children's Hospital 405-271-4411

PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY

David Domek Integris Health 405-945-4525

David P. Sparling Oklahoma Children's Hospital 405-271-3303

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY

John E. Grunow

OU Children's Physicians 405-271-6549

Candaca M. Marshall Oklahoma Children's Hospital 405-271-6549

Sirish Palle Oklahoma Children's Hospital 405-271-6549

Marilyn Steele OU College of Medicine 405-271-6549

PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGYONCOLOGY

Hanumantha R. Pokala Oklahoma Children's Hospital 405-271-4412

PEDIATRIC ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

Andy Sullivan

OU Health Physicians –Children's Orthopedic Surgery 405-271-2669

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Darryl D. Robinson

Darryl D Robinson MD 405-703-4950

David Sharrah

Surgical Hospital Of Oklahoma 405-634-9300

PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY

Hillary S. Lawrence Integris Health Partners 405-285-8823

Thomas R. Lewis

OU Health Physicians –Children's Orthopedic Surgery 405-271-2669

William Puffinbarger

OU Health Physicians –Children's Orthopedic Surgery 405-271-2669

PEDIATRIC OTALARYNGOLOGY ENT

G Paul Digoy

Pediatric ENT Of Oklahoma 405-608-8833

Elena Woodson

Pediatric ENT Of Oklahoma 405-608-8833

PEDIATRIC RADIATION ONCOLOGY

John Han-Chih Chang

Oklahoma Proton Center 405-454-7978

PEDIATRIC

SURGERY

Dominic Frimberger

OU Health Physicians –Children's Urology 405-271-3800

Jeremy Johnson

OU Health Physicians –Children's General & Plastic Surgery 405-271-4357

P Cameron Mantor

OU Health Physicians –Children's General & Plastic Surgery 405-271-4357

Nikola Puffinbarger

OU Health Physicians –Children's General & Plastic Surgery 405-271-4357

Alejandro Ruiz-Elizalde

OU Health Physicians –Children's General & Plastic Surgery 405-271-4357

PEDIATRICS GENERAL

PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST/ ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT MEDICINE

Amy B. Middleman

Oklahoma Children's Hospital — Adolescent Medicine Clinic 405-271-6208

PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST/ NEONATALPERINATAL MEDICINE

Morris Gessouroun

Oklahoma Children's Hospital 405-271-4700

Timothy F. Krous

Integris Health Partners 405-513-8880

Charles Anthony Leveridge Northwest Pediatrics of Oklahoma City 405-755-2230

PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

Rita Hancock

PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Joseph Davey

OU Health Physicians –Children's Orthopedic Surgery 405-271-2669

Kris Sekar

OU Health Physicians –Pediatric Specialties 405-271-4211

Trent E. Tipple

OU College of Medicine 405-271-5215

Rita Hancock MD 405-900-5300

PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Stephen Gauthier

Gauthier Plastic Surgery 405-286-5606

Robert A. Hein

Robert A Hein MD 405-286-4333

Tim R. Love

Love Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics 405-751-5683

Oscar Masters Masters Plastic Surgery 405-288-4513

Kamal T. Sawan Sawan Surgical Aesthetics 405-451-1202

Derek Shadid Shadid Plastic Surgery Associates 405-212-4881

Quang Tu

The Plastic Surgery Center of Oklahoma 405-636-7220

PODIATRY

Christopher J. Green

Foot & Ankle Surgeons of Oklahoma 405-418-4500

Lance Hardison

Advanced Foot & Ankle Clinic 405-751-6152

Benjamin Harkess Oklahoma Heart Hospital 405-608-3800

Christopher Seat Oklahoma Foot & Ankle Treatment Center 405-949-1800

PSYCHIATRY

Melanie Barrett

Life Stance Health 405-378-2727

Rachel J. Dalthorp

Life Stance Health 405-378-2727

Jennifer Morris Edmond Psychiatric Associates 405-285-2260

Britta Ostermeyer

OU Health Physicians — Psychiatry Clinic 405-271-5251

PULMONOLOGY

Matthew Britt Integris Health Partners 405-753-6200

Mark Thad Godish Mercy Clinic Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine 405-755-4290

Azhar Khan Integris Health Partners 405-947-3347

John Kingrey Integris Pulmonary Hypertension Center 405-553-0580

Shoab A. Nazir Breathe Oklahoma 405-757-0150

Christopher Parker SSM Health Medical Group 405-772-4400

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Christina Henson OU Health 405-271-3016

RADIOLOGY

Ryan Trojan Integris Health Partners 405-945-4740

William B. Vanlandingham

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center – Interventional Radiology Clinic 405-271-1632

Karl Hansen OU Health Physicians –Reproductive Medicine 405-271-1616

David Kallenberger Integris Bennett Fertility 405-945-4701

RHEUMATOLOGY

Eliza Chakravarty SSM Health Medical Group 405-271-7805

John Goetzinger

Rheumatology Associates Of Oklahoma 405-608-8060

Fahed Hamadeh SSM Health Medical Group 405-272-4953

Latisha Heinlen Integris Health Partners 405-608-8060

Amanda Titus Rheumatology Associates Of Oklahoma 405-608-8060

SLEEP MEDICINE

Norman K. Imes Imes Sleep Services 405-600-1210

Kellie R. Jones OU College of Medicine 405-271-6173

SPINE SURGERY

Brett Braly

Oklahoma Sports Science and Orthopedics 405-419-2980

Scott De La Garza SSM Health Medical Group 405-218-2530

Robert J. Wienecke

Neuroscience Specialists PC 405-748-3300

SPORTS MEDICINE

Steven D. Coupens

OSSO South 405-419-5511

SURGICAL ONCOLOGY

William C. Dooley

OU Health Physicians –General Surgery Clinic 405-271-1400

Barish H. Edil

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center – Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinic 405-271-1632

Ajay Jain

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine 405-271-7912

UROGYNECOLOGY

Benjamin Barenberg

Optimal Health Associates 405-715-4496

UROLOGY

Aaron F. Benham

Urology Associates INC 405-749-9655

Ashley Bennett Bowen

Ashley Bennett Bowen MD 405-749-9655

Michael S. Cookson

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center – Prostate & Urologic Cancer Clinic 405-271-4088

Brian Cross

Jonathan E. Heinlen

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center – Prostate & Urologic Cancer Clinic 405-271-4088

Johnny Hickson, III Integris Health Partners 405-749-9655

Jared Higley Integris Health Partners 405-943-1137

Michael Holzer

Integris Health Partners 405-943-1137

Brian Alan Link Mercy Clinic Urology 405-749-4230

J Samuel Little, Jr Urology Associates INC 405-749-9655

William J. Miller Integris Health Partners 405-943-1137

Sanjay G. Patel

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center – Prostate & Urologic Cancer Clinic 405-271-4088

Mohammad Ramadan

SSM Health Medical Group 405-772-4533

EN Scott Samara Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute Kidney And Pancreas Division 405-943-1137

Kelly L. Stratton

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center 405-271-1112

VASCULAR SURGERY

Joshua L. Gierman

OU Health Physicians –General Surgery Clinic 405-271-14

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY

LaTasha B. Craig OU Physicians Reproductive Medicine 405-271-1616

Michael R Hahn, II SSM Health Medical Group 405-979-7875

Lance C. Smith

Lance Smith Spine 405-486-6950

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center – Prostate & Urologic Cancer Clinic 405-271-4088

James Furr

OU Health Physicians –Urology Clinic 405-271-6452

Lenny D. Stubbs Oklahoma Heart Hospital 405-608-3800

Rodney Edwards Oklahoma Children's Hospital 405-271-5400

Nimish Parekh Northwest Obstetrics and Gynecology 405-943-6288

Noel Williams, MD FACOG

GYNECOLOGIST

After almost 30 years in business, Dr. Noel Williams at Optimal Health Associates has truly found his purpose - to care for patients. He focuses on kindness to patients and team members at Optimal Health Associates, a practice focused on gynecology, hormone therapy, sexual wellness, and health and wellness options for men and women.

“By using the latest scientific advancements available in the world for diagnosis and treatment, we focus on rehabilitating patients using their own healing properties,” Williams said.

As a large specialty clinic, Optimal Health is uniquely positioned to provide technologies and therapeutic modalities in-house, which is otherwise impossible for traditional medical practices.

“Dr. Williams and his team have provided me with the best care I have ever received within the medical community,” said one patient. “They work in tandem to ensure accuracy in treatment and diagnosis. Another unique quality is their desire to treat the whole person.”

Williams earned his B.A. in Philosophy from Emory University in Atlanta. He then went on to graduate from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He completed his internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center. He then completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City.

