Cox Medical Center Branson

04/03/2026

A little extra Easter cheer is making its way through Med 100. This week, our amazing team has been surprising patients with sweet Easter cards.

A hospital stay during the holidays is not always easy, but these small moments of kindness can brighten a day in a big way. And if you ask us, a little joy and a handwritten note go a long way.

We love seeing our staff spread happiness and joy to our patients. It is just one more way they show what it truly means to care. 💛

04/02/2026

Some questions feel too small to ask. Others feel too personal. But when it comes to your health, every question matters. In our latest blog, Dr. Charles Albritton opens the door to honest, judgment-free conversations, answering some of the most common things women wonder about but don’t always feel comfortable bringing up.

From everyday concerns to life changes, this quick read is all about helping you feel seen, supported, and more at ease in your own health journey.

03/30/2026

A pivotal moment in the sports history of southwest Missouri is being commemorated, with one of CoxHealth's own contributing to this legacy.

Dani Boehm, a physical therapy assistant at Cox Medical Center Branson, has recently been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the distinguished Willow Springs High School cross-country teams from 1994 to 1999.

For Dani, the induction ceremony was profoundly meaningful. It allowed her to reconnect with her teammates and reflect on the years of hard work and commitment they shared.

“It was so special to reunite with my teammates and celebrate our accomplishments,” she says. “Those early seasons instilled in us an extraordinary level of discipline and taught us how to pursue excellence.”

Dani was part of the teams in 1998 and 1999, during an impressive six-year span in which the boys' and girls' cross-country programs at Willow Springs High School, under coach Marvin Hatley's leadership, created one of the most remarkable legacies in Missouri high school distance running. Competing in various classifications, the Bears and Lady Bears collectively achieved nine Top 12 finishes at the state meet and claimed three state championships.

While Dani was on the team, the Lady Bears maintained their successful run. They placed third at the state meet in 1998 and fifth in 1999, reinforcing Willow Springs' reputation as one of Missouri's leading cross-country programs during that era. The girls' team had previously secured the 1996 state championship, marking the school's first-ever state title.

On the boys' side, Willow Springs earned state runner-up honors in 1996 before winning back-to-back state championships in 1997 and 1998. The teams also produced an individual state champion and achieved multiple district titles during that time.

Today, Dani channels the same dedication she exhibited as an athlete into her role at CoxHealth, helping patients regain their strength and mobility.

“This honor represents a meaningful time in our lives,” adds Dani. “Cross-country taught me patience, hard work, and how to keep going when things get tough, and those lessons stay with me today as I support my patients in reaching their goals.”

03/25/2026

CoxHealth is making a major advancement in local health care with the launch of its second family medicine residency program in southwest Missouri.

The new program, based at Cox Medical Center Branson, marks a significant expansion of CoxHealth’s graduate medical efforts and aims to enhance access to high-quality, community-focused primary care throughout the region.

With this addition, CoxHealth now operates two family medicine residency programs, one in Branson and the other in Springfield, expanding training opportunities for future physicians and advancing the long-term goal of increasing the number of primary care providers serving communities across the Ozarks.

Dr. Andi Selby, a Mayo Clinic-trained family medicine physician who also practices primary care in Branson, leads the inaugural program. She brings extensive expertise and a strong commitment to caring for local patients.

“The new residency program in Branson demonstrates CoxHealth’s lasting commitment to expanding access to exceptional primary care,” says Dr. Selby. “Investing in rural physician training helps maintain stable, trusted care for the communities we serve.”

The inaugural class of family medicine residents matched with Cox Medical Center Branson will begin their training in July. These physicians include:

▪️ Blake Bassett, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tulsa, Okla.

▪️ Madeline LaMartina, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Jonesboro, Ark.

▪️ Cassandra Sturdy, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tahlequah, Okla.

▪️ Clayton Tindell, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Joplin, Mo.

“We are excited to welcome this outstanding group of future family physicians to the Ozarks,” says Dr. Selby. “Their commitment to primary care and enthusiasm for rural medicine align perfectly with our program’s mission and the needs of our patients.”

The expanded residency program investment supports CoxHealth’s broader efforts to grow and sustain the region’s physician workforce.

