Recent News

Heart-healthy tips for pregnant women

The heart undergoes natural changes during pregnancy to support a growing life. Heart complications can appear as the mother's body undergoes the stress of pregnancy. Cardiovascular disease is also the leading cause of pregnancy complications, so it is important to stay on top of heart-healthy habits for the benefit of the mother and the child.

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Larissa... Read More »

Amy Rea called walking miracle after pulmonary embolism recovery

Amy Rea is being called a walking miracle. After an hour in cardiac arrest, her pulse returned thanks to a tireless, determined and dedicated team of professionals at Hillcrest Hospital South performing non-stop CPR. It all started on a normal workday.

Headed to the hospital

Rea, 48, was at work in Broken Arrow on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022. She was short of breath that morning and told a coworker she felt like she was going to faint.

"By the time I got out of my car and walked to the front doors of the building, I could not breathe," said Rea. "You know when you go... Read More »

Hillcrest HealthCare System partners with CommunityCare

Hillcrest HealthCare System is partnering with CommunityCare to provide in-network medical care for plan members at all Hillcrest facilities. Effective Feb. 1, 2023, Hillcrest accepts CommunityCare employer group, individual and family plans, in addition to their Medicare Advantage plans.

“Hillcrest HealthCare System is proud to partner with CommunityCare to expand our award-winning medical care to additional patients,” said Hillcrest CEO Kevin Gross. “Hillcrest has more than 500 providers across eight hospitals and 80-plus primary and specialty care clinics through Utica Park... Read More »

What to do if ... your child has RSV

RSV is a respiratory virus that is often confused with the common cold because it has very similar symptoms. The virus is most dangerous to young children, and it is spreading earlier than usual this season. Theresa Horton, M.D., pediatrician at Utica Park Clinic Owasso, has some tips about what you should do if your child contracts RSV.

What is RSV?

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, enters the body through contact, usually through the eyes, nose, mouth and mucus membranes. The virus mutates frequently, so it is possible to contract it more than once. There is currently... Read More »

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 »