Noel Williams, MD FACOG

GYNECOLOGIST

After almost 30 years in business, Dr. Noel Williams at Optimal Health Associates has truly found his purpose - to care for patients. He focuses on kindness to patients and team members at Optimal Health Associates, a practice focused on gynecology, hormone therapy, sexual wellness, and health and wellness options for men and women.

“By using the latest scientific advancements available in the world for diagnosis and treatment, we focus on rehabilitating patients using their own healing properties,” Williams said.

As a large specialty clinic, Optimal Health is uniquely positioned to provide technologies and therapeutic modalities in-house, which is otherwise impossible for traditional medical practices.

“Dr. Williams and his team have provided me with the best care I have ever received within the medical community,” said one patient. “They work in tandem to ensure accuracy in treatment and diagnosis. Another unique quality is their desire to treat the whole person.”

Williams earned his B.A. in Philosophy from Emory University in Atlanta. He then went on to graduate from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He completed his internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center. He then completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City.

Brett Braly, MD

ORTHOPEDIC SPINE SURGEON

The Spine Clinic of Oklahoma City, 9800 Broadway Extension, is a state-of-the-art practice dedicated to high-quality patient care in spinal medicine. The clinic’s founder, Dr. Brett Braly, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and a leading advocate for the practice of minimally invasive techniques in spine surgery. After attending medical school at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Braly completed his residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and spine fellowship training at Emory University.

The staff at The Spine Clinic are committed to delivering outstanding care to every patient, every time. The team prides themselves on providing clinical efficiency for patients during these unprecedented times.

Braly is passionately committed to advancing the science of spine care and has presided over numerous FDA-approved clinical trials as a principal investigator. As an earnest supporter of evidence- and value based care, Braly serves as a physician educator and contributor worldwide. In an effort to bring awareness to new advances in medicine that will benefit patients around the globe, Braly has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and presented at several national and international spine conventions.

Braly notes the most rewarding aspects of being an orthopedic spine surgeon are narrowing down the root cause of pain or neurologic deficit, confirming the diagnosis, and devising the most effective and least invasive way to treat the problem. Braly says, “Our goal is to help patients achieve the quality of life to which they were accustomed.”

Surgery is not always the answer. Quality rehabilitation, precision pain management techniques, low-profile segmental spinal fixation, robotic spine surgery, and minimally invasive techniques all are epic gains that have transformed the world of spine in the 21st century. Combining leading-edge tools and techniques, Braly delivers an unwavering commitment to individualized patient treatment plans all while emphasizing the importance of empathy in patient care. Braly states, “We put the patient first in everything we do, because we know that is the key to providing the best quality healthcare available.”

Robert Unsell, MD ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Dr. Robert Unsell specializes in orthopedic surgery of the hand and wrist, including the surgical repair of traumatic and degenerative injuries. A native of southern California, Dr. Unsell joined OSSO in 1997 and currently serves as the medical director for the Community Hospital Hand Therapy Center.

After graduating from Loma Linda School of Medicine, Unsell spent more than a decade serving at Loma Linda in several positions, including the Assistant Professor of Orthopedics as well as the Assistant Director of the Hand Fellowship Program. He has been involved with the training of 35 hand fellows, 15 of whom now hold academic teaching positions. Unsell was also the Director of Replant Services while at Loma Linda University and has replanted everything from the thumb of an 18-monthold to the complete arm of a 70-year-old.

Unsell said he feels blessed to be in Oklahoma and in a position to minister to the health and wellbeing of others. Loma Linda Universities’ motto is “to make man whole.” This principle has guided Unsell in his many years of practice. As a surgeon, he feels his job is not merely treating symptoms but treating the whole person. Patients’ personal goals; vocational, recreational and others play an important role in his decision-making, helping guide what will be best for each and every patient..

Brandon Johnson, MD

Brandon Johnson, MD

ARTHROSCOPIC HIP SURGERY

ARTHROSCOPIC HIP SURGERY

For patients of The Hip Clinic, hip surgery doesn’t have to mean hip replacement. With more than 2,000 hip procedures under his belt, Dr. Brandon Johnson offers minimally invasive arthroscopic outpatient procedures to preserve the hip joint, rather than replace it.

“One of the common misconceptions I hear from patients is the assumption that hip surgery is hip replacement,” he said. “The mission of The Hip Clinic is to preserve the hip joint through proper diagnosis and treatment.”

Hip arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure in which a camera is utilized along with small instruments to repair the hip joint. Johnson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has pursued specialty arthroscopic training.

“I’m from the metro area, and I saw there was a need for patients here to have the option for hip preservation, rather than the only option being hip replacement surgery,” he said.

Johnson has patients ranging in age from 12 to 80, but the most common complaints are groin pain when sitting or persistent tenderness and pain on the outside of the hip. He said many patients come to him having been previously misdiagnosed.

“Unfortunately, nearly all my patients have been told they have arthritis or need a hip replacement, or they have simply been told nothing is wrong,” he said. “The truth is they haven’t seen a qualified hip specialist to give them the proper diagnosis.”

Johnson is the only Oklahoma surgeon who is a member of the International Society of Hip Arthroscopy. Members must have extensive arthroscopic hip training and demonstrate expertise in practice.

The clinic is located at 9800 Broadway Extension, Suite 203 in Oklahoma City. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 405.424.5417.

Matt M. Diesselhorst, MD

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

Dr. Matt M. Diesselhorst founded Diesselhorst Sports & Orthopedics in the spring of 2020 with the goal of providing his patients a more personalized, modern, solo practice option for orthopedic care. Dr. Diesselhorst and his team set themselves apart in an orthopedic market that’s known for large group or hospitalaffiliated practices.

“Being a solo practice allows us to keep our focus patient-centered and outcome driven with prompt access to the clinic and our services,” Diesselhorst said. “We have an amazing staff that helps keep the patient experience welcoming and individualized.” We have recently added John Lazenby, PAC to our practice who is from small town Glencoe, Oklahoma.

The clinic, located at 10914 Hefner Pointe Dr, Suite 200 in Oklahoma City, treats “any patient at any age who wants to stay active!” Dr. Diesselhorst’s practice includes Orthopedic fracture care (adult and pediatric), Joint Replacement, and Biologics, but with a special focus on Orthopedic Sports Medicine and the care of athletes. He has advanced training in Arthroscopic Surgery of the Shoulder, Knee, and Hip (Labrum Repair, FAI, Preservation).

Dr. Diesselhorst was raised in rural Northwest Oklahoma, completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma, and earned his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma, College of Medicine. He completed his residency at the OU Health Sciences Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation. He then completed advanced training in Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine at the Lake Tahoe Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship.

Dr. Diesselhorst is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine. He is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon with a Subspecialty Certification in Orthopedic Sports Medicine.

“GET GAME DAY READY!!” with Diesselhorst Sports & Orthopedics.

Namali Pierson, MD

HEMATOLOGY / ONCOLOGY

At Norman Regional Oncology, Dr. Namali Pierson treats her patients like family members as they embark on a cancer treatment path.

“One of my favorite aspects of my job is getting to know my wonderful patients and their supportive family members, and being there for them every step of the way,” she said.

Pierson sees patients with a wide variety of benign blood disorders, as well as cancer diagnoses, and strives to provide excellent service. Her hope is to provide evidence-based, compassionate care to all of her patients. Her goal is to give all of her patients the support they need during the course of their treatment.

Her warm and welcoming demeanor builds trust with patients, and her experience puts them at ease.

“Dr. Pierson is wonderfully knowledgeable, engaging, and attentive. I feel quite confident about her recommendations and appreciate her knowledge about my particular situation,” one patient said. “I’d be pleased to recommend her to others.”

She received her Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Biology and English at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. She then worked as a Research Fellow in a cancer research lab at Harvard Medical School in Boston for two years before starting medical school at the University of Oklahoma. She completed her residency and fellowship at the University of Oklahoma and the Stephenson Cancer Center.

She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology.

James Bond, MD ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY

Dr. James Bond at Ortho Central specializes in rotator cuff repair, total joint replacement of the shoulder, sports-related injuries, arthroscopic surgery, cartilage restoration and surgical fracture care.

He aims not to be an international man of mystery, but to be a trusted, respected resource for his patients in the Norman Regional Health System.

After receiving his medical degree from the University Of Oklahoma College Of Medicine, he completed his residency at the OU Health Sciences Center and his sports medicine fellowship at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute. He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery with a subspecialty certification in Orthopedic Sports Medicine.

He published the first paper on the graft jacket augment for irreparable rotator cuff tears and brought arthroscopic shoulder surgery to the Oklahoma City area.

Bond, known as the singing surgeon, said his bedside manner is the most important part of his job. The importance of listening to patients cannot be underestimated.