“Physicians who train locally are far more likely to remain in the community,” says Dr. Selby. “That continuity benefits patients, strengthens care teams, and helps ensure that hospitals like Cox Medical Center Branson remain strong well into the future.”

03/24/2026

We are proud to announce that Lexi, a nurse in our Labor & Delivery unit, recently received a DAISY Foundation Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This prestigious accolade is awarded to nurses who demonstrate exceptional compassion and skill in their care, and she embodies the essence of this honor.

"During a weekend shift, I observed Lexi demonstrating kindness and affection toward a family she had never met before. This family arrived at the Labor & Delivery unit after learning of the loss of their precious baby girl. She did everything within her means to support the family through such a heartbreaking situation, ensuring they received the care, compassion, and dignity they needed during this difficult time. Lexi went above and beyond to make both the mother and father feel acknowledged and cherished.

"She made certain that this beloved baby would never be forgotten by arranging for photographs to be taken, allowing the family to cherish memories of their little girl for all time. Lexi dedicated additional time to be a source of support for the family, offering them the love they required.

"Lexi touches the life of every patient she cares for and is a blessing to our unit and to those we have the privilege to serve."

Thank you for all you do for our patients, Lexi!

03/20/2026

Sometimes, a weekend at the ballpark turns into something no parent could ever anticipate. For one family visiting Branson for a baseball tournament last weekend, a play at the plate quickly became a moment that mattered in a completely unexpected way. At Cox Branson, our Emergency Center team stands ready to step in when the unforeseen occurs, caring for every patient like family, whether they live here or are just visiting.

After her son’s visit, this grateful mom shared her story, a perfect reminder of why the work our team does every day matters.

“I just wanted to send a heartfelt message of thanks and gratitude to the Cox Branson Emergency Department. I was in town for a baseball tournament with my 14-year-old son when, during a game, he tried to catch himself with his right hand and broke his wrist. I have never felt so helpless. We were four hours from home, and my son was in the most excruciating pain of his young life.

“With the help of a friend, I took him to your ER. Every single person who helped us on Sunday was outstanding. From the nurses and doctors to the receptionist who checked us in, I can’t thank you enough for your speedy, professional, and compassionate care.

“I was too overwhelmed to remember anyone’s name, but to everyone who helped us, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I’m sure this was just another day in the ER for you, but to this mom, it meant EVERYTHING. You are the ones I praise when friends and family ask about my son’s injury.”

Well done, Cox Medical Center Branson Emergency Center! Well done!

Sincerely,

The Patty Family ❤️ ⚾

03/17/2026

Feeling lucky this St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀 Sometimes the real treasures aren’t pots of gold — they’re the caring people who make a hospital stay a little brighter.

Let's hear from a patient:

"I actually thought Josh was the night nurse until he told me he was still in nursing school. He performed his duties like clockwork and was always upbeat, professional, and kind.

"When I couldn’t sleep because of frequent trips to the restroom with my IV, along with blood pressure checks and blood draws throughout the night, he stayed and chatted with me for a while. I found myself asking extra questions just so he would stay a little longer.

Josh’s kindness and friendly conversation made a long night feel a lot less lonely. He’s the kind of caring spirit that makes patients feel lucky."

03/16/2026

We were proud to sponsor Good Morning, Branson on Friday and spend time connecting with so many great community partners. Hosted by the Branson Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau, this outstanding event is a great reminder of how strong our community is when we unite.

It was wonderful to see many CoxHealth team members from our various campuses in attendance, engaging with local leaders, business owners, and friends from the Branson area. Events like this enhance the relationships that enable us to better serve our patients and neighbors.

We appreciate being part of a community that supports one another and works together to make Branson a great place to live, work, and receive award-winning care.

📸 Take a look at a few moments from Friday morning.

03/12/2026

Behind the scenes with Dr. Albritton 📸

We spent some time this week taking photos for an upcoming blog featuring the top questions patients ask most often during OB-GYN visits.

It is a simple and helpful guide with answers to questions many patients have but may not always think to ask.

Stay tuned for the CoxHealth blog, which will be available soon. We will provide the link right here once it goes live.

03/09/2026

The DAISY Foundation Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognizes nurses who go above and beyond to provide compassionate, skillful care and make a profound difference in the lives of patients and families.

