Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health

01/29/2026

OU Health, The University of Oklahoma’s academic health system, is proud to share a groundbreaking advancement for families across our state. We are now the first in Oklahoma to offer testicular tissue preservation for prepubescent boys who must undergo cancer treatments that could impact their future fertility. This innovative option gives families new hope when traditional methods like s***m banking are not possible for young patients.

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can often affect long-term fertility. Through this new procedure, a small sample of immature testicular tissue is collected and cryopreserved, with the goal that future scientific advancements may allow the tissue to mature into functional s***m. OU Health teams collaborate with specialized organizations, including the University of Pittsburgh, one of the few labs in the nation equipped to preserve this tissue, to ensure Oklahoma families have access to the same leading-edge care available nationwide.

This important milestone builds on OU Health’s expanding fertility preservation program, which already includes ovarian tissue cryopreservation for girls and women, as well as preservation options for adults. Our reproductive medicine specialists work closely with pediatric oncology teams to offer these services as early as possible after diagnosis. The Michelle Hastings Fertility Preservation Fund offers support through the OU Foundation that helps make these procedures more accessible to families.

“We’re fortunate to have experts here who are motivated to offer Oklahomans what is available in national markets,” said OU Health urologist and male infertility subspecialist Dr. John Doolittle, assistant professor in the Department of Urology at the OU College of Medicine. “This speaks to the caring nature of the providers we have here and ensures families have the same access to care as anyone else in America.”

For more information about fertility preservation at OU Health, contact OU Health Physicians Reproductive Endocrinology at (572) 244-0203.

01/28/2026

Did you know that Oklahoma Children’s OU Health partners with Oklahoma City Public Schools to bring expert pediatric care directly to students through our "Stay Well in School" telehealth program?

This partnership ensures students can receive high-quality medical attention from Oklahoma Children’s providers without parents needing to miss work, reducing student absenteeism and emergency room visits. From respiratory symptoms to everyday illnesses, our team can quickly assess needs, recommend next steps, and help kids feel better faster.

Six schools – Esperanza Elementary, Coolidge Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, Fillmore Elementary, Southeast Middle, and U.S. Grant High in the OKCPS district – benefit from this virtual telehealth program.

As respiratory viruses like the flu, RSV, and seasonal colds circulate this time of year, convenient access to care matters more than ever! We're proud to support OKCPS families by making medical expertise accessible, timely, and designed around the needs of children.

📚💻❤️ Healthy kids learn better, and together, we’re helping them stay that way.

01/26/2026

This month's Kid With Heart is 10‑year‑old Eli Sandefer! 💛

Eli was born with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome, and his journey with Oklahoma Children’s OU Health began the very day he and his twin sister came into the world. At just 5 weeks old, Eli underwent his first heart surgery, a central shunt performed by pediatric cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Harold Burkhart. At 6 months, he bravely powered through his second major surgery, the Glenn procedure, also led by Dr. Burkhart.

Though he and his family now live in Texas, they continue to trust Oklahoma Children’s for his ongoing care, and we are honored to be part of his story.

💙 On Jan. 6, 2026, Eli faced his biggest surgery yet, the Fontan, performed by Dr. Burkhart and Dr. Neil Venardos. This resilient kid did amazing, and is now recovering at home! 🎉

Eli’s strength, courage, and unstoppable spirit inspire all of us. We are so proud of him and grateful to his family for allowing us to be part of his heart journey.

01/23/2026

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the many pediatric physicians at Oklahoma Children’s OU Health who have been named 405 Magazine Top Doctors for 2026.

Our physicians were recognized across a broad range of specialties, including Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Surgery, and more.

As the state’s largest and most experienced group of pediatric specialists, our team is committed to delivering expert, compassionate, team‑based care tailored to the unique needs of Oklahoma’s children and families.

🎉 We’re proud to celebrate more than 150 OU Health physicians recognized on 405 Magazine's 2026 Top Doctors list! Honorees span our health system from Dean McGee Eye Institute, and Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health, to OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, and many other services in between.

This year’s list includes standout Rising Stars: Dr. John Burke, Dr. Christopher Graffeo, Dr. Thai Do, Dr. Syed Muhammad Shakaib Quadri and Dr. Scott A. Vadala and distinguished Legacy award recipients: Dr. Jill S. Warren and Dr. Mary Zoe S. Baker.

As The University of Oklahoma's academic health system, OU Health brings together more than 1,000 expert physicians who care for the state’s most complex patients, advance groundbreaking research, and train the next generation of clinicians. This recognition reflects the deep respect our physicians have earned from peers across nearly every medical specialty.

🏥 From primary care to highly specialized fields, our teams deliver evidence‑based, research‑driven care so Oklahomans can receive top-tier treatment close to home.

Join us in congratulating these incredible physicians whose dedication is improving outcomes for patients across our state!

To see the full list, visit our website: https://brnw.ch/21wZllw

01/15/2026

In August, 6-month-old Delilah Carcamo suffered a severe head injury after falling off a bed. Initially cleared at a local hospital, her condition worsened with projectile vomiting and swelling, prompting an emergency transfer to Oklahoma Children’s OU Health.