“Listening to the patient allows me to see if I can help the patient and provides valuable information just as important as that of any MRI or X-ray,” he said. “I want to provide my patient with a positive experience and believe you have to encourage, motivate and approach every patient with optimism.”

“I want all my patients to feel like they were provided the best care possible and to be confident they had the best orthopedic surgeon,” Bond said.

Dr. Bond received the Dr. R. McKinley Williams Award for Special Distinction, awarded to the top graduating medical student at the OU School of Medicine. He also received the Marmor Award for Outstanding Orthopedic Resident and Fellow at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute.

Brant Bennett, MD

WOUND CARE

Bennett, MD CARE

For ten years, Dr. Brant Bennett has provided exemplary service to patients at Norman Regional’s Oklahoma Wound Center, the Oklahoma City community and the region. A native Oklahoman, Dr. Bennett attended the University of Oklahoma for his undergraduate studies then medical school. He is a Certified Wound Specialist Physician who provides Comprehensive Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy with a focus on Diabetic Limb Salvage. He also serves as Medical Director for the Oklahoma Wound Center at Norman Regional HealthPlex.

Dr. Bennett insists there are many strengths that support every patient at the wound center in Norman in all the phases of their care. The experienced physicians diagnose causes behind skin breakdown, prescribe treatments and coordinate with other specialists to address underlying issues. Administrators make sure the doors are open and providers have everything they need to provide exceptional patient care. Center staff ‘healers’ care for patients during and between visits. Facility maintenance and other support staff make sure patients have a clean, safe, comfortable place for treatment.

Wounds can get worse quickly. Pain, infection, hospitalization, amputation and worrying about worsening wounds can be debilitating. Dr. Bennett’s goals for wound center care are to “keep small problems small” and empower patients so they can heal with confidence and recognize progress as it happens. Besides a thorough initial evaluation, inquiry is encouraged through informative discussion. Communication is encouraged at all times.

Dr. Bennett sees wounds as a result of many stresses on the body. Your body must have the extra resources available for wounds to close. Dr. Bennett focuses on collaboration “with patients to set goals and communicate to make sure we see progress at each visit. You are treated like family.” There are many advanced treatment options in the wound center: hyperbaric oxygen, skin grafts, negative pressure dressings and skin protectants that keep dressings on longer to work better and make removal easier.

An important part of communication is listening. This is what we hear from patients. “Dr. Bennett is professional and caring.” “Dr. Bennett thoroughly explains everything to you.” “Dr. Bennett is the best!”

Archana Gautam, MD

Dr. Archana Gautam emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle in combating cardiovascular diseases.

“Cardiovascular disease has been and continues to be one of the largest drivers of mortality in Oklahoma,” Gautam said. “Norman Heart and Vascular has proven results and outcomes in assisting patients with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

Gautam is a board-certified interventional cardiologist, and her practice includes all aspects of cardiology, including limb salvage, peripheral vascular disease, vein clinic, and numerous structural heart procedures. “In my practice, I work with anyone needing cardiovascular care and who is also looking for help optimizing their overall health and wellness,” she said.

In addition to her board certification in interventional cardiology, Gautam is also board certified in cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography and nuclear medicine. She completed a residency and fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and she serves now as the Department Chairman of Cardiology and the Medical Director of the Chest Pain Center.

Gautam has a special interest in women’s cardiovascular health, and cites a long list of professional women who have contributed to her career and to the success of the Norman Regional Health System.

“Norman Regional Health System has an inclusion and diversity committee that is focused on supporting diversity in our health system and the patient care we provide here and throughout the region,” Gautam said. “We provide care to patients from all over Oklahoma and even in neighboring states.”

Svein Holsaeter, MD Timothy Eldridge, MD

GENERAL SURGERY

At SSM St. Anthony, Dr. Svein “Matti” Holsaeter and Dr. Timothy Eldridge have combined their decades of expertise to provide patients with compassionate and competent care for a variety of medical needs. Located at 608 NW 9th Street, Suite 6200 in Oklahoma City, SSM St. Anthony is a center of excellence for 405 residents in need of surgical care.

For three decades, Dr. Holsaeter has practiced surgery with a focus on colon, gastrointestinal, gallbladder, mininally invasive laparoscopic, lap band procedures for weight loss, hernia and thyroid surgeries. Dr. Holsaeter is originally from Norway and received his medical degree from Eberhardt Karls University in Germany and completed his residency at Texas Tech University of Health Sciences Center. Dr. Holsaeter also served in the 654th Medical Group at Tinker Air Force Base. He is a Fellow with the American College of Surgeons and is fluent in German, Norwegian and English.

Dr. Eldridge focuses on hernia repair, laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery, gallbladder, robotic assisted surgery and surgical oncology. He was born in Chicago and grew up in the Midwest. After graduating summa cum laude with degrees in biology and philosophy at Wittenberg University in Ohio, he attended medical school at Georgetown University and graduated with honors. Completed residency at Wright State University in Dayton, OH and fellowship in surgical endoscopy at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Eldridge also served with the 49th med group at Holloman AirForce Base in New Mexico. He is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Association and other professional and charitable organizations.

Scott de la Garza, MD & Tim Geib, MD

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY | SPORTS MEDICINE

The local past runs deep with two physicians, Dr. Tim Geib and Dr. Scott de la Garza. Proud graduates and former All-State athletes from Edmond Memorial High School, both trained together at the University of Oklahoma and have spent their entire private practice careers as partners since the founding and earliest days of the Oklahoma Sports and Orthopedic Institute (OSOI). That time together has spanned more than two decades in one of the most iconic hospitals in the 405: SSM Health Bone & Joint Hospital at St. Anthony.

“It has always been a privilege to operate in the same rooms and with some of the same people as past giants of this profession, such as the late J. Pat Evans,” Dr. de la Garza said. “The experiences from residency that have evolved into lasting interactions with former mentors and current attending surgeons are priceless. It is truly a unique place.”

Presently, Dr. Geib and Dr. de la Garza are considered veterans within SSM Health Bone & Joint | OSOI. Over the years, the group has coalesced into an established practice of accomplished and highly decorated clinicians

and surgeons. Dr. de la Garza maintains an adult reconstructive spine practice exclusively at the Midtown campus where he previously served as the chairman of the orthopedic department for more than a decade. Dr. Geib commands a mature orthopedic sports practice at multiple locations, caring for athletes of all ages as well as serving as the team physician for several high schools, collegiate programs and professional teams.

“I truly enjoy practicing orthopedics and have met and worked with some amazing people,” said Dr. Geib. “I credit my family, mentors, clinic and operating room team with a vital role in my success. I’m impressed with the outreach of my practice. Over the years, I’ve had many patients coming from out of state or internationally to be seen and treated by my clinic.”

In 2020, SSM Health and OSOI entered into a formal partnership to form SSM Health Bone & Joint | OSOI. The result of that arrangement has been an unqualified success, sustaining and continually providing an environment of superior care, commitment to resident education and physician engagement.

Anu Bajaj, MD

PLASTIC SURGEON

If there’s one name synonymous with plastic surgery in the 405 metro, it’s Dr. Anureet Bajaj. Bajaj is a highly respected plastic surgeon who is widely recognized for her breast surgery and reconstruction skills. Her cosmetic surgery expertise also includes body sculpting, facial surgery, and other minimally invasive procedures.

At Bajaj Plastic Surgery, 8106 N. May Ave, Suite B, Bajaj and her team provide patients with a warm, welcoming office environment which builds trust and confidence. Her caring team works together to create an atmosphere designed to foster lasting lifelong relationships. They guide patients throughout their journey and take care of them from consultation through the recovery process.

“A successful outcome following surgery takes both of us - the physician and the patient - to work together,” she said. “I’m driven and passionate about that process and that path to success.”

Patients describe Bajaj’s bedside manner as friendly, approachable, fun, quirky and curious. She understands each patient has a story to tell, and that it’s important to listen.

She understands that it is important to listen to each patient’s unique story to gain perspective towards their desired outcome.

“Understanding our patients’ stories is essential to establishing a surgeon-patient relationship bound by trust and respect,” she said. “Life is about the relationships we build - and what I enjoy about my patients is those relationships.”

Bajaj believes in ‘thoughtful plastic surgery.’ She takes great care to examine every aspect of her patients’ journey—from beginning to end—and is continually thinking of ways to make their journeys exciting and comfortable.

Consultations include an in-depth and meaningful conversation, education, expectations, a physical examination, and the beginning of a lasting relationship. Bajaj wants to know each patient’s goals and lifestyle so she can form a personalized plan to satisfy their desires. Once a patient chooses to have surgery, she strives to ensure they have a seamless experience so they can focus on the process of recovery and living life.