Kirza embodies everything this award represents. Her clinical expertise, compassion, and advocacy for her patients demonstrate the very best of nursing. Through her actions, she not only provides excellent medical care but also ensures patients feel heard, protected, and valued during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

Here is the nomination:

"Our family had the privilege of receiving care from Kirza during an exceptionally difficult medical situation. From the very beginning, she provided a sense of relief and reassurance, delivering attentive, trauma-informed care and creating a feeling of safety throughout the entire visit. Her presence conveyed protection, trust, and compassion.

"What distinguishes Kirza’s care occurred after our family had already been discharged. Without prompting, she recognized that critical follow-up education and resources had not been fully provided and reached out to ensure we had the information, support, and guidance necessary for recovery and ongoing well-being.

"That outreach came at a pivotal moment, offering reassurance, validation, and empowerment when it was most needed. Her communication was not only informative but also deeply comforting, reinforcing our dignity and right to feel safe, supported, and valued.

"Kirza’s advocacy continued well beyond the point of discharge. She ensured we were supported not only medically but also emotionally and psychologically. To Kirza, patients are never just charts; they are people deserving of human connection. The fact that she continued thinking about her patients hours later speaks volumes about her character and dedication.

"Kirza’s attentiveness and support represent the pinnacle of nursing and capture the essence of the DAISY Award. Her empathy and dedication illustrate how outstanding care can transform lives, creating a profound effect on both patients and their families."

Congratulations, Kirza!

03/05/2026

MyChart is now available across CoxHealth. Patients can schedule appointments, view test results, message their care team and manage their health information all in one convenient place. If you have not signed up yet, now is a great time to get connected and take advantage of this new tool. We are excited to bring this experience to our patients. ⬇️

We’re excited to announce the launch of MyChart, as part of our transition to the Epic electronic health record system!

MyChart is designed to make managing your health easier, faster, and more convenient — all in one secure place. And it is free to use.

With MyChart, patients will be able to:

• View test results and visit summaries
• Send secure messages to their care team
• Schedule appointments online
• Request prescription refills
• Check in before an appointment
• Pay bills and view statements
• Access health information from any computer, tablet, or smartphone

Available on both Apple and Android devices, MyChart helps keep you connected to your care wherever you are.

”Our move to Epic gives patients easier access to their health information and greater flexibility in managing their care. It’s an important step in creating a more connected care experience,” says Heather Swearengin, CoxHealth’s Vice President of Consumer Experience.

03/03/2026

On a cold, blustery Monday, Gabby, a registered nurse in the critical care unit, received a single message from a patient’s family that would turn an ordinary day into a moment this family and our hospital would never forget.

Her patient, Leanne, had made the difficult decision with her husband to transition to comfort care. Amid that heartbreaking news, her daughter Makenna shared something deeply important: she was planning to marry her fiancé, Brett, next year and wanted nothing more than for her mom to be there to see it.

So, she asked a simple but powerful question: Could they have a wedding at Cox Medical Center Branson?

Gabby shared the request with her nurse manager, and word quickly spread among the nursing leadership team. What began as a heartfelt question soon became a shared mission. Plans came together, phone calls were made, and in a matter of hours, an entire team rallied around one family’s wish.

An incredibly talented local decorator was contacted and asked if she could help create a wedding in just a couple of hours. Without hesitation, she agreed. She gathered chairs, decorations, and meaningful touches from her own home and a nurse manager’s home to transform a hospital space into something worthy of a wedding day.

That same nurse manager reached out to a local wedding photographer, who responded with an immediate and wholehearted yes. She cleared her schedule and arrived ready to capture every meaningful moment, ensuring this family would have photographs to treasure forever.

Susanne from Food Services quickly arranged a cake, cookies, and punch so the family could celebrate together.

In a short amount of time, an empty space was beautifully transformed. The chairs were set, decorations were in place, and love filled the room. Gabby gently brought Leanne down and gave her a front-row seat.

With 18 family members gathered around them, Makenna and Brett were married, with Makenna’s mom there to witness every second.

There were tears, laughter, heartbreak, and joy, all woven together in the most beautiful way.

This is what it means to care for our patients and their families. It’s not just about treatments and diagnoses; it’s about honoring moments, listening, and saying yes when it matters most.

Thank you to everyone who stepped in without hesitation. You gave this family a memory they will cherish forever.