A routine surgery at a hospital outside of the Hillcrest HealthCare System network over Memorial Day weekend in 2025 turned life upside down for Angie Barns of Jenks, Oklahoma, when unexpected nerve damage left her right leg paralyzed. What started as a simple procedure to remove a mass led to months of pain, rehabilitation and…

Nearly 60 of Tulsa’s brightest young minds spent the summer months in 2025 shadowing the staff at Hillcrest Medical Center (HMC), and one of those volunteers is about to begin her journey toward becoming a nurse! Student volunteer Natalee King spoke to KJRH about how her time at HMC has shaped her future. Click here to…

Uterine fibroids are a condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Often misunderstood and under-discussed, fibroids can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. Dr. Lauren Holmes, OB-GYN with Utica Park Clinic, explains what you need to know about the condition, key terms, symptoms, treatment and why awareness is important.  What are uterine fibroids?  Uterine…

Measles, while less common than in the past, is a highly contagious viral infection. Macy Hale, D.O., pediatrician with Utica Park Clinic in Claremore, says recognizing the symptoms and knowing what to do is crucial for protecting yourself and others. If you suspect you have measles, here’s a quick guide from Dr. Hale:  1. Recognize…

  Tristin holds up a photo from 2017     In 2017, 12-year-old Tristin Weaver stepped inside the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Hillcrest Medical Center for the first time. Even before that moment, she knew she wanted a career caring for babies. The visit was arranged after Tristin’s mother shared her daughter’s interest with…

Summertime is full of sounds: concerts, fireworks, festivals and other outdoor fun. These are all common activities, but exposure to loud noises can damage your hearing. Hearing loss is generally gradual, happening over a long period of time, but it can be preventable.  Brooke Kohler, Au.D. and Mallory Nitzel, Au.D. at Utica Park Clinic outline what can…

  Mallory Nitzel, Au.D. Hearing loss is a common problem, affecting millions of people worldwide. Mallory Nitzel, Au.D., says it can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, exposure to loud noise, certain medications and more. If you think you might have hearing loss, it’s important to take action to protect your hearing…

As the weather warms up, insects are more likely to populate grassy or forested areas, especially if there is a water source or other animals present. Their bites can range from a minor annoyance to a life-threatening emergency. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.  Russell Anderson, D.O., emergency medicine physician at Hillcrest South,…