Steven R. Sarkisian, Jr., MD

FOUNDER AND CEO OF OKLAHOMA EYE SURGEONS, PLLC

The mission of OES is for every patient to feel well-loved and to serve each one with excellence, grace, and compassion. Dr. Sarkisian is dedicated to helping his patients be free of glasses after cataract surgery. He is also committed to innovation in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) by being active in over 30 clinical trials.

He was the first surgeon in Oklahoma to implant the PanOptix trifocal lens. He was also the first surgeon in the state to perform the iStent, iStent Inject, iStent Infinite, Hydrus, Xen Gel Stent, Trab-Ex, SION, and canaloplasty. He was the first surgeon in the USA to use the OMNI device, and the first in the world to use the TRAB360 and VISCO360 surgical systems, the predicate devices to the OMNI.

Dr. Sarkisian is the former director of the glaucoma service and fellowship at the Dean McGee Eye Institute and former Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City.

Dr. Sarkisian obtained his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College, outside Chicago, IL, received a Certificate in Christian Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA and completed a residency in Ophthalmology at the State University of New York (SUNY Downstate) in Brooklyn, NY. After a fellowship in glaucoma surgery at UT Memphis, he was on faculty there for two years before being recruited by OU.

Due to his involvement in the development of new glaucoma technology, he has been active in presenting and publishing his work both in America and internationally. He co-authored the book “Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, a Practical Guide.”

Dr. Sarkisian currently serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and also on the Editorial Board of Glaucoma Today, Ophthalmology Management, and Glaucoma Physician.

Dr. Sarkisian is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He and his wife Anne have four children and reside in Edmond.

Clayton Nelson, MD

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Clayton Nelson, MD ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Dr. Clayton Nelson utilizes advanced surgical procedures to restore flexibility, movement and comfort to patients with hand and upper extremity injury or disease. He founded his practice, Oklahoma Hand, during his time as an orthopedic resident at the University of Oklahoma. It developed out of a desire to provide patients with accurate and reliable information regarding their hand and upper extremity conditions.

“We work as a team to bring the newest and most innovative techniques in Hand and Upper Extremity surgery to Oklahoma to provide the best patient outcomes possible,” Nelson said.

Nelson completed his undergraduate degree at Oklahoma State University and attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma, where he also had his orthopedic residency. He completed a fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremity at the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center and had advanced training in microsurgical techniques and wrist arthroscopy under world-renowned plastic surgeons in Madrid, Spain.

He enjoys working with his patients to understand their needs and expectations in order to offer multiple options to help restore form and function to their upper extremity, so they can return to the activities they enjoy.

“We provide in-office procedures that limit the need for anesthesia, including carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release and more,” he said. “There are many advantages to having procedures done within the office using local anesthetic techniques compared to a traditional operating room setting.”

He is a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the American Association for Hand Surgery and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery.

CardioVascular Health Clinic

atients visiting the CardioVascular Health Clinic in Oklahoma City receive a level of care and treatment options not easily found elsewhere in Oklahoma due to the team’s diverse medical training and breadth of expertise. The clinic has gained national recognition for improvements in non-invasive Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) treatment, which has helped shield patients from the trauma of amputation. Each clinic physician specializes in a unique area of cardiovascular or vascular care.

The CardioVascular Health Clinic also specializes in providing medical healthcare access which is limited in many rural communities. For this reason, satellite clinics were opened in eleven cities and towns across the state. Their belief is that no one with a cardiac issue should have to make a three-hour roundtrip commute for a routine follow-up exam.

Several CardioVascular Health Clinic providers are members of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the American College of Physicians. Each physician is a board-certified expert in his or

her field and has accreditations affiliated with his or her area of specialization.

The CardioVascular Health Clinic staff includes four cardiologists, two vascular surgeons, and an interventional radiologist, each with a diverse background and a board-certified expert in their field with accreditations affiliated with their area of specialization.

The defining principle of CardioVascular Health Clinic is innovation. Doctors nationwide travel to Oklahoma City, to study many of the new ground-breaking procedures practiced at the clinic. The clinic often performs non-invasive procedures, where the patient can go home the same day. Ten years ago, that same procedure would have required extensive surgery and multiple weeks of recovery.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to healthcare. Therefore, the clinic’s work is inspired by, and focused upon, the needs of its patients. The doctor-patient relationship should be a true collaboration where both parties strive for the same thing – the patient’s improved health and quality of life.

Jeremy F. Tan, MD Thai Do, MD PLASTIC SURGERY

TWhen the signs of aging, stress, or sun damage appear, the oculofacial plastic surgeons at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) –Jeremy F. Tan, MD and Thai Do, MD – can help reverse the effects. According to Dr. Do, “oculoplastic surgeons have specialized training in eyelid and facial anatomy to develop the surgical finesse necessary to treat complex conditions around the eyes.” Common cosmetic procedures performed by the team at DMEI include blepharoplasty (removal of excess eyelid skin), ptosis repair (droopy eyelid lifting), endoscopic forehead and brow lift, mid-face lift, lower eyelid fat removal, and injectables (Botox, fillers, etc).

“We strive for natural-looking results,” states Dr. Tan. “The best compliment we receive from patients after they heal from surgery is that their friends and family tell them they look well rested.”

Maria E. Lim, MD Tammy L. Yanovitch, MD, MHSc OPTHAMOLOGY

The Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) is committed to serving all Oklahomans and the global community through excellence and leadership in patient care, education, and vision research.

DMEI pediatric ophthalmologists, Maria E. Lim, MD and Tammy L. Yanovitch, MD, MHSc, bring a level of expertise and care to their pediatric patients that often exceeds the caregivers’ expectations.

Dr. Lim’s professional affiliations include the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and Women in Ophthalmology. A graduate from Duke University pediatric ophthalmology fellowship, she believes in comprehensive pediatric care and in taking a playful demeanor with children to make them comfortable. “I provide resources necessary to empower parents in making the best decision for their child’s complete eye care,” Lim said.

Dr. Yanovitch has over fifteen years of clinical experience and recently published a book on pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus. “I love interacting with kids and enjoy incorporating play into my exams. I have a special interest in children with dyslexia and developmental delays,” Yanovitch said.

Morgan Pollard, MD

INTERVENTIONAL PAIN

At Align Interventional Pain, Dr. Morgan Pollard helps 405 residents live their lives pain-free. Offering minimally invasive spine and orthopedic procedures, Align treats anyone dealing with back pain, knee pain, nerve pain and more.

Dr. Pollard is born and raised in Oklahoma. She left the state to attend Baylor University and compete on the women’s golf team. She returned for medical school at the University of Oklahoma before her anesthesiology residency and subsequent interventional pain fellowship training took her to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She says, “Mayo is an incredible place to train under world-class physicians utilizing the newest advancements in medicine.” She was especially impressed with the primary value of the Clinic, “the needs of the patient come first.” After completing her training in 2020, she moved back home to manage her private practice. She states, “I’m grateful to take care of Oklahomans and I hope to alleviate pain by putting my patients first, in both safety and outcomes.”

Interventional pain is a field which utilizes minimally invasive procedures to optimize a patient’s function and improve pain. Dr. Pollard and her team are thorough in evaluating patients and developing a treatment plan to target the source of pain.

“Dr. Pollard and her entire staff are wonderful,” one patient said. “This is a doctor who actually listens to what is going on. Great experience and finally getting some relief.”

With offices in Edmond and Enid, Pollard and her team work together to serve patients across the 405 metro.

EDMOND OFFICE: 405.906.4020 ENID OFFICE: 580.242.7030

Kevin Hargrove, MD

Hargrove, MD

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Kevin Hargrove, M.D., is a board certified, orthopedic surgeon who is fellowship trained in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. Born and raised in Jenks, Oklahoma, he received his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Oklahoma State University before going on to obtain his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

After completing his residency at the University of Oklahoma, he traveled to Germany to complete fellowship training with Dr. Oestern in Celle and Mainz as part of the AO International Trauma and Sports Fellowship. He then completed further fellowship training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery with the nationally recognized, research-based, private practice Tuckahoe Orthopedics in Richmond, Virginia. In 1994, Dr. Hargrove moved back to Oklahoma with his family, where he has since been in practice.

During his career, Dr. Hargrove has served as a team physician at all levels. From 2004-2018, he served as the team physician for the United States Softball team and was privileged to travel to Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympics as a US Olympic physician. He is currently the team physician for Oklahoma Christian School and continues to work with various local and national athletes at all levels.

In addition to his medical work, he is a board member of the Jim Thorpe Association and on the selection committee for the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. He and his wife are active members of Crossings Community Church, where they attend. When taking time to relax, you will find him gardening, biking, supporting the OU Football team, or spending time with his family and grandchildren who affectionately call him “Doc”.