Oklahoma Children's pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Nicholas Sader performed lifesaving surgery to remove a large blood clot and relieve brain pressure. After a week, her skull was restored, and today Delilah is healthy, thriving and about to celebrate her first birthday in February.

In August, an Oklahoma family faced every parent's worst fear when their baby was rushed to the emergency room, but now she's healthy and thriving.Dorian Carca

01/13/2026

Oklahoma Children’s OU Health has performed a groundbreaking, radiation-free imaging option for kids: contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS). This innovative ultrasound procedure helps diagnose urinary tract conditions like vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) without exposing children to radiation, making it safer and more comfortable for our youngest patients!

Unlike traditional imaging methods, ceVUS uses ultrasound and a special contrast agent to provide detailed images while allowing children to stay close to a parent and even remain in a natural, upright position. Research shows ceVUS detects more cases of urinary reflux than older techniques, and it can even assist surgeons during minimally invasive procedures for better outcomes. Oklahoma Children’s is the only pediatric facility in the state offering this advanced diagnostic option.

This milestone reflects our commitment to bringing the highest quality, family-friendly care to Oklahoma. Through our strategic partnership with Siemens Healthineers and research collaborations with leading institutions, we are transforming pediatric imaging for the future.

01/02/2026

Our 2026 is off to the sweetest start! 🎉 Oklahoma Children's OU Health welcomed its very first baby of the year!

Born to proud parents Megan and Blake, Hudson made his debut at 12:22 a.m. on January 1, weighing 8 lbs 9 oz. He’s already stealing hearts and making new friends — including Oklahoma City Thunder's Rumble the Bison!🦬💙

Rumble stopped by to bring smiles to staff and families, making the start of the new year even brighter. Here’s to a year filled with joy, health, and happy beginnings!

12/31/2025

Kase Curtis, a sixth grader with fused kidneys and severe asthma, is using what he learned in the hospital to help other kids. He organized a book drive for other pediatric patients at Oklahoma Children’s OU Health, collecting nearly 400 books for children and teens to provide comfort during long hospital stays. Inspired by a 4-H community service lesson, Kase mobilized donations from his local community and beyond. Hospital volunteers are personally delivering the books to patients, and the initiative has earned national attention. Motivated by his own journey, Kase plans to make this book drive a lasting holiday tradition.

The story of one boy has turned into hundreds of stories for kids in the hospital this holiday season.

12/30/2025

We’re proud to share that Oklahoma Children’s OU Health has been named an ELSO - Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Gold Center of Excellence, one of the highest national honors for hospitals providing lifesaving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) care. This recognition confirms that families across Oklahoma can access world-class heart and lung support for the sickest children right here at home.

ECMO is advanced technology that temporarily performs the work of the heart and lungs, giving critically ill children the time they need to heal or receive transplant. Achieving Gold Center status means our expert teams, including surgeons, intensivists, nurses, perfusionists and many others, deliver exceptional 24/7 care that meets the highest standards for safety, outcomes and innovation.

This honor builds on our nationally ranked pediatric heart program and the exciting future ahead with the upcoming Oklahoma Children’s OU Health Presbyterian Health Foundation Heart Center. We are committed to ensuring Oklahoma families never have to leave the state for the most advanced pediatric care.

12/26/2025

Today we’re celebrating our December Kid With Heart — Knox Dorn.♥️

Born with double outlet right ventricle and malposed pulmonary arteries, Knox underwent main pulmonary artery banding and PDA ligation on Nov. 17, when he was a little over 2 weeks old. His care team, led by Oklahoma Children's OU Health pediatric cardiovascular surgeons Drs. Harold Burkhart and Neil Venardos, supported him every step of the way.

Knox did amazing through surgery and recovery, and on Dec. 8, he got to do something he’d been working so hard for — head home just in time for the holidays! 🎄✨

Now he’s thriving, growing and soaking up all the love from his family. Help us send all our love to this sweet boy and his family as they enjoy this special season together!

12/25/2025

🎄 Home for the Holidays! 🎄

After 726 days at Oklahoma Children’s, sweet Fable is finally going home! She was born here and has spent every holiday, including her first birthday, inside the hospital. This Christmas marks a beautiful new chapter.

Her first adventure? Stay tuned as we share all of the fun she had with family and friends and she left the hospital in her custom-made car!

Join us in celebrating Fable’s incredible journey and the dedicated care teams who made this moment possible. 💕

12/24/2025

December at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health was nothing short of magical! Santa filled the halls with warmth and joy with his heartwarming visits to our patients. Our Child Life, Integrative and Creative Care team also decked the hospital with festive fun, organizing events that brought the spirit of the season to life for patients and families alike.

We'd also love to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful organizations who came together to spread holiday cheer for our patients and their families:
Bob Moore Auto Group
Oklahoma City Ballet
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Oklahoma Complete Health
Cavett Kids Foundation

From all of us at Oklahoma Children’s, we wish you a season filled with happiness and hope. Happy Holidays! 🎄✨