Recent News

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

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

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

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

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

Hillcrest hosts Black Men in White Coats youth summit

Hillcrest HealthCare System hosted the first Black Men in White Coats youth summit in Tulsa on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. Around 200 Tulsa Public Schools students participated in the event on the University of Tulsa campus, where they went through clinical rounds, networked with providers and learned about the importance of minorities in the health care industry.

KOTV - News on 6 covered our event. Click here to view the story.

Practicing CPR and learning how to properly insert a breathing tube are just a few of the hands-on activities hundreds of Tulsa Public School... Read More »

Utica Park Clinic offers Burmese translation for medical services

Pheng Cing, APRN-CNP, specializes in family medicine and speaks fluent Burmese, Zomi, Zo and English. Along with Cing Taithul, business relations liaison, Pheng provides a unique service to assist Burmese and Zomi speakers who need medical care. Pheng and Cing shared their stories with KOTV - News on 6. Click here to view their story.

Utica Park Clinic is trying to meet the needs of the large population of Zomi and Burmese people now living in Tulsa.

The hospital is now providing a translator and a nurse practitioner who speak the language and can guide these families... Read More »

Device first used at OHI receives FDA approval

A device used for the first time in the world by cardiologists at Oklahoma Heart Institute, part of Hillcrest Medical Center, has now received authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Edwards PASCAL Precision system is used in the treatment of severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) in patients who are high-risk for surgery. The device, with its independent grasping, atraumatic clasp and closure, and ability to elongate, enables safe and effective treatment for patients with DMR, according to Edwards Lifesciences Corporation.

The FDA approval... Read More »

Hillcrest employee shares breast cancer diagnosis journey

Jennifer Haught gained a new perspective and appreciation for her work family, albeit in less-than ideal circumstances.

In July 2022, Haught, Utica Park Clinic (UPC) practice manager for gastroenterology and hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery, had her regularly scheduled 3D mammogram inside the Leta M. Chapman Breast Center located at Hillcrest Medical Center (HMC). Just a few days later, Haught was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.

“I became highly emotional and... Read More »

Mammogram Q&A with Clint Merritt, M.D.

Early detection is important when it comes to breast cancer. Clint Merritt, M.D., co-medical director of breast care with Utica Park Clinic, answers some common mammogram questions.

• What is the recommended age for annual mammogram screenings in Oklahoma?

Patients are recommended to begin annual screening mammography at the age of 40. Patients with known genetic-related risk, or those with significant family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic cancers or malignant melanoma, should have a personal breast cancer risk evaluation performed to see if they need breast... Read More »

What to do if ... you have a head injury

Head injuries can occur a variety of ways. Perri Craven, M.D., medical director at Kaiser Rehabilitation Center at Hillcrest Medical Center, gives advice on what to do if you or someone near you experiences a head injury.

• What do you need to know about a head injury?

A head or brain injury is a result of a bump, fall or blow to the head. Brain injuries are more complicated than a concussion, and may have other related injuries, such as fractures or strains. The two most common causes of brain injury are motor vehicle accidents and falls. Concussions are a mild form of... Read More »

Why do I have a rapid heartbeat after COVID?

By Tyler Ellington, D.O.

Cardiology, Oklahoma Heart Institute – Owasso

People who have recently been ill with COVID-19 commonly complain of heartbeats that are faster than normal. This can be due to several factors.

One important consideration is timing. Rapid heartbeat a day or two after fever could be caused by dehydration and will be expected to improve with an increase of fluid intake. In the weeks after recovering from COVID infection, some patients notice rapid heart rates at rest. These are most commonly found to be normal rhythms from the heart’s... Read More »

Why am I so tired after COVID?

By Amrit Dockery, D.O. Family medicine, Utica Park Clinic - Owasso

Post-viral fatigue is one of the most common complaints amongst people who have had COVID infection. This can happen with any viral illness, not just COVID-19 infection. Post-viral fatigue is the result of dysregulation of the immune system from the robust and intense immune response that takes place during COVID infection. During infection, our immune system has to work hard to fight the infection by activating our lymphocytes, a type of immune cell, and producing cytokines, molecules that induce inflammation in... Read More »

What to do if ... you have monkeypox

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes monkeypox as a viral disease that can be spread between people and certain animals.

With the recent rise in cases, Guy Sneed, D.O., chief medical officer for Hillcrest, answers key questions about the disease. 

What are common symptoms of monkeypox?

• Fever greater than or equal to 100.4 F

• Chills

• New onset of enlarged lymph nodes behind the ear, neck, under the arms or groin.

• New skin rash that may develop into small, raised bumps, much like a chicken pox or other pox-like... Read More »