Shea Charbeneau, DPM PODIATRIC SURGERY

Shea Charbeneau, DPM is a board-certified podiatric surgeon who joined Orthopedic Solutions in 2021. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology from Oklahoma State University before obtaining her doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. Following graduation, she completed a three year podiatric medicine and surgery residency through Cleveland Clinic and Surgical Hospital of Oklahoma. She specializes in foot and ankle surgery including bunions, hammertoes, lateral ankle stabilizations, and foot and ankle arthritis.

A native of Edmond, she first became interested in podiatry after sustaining her own ankle injury while playing soccer in high school. When not seeing patients, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, bass fishing and hunting, exercising, biking, and spending as much time as she can outdoors.

Scrumptious

Savor From Scratch

BY GREG HORTON PHOTOS BY LEXI HOEBING

THE UNEXPECTED THING ABOUT getting nominated for a James Beard Award is that once the chaos passes, you’re still left to do the same things that got you the nomination in the first place: open, prep, cook, tear down, clean up, order, stock, etc. It’s work. That’s fine with Chef Zach Hutton of Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails at 605 NW 28th St. in the Paseo Arts District; he’s been a hard worker since childhood, which is especially fortunate since the name of the restaurant isn’t a gimmick — the team makes virtually everything from scratch.

“Home cooking was a mandatory way of life

in my family,” Hutton said. “We grew, caught, shot or raised nearly everything we ate.”

The family hub was at his maternal grandparents’ home in Apache, where the table usually held chicken, pork, deer, quail, dove, catfish, bass or crappie. Game and fish were staples in their diets, a common option in rural communities. His grandparents canned vegetables, made chowchow and tended a garden that is still around today.

“My mother moved into the old house after my grandparents died about six years ago,” he said. “Everyone in the family contributed

James Beard nominee Zach Hutton keeps making locally sourced marvels

Sweet tea brined fried chicken

to my love of cooking, but my grandparents were my biggest influence. My mom is still tending their garden.”

Oddly enough, sitting down for a meal at Scratch will make you believe that there is a difference between a chef who loves gardening and one who doesn’t. Vegetables, greens and starches end up on nearly every plate at every restaurant, but it’s rare to find chefs who treat them with the same care and attention given to the proteins or “stars” of the dish. It’s no exaggeration to say that Hutton’s black-eyed peas may be the greatest version you’ll ever taste. They are so flavorful and so hearty that a bowl of the peas would be enough for you to leave happy.

Honestly, that would be an option if you asked for it, and why wouldn’t you?

Beyond that dish, though, the menu is a reflection of everything Hutton — and Ben, his twin brother and sous chef — loved as kids, interpreted by a very talented chef who is committed to slow food. Ninety-five percent of the products at Scratch come from Oklahoma, and a sizable percentage come from central Oklahoma. In fact, Hutton and his wife, Kayla Hutton — who handles front of house and the bar program — are fixtures at farmers markets around the city, beginning in Paseo. From there, sourcing goes in concentric circles, trying to get products from places as close to the restaurant as possible.

The commitment to slow food comes with some problems, sourcing in times of supply chain disruptions being one. Another is confusion among guests about why something isn’t being replaced, or why the order is taking longer than they’re used

to. Making things from scratch takes time — more time than people usually wait in fast casual restaurants. And Hutton won’t replace an ingredient with something that’s easier to procure or wasn’t part of the dish to begin with; if it’s gone, the dish is eighty-sixed. It’s a commitment to an ethos that people prize from a distance more often than from a table in the restaurant … but educating people about food, sourcing and the value of being local is a passion for Hutton.

To help with the wait, Kayla Hutton’s bar program — a collaboration between front and back of house where even the chefs can contribute a recipe — features creative craft cocktails as well as solid classics, a good wine list and plenty of local brews. Having a cocktail or glass of wine after you place your order makes the wait a little easier to manage, and so does an appetizer. Right

now, that’s Benjamin Lee bison (out of Sayre, Oklahoma) tartare or delicious deviled eggs.

Hutton does a large-scale menu change every six months, and on the seasonal changes between, he makes tweaks. That includes the brunch menu; get the waffle of the day! Everything is fresh, and he’s happy to tell you where everything was sourced, a list that includes Prairie Earth Gardens (OKC), Prairie Creek Farms (Kellyville), Schwab’s (OKC), Snyder Farms (Prague), etc. The transparency is refreshing, and eating where so much local is supported is an easy yes. That the food, including the No Name Ranch short rib burger, is among the best the state has to offer makes it an even easier yes.

Starting Fresh With Fish

Eat healthier by making salmon a staple in the new year

BY GREG HORTON

THE NEW YEAR IS HERE, AND THE plan is — of course — to eat healthier, at least for a few weeks. The transition from indulgent eating to healthy eating is hard; fat, salt and red meat are a hard combo to top flavor-wise, so the goal should be to find something hearty, flavorful and healthy-ish … and let’s stick with -ish for now. It will likely not be a surprise that salmon fills the void, and restaurants across the metro from fast casual to fine dining serve it up in a variety of creative, delicious ways.

Bee Healthy Cafe (beehealthycafe.com) recently opened its 10th location, this one downtown in City Place at the old Coolgreens spot. The menu at Bee Healthy, even when it was Health Nut Cafe, has always been filled with healthy-ish and outright healthy options. Try the wild Alaska salmon, available as a quinoa bowl with parmesan, onions, tomatoes, spinach and chipotle vinaigrette. No one will judge you if you get a cup of the delicious coconut curry stew on the side.

On the other end of the healthy spectrum, salmon-wise, is the cornbread salmon at The Hamilton Supperette and Lounge (12232 N. May Ave., OKC). Served with toasted pecans and a cornbread crumble, the beurre blanc takes it over the top, so to speak, but you can limit the damage by getting the sauce on the side or subbing it for something healthier. The broccolini that accompanies it guarantees you’re definitely on the right track.

Smoked salmon offers another variation that, salt aside, makes for a nice, light meal with some relatively healthy accouterments, including endives, capers, onions and mustard. We’ll just tell ourselves the bread on the side is in very small pieces. The Metro Wine Bar & Bistro (6418 N. Western Ave., OKC) has one of the best smoked salmon dishes in the 405 and a phenomenal wine list to accompany it. McClintock Saloon and Chop House (2227 Exchange Ave., OKC) has a great one, too, served with sriracha

honey, and you’ll be able to pair it beautifully with one of its hundreds of whiskeys.

The Thai curry salmon at Cafe 501 (501 S. Boulevard, Edmond) keeps it light but comes with a punch of delicious lime and coconut curry. The bok choy and charred red peppers amp up the flavor and nutrients, and it’s served over jasmine rice. The curry is rich and deeply satisfying but never overwhelms the salmon.

If the one you love is always wanting steak — it happens — salmon can be a much better option at a steakhouse for hitting your goals. Mahogany (mahoganyprimesteakhouse.com) is still the premier steakhouse in the city, and it has excellent seafood on its menu, including a delicious North Coast salmon. It comes with a citrus beurre blanc, so again, probably best on the side or subbed out.

The organic salmon at Scratch - Norman (132 W. Main St., Norman) comes with risotto, so you’ll have to make a choice here. Hopefully it’s your cheat day, because who says no to risotto? The salmon is pan seared and served with fresh lemon, paprika oil and Brussels sprouts, as well as the aforementioned parmesan risotto.

Iron Star (3700 N. Shartel Ave., OKC) has never gotten the love it deserves, and its salmon is a perfect example of how the nonbarbecue items are treated with the same care reserved for the smoked meats. The grilled Atlantic salmon comes with avocado-lime butter, so the first two cancel out the butter part, and then you get two sides. While you’re going to want the mac ‘n’ cheese and corn pudding, you’re trying to be good, and fortunately, the collard greens are fantastic.

North Coast salmon at Mahogany

Welcome to Woodworks

Britton District’s newest distillery has released its first batches

BY GREG HORTON

PHOTO PROVIDED

Woodworks has cocktail recipes featuring its line of spirits

THE IDEA BEHIND WOODworks Distilling Company — the state’s newest distillery — actually began in Columbus, Ohio, the year David Wood dropped his son at Ohio State University.

“I visited Watershed Distilling in Columbus and fell in love with the process and the experience,” Wood said.

Wood, whose mother founded Jean Barnes Bookstore, worked at the bookstore starting in 1990, and then purchased the store from his parents in 1996. He joined the family business after working as a sales manager for a large liquor distributor. After more than a decade in retail and publishing, he went back to work at an alcoholic beverage distributor, which closed in 2017.

“When Action closed, I had to decide what my next step was,” he said. “I felt like I’d reached a point in my career where the next step was to work for myself, and I wanted to know how to pursue my long-term passion for craft in Oklahoma. Brewing was doing great, but it seemed to be plateauing in Oklahoma; and I love vinifera grapes, but they won’t grow in Oklahoma.”

Distilling offered the most possibility, even as it has the most restrictive legal limitations when it comes to business development. Wood started raising capital as soon as the name and logo were decided. Then COVID slowed that process dramatically.

“We were clipping along until COVID, and then we got nothing for about 14 months,” Wood said. “About 16 months ago, something shifted, and everyone was interested again.”

Once the funding was secured, Wood leased the old Ritz Theater at 912 W. Britton Road and began converting it to a distillery and tasting room. The next step was hiring staff, and he turned to another industry veteran, Greg Seal, to assume front-of-house manager duties. For his distiller, he chose David Alexander, an experienced distiller with experience in Louisiana and California. Alexander also completed a

training program at the oddly named but very prestigious Moonshine University, a program designed for start-ups like Woodworks.

On Dec. 5, the company released its first batches of two gins and a vodka. The first two gins are a traditional dry style and a Western gin — typically a designation for new American gins that reduce the impact of juniper by increasing the number and percentage of other botanicals. The juniper remains the main ingredient, but as a subtext, not a drumbeat.

This month, Woodworks will distill and barrel a batch of the dry gin for a barrel-aged spirit using either Maker’s Mark or Woodford barrels. Wood said he won’t know which barrels they will get until they arrive.

A Preface Series of whiskeys — sourced from another distillery — is also available and includes a rye and bourbon. Both whiskeys will also go into barrel for a 2-year and a 4-year aged whiskey in February, the month when Woodworks Persimmon Liqueur and a walnut liqueur called Nocino will be released.

On-site sales began the second week of December, and the array of offerings will expand as legal and service issues are resolved.

“Our flights can only be three ounces total per person per day,” Wood said. “That’s a legal issue, and there is nothing we can do about the lack of parity between breweries and wineries in the state versus what distilleries are allowed to do.”

In fact, Wood has been in discussion with other distilleries to resurrect a distiller’s guild in the state to help lobby for more parity. That process is in the nascent stage, but more details will emerge this year as the number of distilleries increases statewide.

While there won’t be a restaurant or food truck on site, Woodworks has already nailed down the food by partnering with local concepts that are neighbors in the Britton District, like Venn Pizza and Zero Tolerance Coffee and Chocolate. Britton’s boom continues.

C O M M U N I T Y

T H R O U G H B E E R

This hospitality group exists as a result of friendships that were created with a cold, craft beer in hand.

While the beer was hardly ever the main topic of conversation, it was always the catalyst as a conversation starter as we dove into deeper topics. Our concepts are built around the same idea. It is our sincere hope that the person across from you is the best feature in the building.

THE PATRIARCH

An All-American craft beer bar in a 110 yearold house with 48 taps to choose from.

Craft cocktails, craft beer, 100 wines, & cigar lounge.

SOCIAL CAPITAL

120 craft beers, killer cocktails, & a rooftop patio overlooking Scissortail Park.

THE JOINERY

4 floors of funPerfect for a night out, a round of golf, or large private events.

THE STANDARD

Norman's familyfriendly neighborhood beer garden with fried chicken & plenty of craft beer.

Excellent Edmond Eats

10 north metro restaurants you need to try now

BY GREG HORTON

EDMOND OCCASIONALLY SERVES as the punchline to local jokes, and residents tend to accept it as good fun. In terms of its food scene, though, very few areas of the city have improved as dramatically as our northern neighbor over the past decade. We should all know about Boulevard, Cafe Evoke, Signature Grill and Neighborhood Jam, but Edmond’s international food options have expanded pretty much under the radar, so it’s time that we took the city seriously as a food destination. Here are 10 Edmond Restaurants You Need to Try Now.

Birdie’s Fried Chicken, 2201 NW 150th St.

Chef Kevin Lee’s Korean fried chicken joint is a welcome local addition in an ocean of chains. The fried boneless thighs are the star, but so is the banana pudding dessert. The full bar is excellent and features tons of options from Guthrie-based Wanderfolk Spirits.

Jerusalem Mediterranean Cuisine, 38 E. 15th St.

The owners take a more comprehensive approach to their Mediterranean menu, including items from the Levant, Greece, Turkey and Iran. It’s the rare place in the metro where you’ll find chicken tawook (Turkish skewers), while the more familiar items like labneh, hummus, fatoosh and kabobs are all excellent.

Lemongrass Modern Thai, 253 S. Santa Fe Ave.

This has been a popular spot with Edmondites for years, but it doesn’t get

the love it deserves from the rest of the city. The lemongrass chicken fried rice is a house specialty, but the traditional curries and pad thai are equally well done.

Los 3 Tapatios Taqueria, 630 S. Broadway Ave. The Mexican (not Tex-Mex) food scene in Edmond has shown remarkable improvement, and this taqueria is one of the reasons. From mulitas to tacos to sopes and tortas, you’ll find delicious, traditional regional Mexican food in the heart of town.

Matachines Authentic Mexican Food, 180 W. 15th St.

The south Edmond taqueria is a bit of a surprise for people who think all the traditional taquerias are south of NW 10th Street. For the unadventurous eater, they have some Americanized and Tex-Mex items, but the heart of the restaurant is the traditional menu, featuring delicious mulitas, tacos and breakfast items like huevos con chorizo.

Mt. Everest Cuisines, 1169 E. 2nd St. It’s tucked into a shopping center at E. 2nd Street and Blackwelder Avenue, so you’ll have to look for it, but you’ll be glad you did. The curried goat is exceptional, as is the tamarind chutney. The food includes a mixture of items from the Indian subcontinent, with an emphasis on Nepal. It’s close enough to Indian

food that the menu is easy to navigate for most diners.

Pho Bulous , 3409 S. Broadway Ave.

Like tacos and hummus, pho can be found all over the metro now, and this pho joint has been a popular choice with locals since it opened. It’s a no-frills approach to pho, with delicious, flavorful stocks and fresh ingredients.

Simply Falafel , 343 S. Blackwelder Ave.

Yes, the falafel is good, as it should be given that it’s in the name — but there is much else to love with this Syrian take on eastern Mediterranean food. The lamb is excellent, as are the kafta, kibbi and dolmas.

Zambrano’s Peruvian Cuisine, 308 W. Edmond Rd.

You should definitely have a pisco sour while you’re here, but the food is the real draw.

It’s straightforwardly traditional Peruvian cuisine, from the ceviche to the lomo saltado, and it’s excellent. One of the best new additions to the metro, in fact.

Zarate’s Latin & Mexican Grill, 706 S. Broadway Ave.

The menu here is very eclectic, including items from Mexico, the Caribbean, Venezuela, Peru and Central America, among others. The Puerto Rican food is a nice touch, as it’s difficult to find items like mofongo elsewhere in the metro.

Pho Bulous

CULTURE

Turning Tables into TikToks

Clinton Avery Tharp makes playful viral videos of refurbishing furniture. p. 94

Garden Glow Up

Japanese gardeners traveled to OKC to restore the Science Museum’s Kyoto Garden

BY MATT KIROUAC

DESPITE BEING SOME 6,500 MILES apart, the link between Oklahoma City and Kyoto has never been stronger. That’s thanks to the restored Kyoto Garden at Science Museum Oklahoma, whose zen-like grounds underwent a recent renewal by master gardeners from the Japanese metropolis known for its serene gardens.

The museum’s Kyoto Garden first blossomed in 1985. It was designed and paid for by the Kyoto government and presided over by master gardeners who created it in Japan and brought it over to the U.S. for a month-long build-out. Now, for the first time in nearly 40 years, the tranquil gardens have undergone a full restoration to create a peaceful display of unity between two international cities.

According to Barry Fox, gardens and grounds manager of Science Museum Oklahoma, the purpose of the garden is to show the partnership between Oklahoma’s sister state of Kyoto, Japan, a prefecture whose

gardens entranced SMO founder John Kirkpatrick. “The museum’s goal for the garden is to share gardening techniques from another culture and to connect the museum’s guests with nature through gardening,” said Fox. He collaborated with the Japanese America Society of Oklahoma, a nonprofit organization that promotes cultural, educational and social relationships between Japan and Oklahoma, and acted as interpreters for Fox and the government of Kyoto Prefecture. “It was amazing that, despite not sharing a verbal language, we were all able to communicate through hard work.”

The goals for the Kyoto Garden 2.0 were not only to restore it to its original glory, but to enhance the grounds entirely. A series of financial woes and par-for-the-course severe Oklahoma weather had resulted in disarray

for the original garden; as Fox recalled, upon his hiring in 2014, the section was mostly weeds and debris hidden behind stockade fencing. His mission was to restore it and breathe fresh life into a space of pure potential, and the process got underway in 2021.

Kyoto Prefecture flew four master gardeners — Hideuki Noma, Kenzo Ohira, Tatsuya Maruhashi and Ryuta Yamada — to Oklahoma City for the restoration, which Fox said took four days in late October and came together with the help of volunteers. “We worked very hard,” he said. “We busted tail and did what we needed to be done. Most days it felt like doing a weekend project with friends. At the end of the day, everyone knew that we all shared the same vision, to restore the garden, and that we all were willing to do the work.”

That work entailed restoring the Kyoto Garden to its initial beauty and design with matching plant material, statues and walkways through raked stone to illustrate a symbol of enduring friendship between Oklahoma and Kyoto. The garden holds Bloodgood and Crimson Queen Japanese maples, heavenly bamboo and red-tip photinias. The gravel has been replaced, and the entrance is new, but the heart and soul of the original garden blooms anew. “Being designed and restored by Kyoto master gardeners, the Kyoto Garden at Science Museum Oklahoma is true to the Kyoto style,” Fox said. “The garden is a very peaceful place to relax and experience Japan in Oklahoma City.”

Four master gardeners from Kyoto Prefecture spent four days replanting life in one of the Science Museum’s core gardens.

Trust is everything.

Protect your wealth with advisors you can count on. Safeguard what is important to you by starting a conversation with a trusted advisor who understands your values. Together, we will discuss growth strategies and create a realistic financial plan to empower your future.

Achieve With Athletics

Join a local sports league to reach goals while scoring goals

BY JAKE DURHAM

MANY OF US UNDERSTAND THE IMPORtance of an active lifestyle — the older we get, the more important it becomes. Exercise is imperative in keeping us strong, reducing the risk of disease, preventing some cancers, reducing blood pressure, preventing stroke and maintaining cognitive function.

So why do many of us stop? Even those of us who played sports when we were younger are likely to stop being active. We are not unskilled at procrastination and justification, so it should not be a surprise that adults often use an array of excuses for not exercising. These include health issues and a cited lack of time, interest and access to certain activities. The most significant drop-off in extracurricular activity is after age 26, according to a 2015 poll by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard Chan School.

Team sports can be a great way to break the monotonous routine of daily life and become more active. More impor-

tantly, team sports have the same benefits for adults as children. They can provide adults with an outlet for exercise, a boost of confidence and motivation and a means of social interaction.

Throughout the year, various individual and team activities for youth and adults are available through the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department. Flag football, futsal, soccer and volleyball are offered to give adolescents the fundamentals of competitive play. Basketball, baseball and softball are structured for either youth or adults. “Our most popular sports are adult softball, OKC Dodgers Rookie League (youth baseball) and our 405 Soccer Club,” said Kelly Young, the department’s recreation program coordinator. Additional sports include tennis, co-ed baseball and pickleball. Youth registrations for spring baseball and soccer, as well as the pickleball camp, end in mid-February. Adult winter competitive and recreational basketball leagues are open for registration until Jan. 3 and 4 respectively, and registrations for most spring adult leagues are open until February and March.

Oklahoma Sports and Social Organization (OSSO) runs leagues in bowling,

basketball, cornhole, volleyball, kickball and more. The company focuses on “bringing people together” through year-round social and recreational sports, according to its website. Costs are generally low, and OSSO provides everything from venues to uniforms. Participants can expect a minimal amount of equipment necessary for any given sport.

SoccerCity OKC offers leagues, competitions, camps, clinics and practice sessions for soccer and other sports with an indoor facility of more than 71,000 square feet. The space features FieldTurf infill surface and a full-length tempered glass sideline, ideal for spectators from any angle. Score OKC, an Edmond-based multipurpose complex, offers courts for basketball, futsal and volleyball in addition to an indoor soccer field. After the complex’s winter season, leagues and tournaments for all of its offered sports will start again in the spring.

Other locations across the 405 offer an array of adult and youth team sporting activities. These include Let’s Play Soccer leagues; Scissortail Park youth leagues in flag football and soccer and an adult volleyball league; and the Edmond Parks and Recreation Department partnership leagues in tennis, softball, lacrosse, soccer and flag football. When deciding to join a team, it’s worth researching cost, equipment required, upcoming spring schedules and registration information to make sure you’re all set for sporting action.

For more information about Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Sports, visit okc. gov/departments/about-okc-parks and teamsideline.com/sites/okc/home. Information for OSSO may be found at okc.ossosports. com, SoccerCity OKC at soccercityokcity. com/leagues/league-info, and Score OKC at scoreokc.com/edmond-sport-leagues.

Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation holds both adult and youth recreational leagues for numerous sports, such as basketball and baseball.

Behind the Music City

Enjoying Nashville with all the senses

BY GREG HORTON

FOR TOO MANY PEOPLE, NASHVILLE’S STORY tends to begin and end with “Music City” references and discussions about how the flatbed party trucks (called barges by locals) are affecting downtown business along Music Row. The truth is, like many cities, there are many stories happening in Nashville, most of which have nothing to do with Music Row. Tucked into a bend of the Cumberland River, downtown Nashville is the heart of the city, but much of what is great about this city lies outside downtown. While it can be a sports destination — Vanderbilt Commodores, Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators — it’s also an increasingly important food city thanks to Chef Maneet Chauhaun, Chef Sean Brock and a plethora of James Beard awards and nominations. Nashville is also home to art galleries, fascinating landmarks like the full-scale replica of the Parthenon, independent music creators … and yes, Goo Goo Clusters.

Nashville can be a destination city not just for music, but sports, food and art.

The Four Seasons hotel in downtown Nashville serves stunning skyline and river views.

Where to Stay

For one of the most spectacular views of the city, Nashville’s 21c Museum Hotel features rooftop suites and a bar that provide a stunning panorama of downtown and the Cumberland River. As with all 21cs, the hotel also features a large gallery space with a portion of the company’s modern art collection on display, as well as a modern American restaurant with excellent food at Gray & Dudley.

The newly opened Four Seasons offers a luxury experience of the city just a block from Broadway. Many of the rooms provide floor-to-ceiling windows with gorgeous views of downtown and the river, plus its location guarantees easy access to all the nightlife you want.

Where to Play

Chris Blair opened The Listening Room Cafe in 2006, and it’s since become one of the city’s top venues, with acclaimed singer-songwriters performing live music in a setting that includes delicious food and drinks. Nashville is a magnet

city for musicians, songwriters and singers, with a much-deserved reputation for great music everywhere; The Listening Room is one of the main contributors to the culture.

Nashville used to be the place to stay if you were planning to visit the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in nearby Lynchburg — which is still a great idea — but now the city has its own collection of stellar distilleries, and Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is a standout. The pre-Prohibition distillery is a family-owned operation that produces excellent whiskey and fantastic stories, thanks to Charlie Nelson. Tours and tastings are Monday through Friday.

The National Museum of African American Music opened in 2021 right on Broadway as a brilliant example of what a modern museum ought to be: interactive, truthful, informative and committed to a great mission. In this case, it’s the preservation of more than 50 genres and styles of music that were “created, influenced and/or inspired by African Americans.”

Where to Eat and Drink

Located in the historic Germantown neighborhood, Chef Julia Sullivan’s oyster bar and vegetableforward concept Henrietta Red isn’t a vegetarian restaurant, but it does take vegetables seriously, making them the star of several dishes. The food, like the interior, is simple, lovely and fresh. The bar turns out excellent craft and classic cocktails in a casual setting.

If you’re going to try Nashville hot chicken, Aqui Hines’ 400 Degrees might be the best introduction. Fans of deep-fat-fried chicken will love the restaurant’s emphasis on fried, not just hot, chicken, but the warning is in the name. If you order the hottest level, remember: You asked for it.

Peninsula is a small spot — under 40 seats — but if you can get a reservation, you’ll be treated to delicious specialties from the Iberian Peninsula, including octopus, Spanish toast and stellar vegetable-forward dishes. It’s not an easy reservation to get, so call well in advance of your trip.

The new National Museum of African American Music preserves more than 50 genres that were create and shaped by African Americans.

Oyster bar Henrietta Red is a vegetable-forward spot in the Germantown neighborhood.

Furnishings and ‘Flaboomba!’

Inside the furniture-flipping world of viral refurbisher Clinton Avery Tharp

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

“VINTAGE CHAIR. VINTAGE velvet, with a vintage stain. How are you going to clean that?” So begins another sing-song, humorous and informative video by Clinton Avery Tharp, social media’s self-proclaimed “furniture scientist” who is constantly finding, fixing up and flipping furniture. (The answer for that velvet, by the way, is Windex.)

With enlightening and entertaining

posts, Tharp has amassed more than a million followers (979,000 on TikTok and 154,000 on Instagram) and national media attention from BuzzFeed, The New York Times and HGTV producers. These days, you’ll find Tharp and his wife working in their new shop, Main Street Vintage, in Purcell. We recently caught up with him to discuss his delightful videos and rise to fame.

Clinton Avery Tharp was a gigging musician before the pandemic prompted him to turn to TikTok.

When did you start creating videos and posting to social media?

Okay, so I’m not sure if you’ve heard of COVID-19, but it’s this virus that occurred.

I was a heavily gigging musician at the time and relied on that for a lot for my income, but I was also flipping furniture on the side.

When COVID hit, I couldn’t play gigs, but I still wanted everybody’s attention — that’s kind of

how I felt inside — so I started making some content on TikTok and just having fun with it.

How did you develop a niche in DIY furniture comedy (as you call it)?

The very first video I did in the furniture space was about how to move a dresser by yourself. It’s just like, you know, what you might think: You pull all the drawers out, and

you position yourself and the dresser in some way — whatever. I just put a few little funny things in there, and that video got 5,000 views in a day. I was like, “Wow, that’s really cool. I’m gonna keep going this route. So what’s the best trick I know right now?” And the best trick I knew at the time was removing the skirt off a sofa to reveal the modern legs. So I made a video about that, and that exploded overnight. The next day, I had just shy of a million views.

In your videos, you may use a “grabamadoodle” to restyle the furniture and “quabruple” your investment — which calls for a celebratory “Flabooma!” Tell me about your unique choice of words.

A lot of those words, the way they would happen is I’ll start editing the video, and then for the voiceover, I’ll just take a dry run at it, like, “Alright, I’m gonna just watch this video and start talking while I’m watching it to see what comes out.” And, you know, a lot of times your stream of consciousness throws you some curveballs.

Why do you love flipping furniture?

Oh, there’s so many components to that. I love being able to see the fruits of your labor quickly. I don’t think I’d have the patience for house flipping, or the wallet for that. I love being able to take something and make it new or make it look a little bit better, to pull that diamond out of the rough and put it in a new scene so people can see its full potential. And then when it comes to the selling aspect, it’s like playing Texas Hold ‘em. You have to gamble. You buy a piece of furniture and think, “I can sell this to make money on it.” So, whenever you do make that money, you get a little rush.

I’m just so super grateful that I even have had the opportunity to let my creativity out and do what I want to do with it — and for it to bring me some success.

can find Tharp on Instagram and TikTok @clintonaverytharp

You

Tharp’s trademark surreal humor pairs well with his sensible DIY tips.

A Window on the West

Celebrating ‘The Cowboy,’ an OKC treasure

BY LINDA MILLER

AFTER A DECADE OF PLANNING, fundraising, construction and delays, the longawaited dedication of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center became a reality on June 26, 1965. It made sense that Western actor John Wayne would be front and center at the festivities.

He was an avid supporter of the museum who, five years earlier, had used a branding iron to burn a W into a wooden concrete form at the

building site. The museum sought to honor and reflect on the many different people who shaped and were shaped by the American West, and to many, the characters Wayne portrayed in his movies represented their strength and grit.

In the early 1950s, Missouri businessman Chester A. Reynolds was concerned about the preservation of the United States’ Western heritage. He envisioned an institution to recognize this unique period in history and initiated a campaign asking cities for site proposals. Oklahoma City was selected, in part because of its central location, proximity to the Chisholm Trail and donation of property on Persimmon Hill.

The building design featured a modern look with a roof of white peaks that mimicked tents on the prairie. Groundbreaking happened in 1958, and just as the city could see progress, the team ran out of funds in 1961. Revenue bonds were sold through a newly formed trust, and construction picked up again in 1964.

After opening, major acquisitions continued along with the annual Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale of historical and contemporary Western pieces. But the ’80s brought discord to the internal team. Moving the museum to the west side of the city was even suggested. Change did come with reorganization of the board of directors and expansion of board membership, a resolution of financial issues and an aggressive building campaign between 1991 and 1997.

Now known as the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, or The Cowboy as it likes to call itself, the world-class institution has expanded its size and focus to include several digital halls of fame, partnerships, events, galleries, exhibits, educational and children’s programs and a research center, along with yearly events to celebrate the nation’s Western history.

The Cowboy is also the new permanent home of the Professional Bull Riders Hall of Fame with an unveiling in spring 2023 in the museum’s American Rodeo Gallery, to be expanded soon after.

Actor John Wayne and parade queen Neva Butler at the opening of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center in 1965.

The pitched roof lines of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Center were designed to mimic tents on the prairie.

Showcases and galleries include exquisite art by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, a replica of a turn-of-thecentury small cattle town, rare and historic firearms, artifacts of cowboy and rodeo culture and history and Native American art and historical objects. Outside is the museum’s hands-on learning area Liichokoshkomo’, which is named after a phrase meaning “let’s play” in Chickasaw. The 2.3-acre space is meant to tell the stories of many groups of people that traversed the West, such as a rodeo arena that tells the history of Mexican vaqueros, and seven Native structures including Puebloan cliff dwellings and a Caddo grass lodge.

The popular Western Performers Gallery features an extensive collection of objects and mementos from actors and entertainers who depicted and played up the West in film, TV, literature and popular culture. There’s a saddle purchased by Will Rogers at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, a hat worn by Tom Selleck in Quigley Down Under and engraved revolvers from Dale Robertson’s TV series “Tales of Wells Fargo.”

Wayne is represented, too. Along with personal art items and movie memorabilia in the gallery, there’s a bronze statue of him near the front of the museum. He was a member of the board of trustees from 1968 until his death in 1979. The museum received the John Wayne Collection in 1979.

“He believed in the Western culture and the people who founded our country, and he believed in those values,” said Anita LaCava Swift, Wayne’s granddaughter, to The Oklahoman in 2010. “He thought it was really important to have a place where those values could be shared with and shown to many generations.”

Building Readers Book by Book

Oklahoma County and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library work to foster young literacy

BY JAKE DURHAM

THERE IS NO OTHER FEELING like picking up a book. Reading informs and empowers us. It can take us on adventures to new worlds and tap into the depths of our imagination. Imagination fosters creativity, and without it comes a lack of innovation. Imagination leads to discovery, new ideas and understanding.

According to a 2020 Gallup analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education, an estimated 54% of Americans between the ages of 16 and 74 read below a sixth-grade level. The department defines literacy as the ability to use written material, which includes both reading and writing, to “function in society, to achieve one’s goals and to develop one’s knowledge and potential.” Illiteracy can stem from limited schooling, or from having a learning disability or difficult living conditions such as poverty.

Sponsoring education and encouraging children to read at a young age is one of the most effective means of ending illiteracy, and Oklahoma City Public Schools and the Metropolitan Library System have partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to bring books to young Oklahoma County readers.

The country star launched the program in 1995 to foster learning and reading by providing one free book every month for each registered child from as early as their

birth until their 5th birthday. Now, any family with young children living at least part-time in Oklahoma County is eligible for the program. If statewide enrollment reaches 60% within three years, Parton will visit Oklahoma.

The Dollywood Foundation and local nonprofit partnerships share the program’s funding, and the partnerships operate the program at a local level. “In Oklahoma County, the program has three different sponsors,” said Laura Sikes, director of Imagination Library of Oklahoma. “Midwest City, Del City, Luther and Jones are sponsored by private family foundations. For the remainder of the greater OKC area within Oklahoma County, the sponsor is the Metropolitan Library System, Friends of the Library and the Library Trust.” Affiliates may elect to host fundraising events for the program.

In May 2022, the Oklahoma Department of Education announced that it would match local funds for the program statewide using $2.5 million in COVID relief money, likely until 2024. “An important takeaway is that the program can only succeed long-term with ongoing local support,” Sikes said. “It costs a little over $26 per child per year to provide the program, which covers the cost of printing and shipping the books.”

The state education department and OKCPS are enthusiastic about how the program can serve Oklahoman children. “This program benefits OKCPS and all school systems in Oklahoma County by helping children receive reading materials at home and aims to improve literacy skills,” said Heather Zeoli, the director of development and volunteer services at the Metropolitan Library System.

One of the challenges of the pandemic has been that students were often found deficient in state-required reading and comprehension. “There has been a national decline in school readiness among children since 2020,” Zeoli said. “This program will help prepare more Oklahoma children for school, and it helps connect families with reading by using resources from their local public library.”

Spectacular! OKC’s reopened @myriadgardens with poinsettias everywhere was wonderful. My nephew (43) said it’s his first visit to a botanical garden! What?!” @KARENLEEALEX

King’

KERWIN MOORE, @KERWIN_MOORE