OSU Medical Center

03/11/2026

Happy Day!

Every day, our dietitians educate patients about sustainable, healthy eating. They offer Medical Nutrition Therapy to help treat and prevent chronic disease and aim to dispel unhealthy societal beliefs about food and weight. We are so grateful!

Thank you, dietitians, for helping our patients give unhealthy habits "the boot" 😉💜

03/02/2026

In a recent FOX23 interview, Dr. Arash Karnama addressed the rise in heart attack cases, especially among women, who tend to prioritize others' health over their own. He emphasized the importance of recognizing any new or unusual symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly.

Don't wait to take care of your heart! ❤️

02/27/2026

Thank you to Cookie and Parker from Pete's Pet Posse Tulsa, plus Bold & Brave Coffee and Antoinette Baking Co., for helping us treat our hardworking residents today!

Happy ! 🐾🧡

02/27/2026

Happy !

All week, we’ve introduced you to some of the exceptional residents training here at OSU Medical Center! View this week's resident highlights here: https://bit.ly/4rCjKu2

Capping off the series is third-year Family Medicine resident Corey Hembree, DO. Hembree is from Shawnee, OK, where he plans to return to practice after completing his residency.

Hembree’s interest in medicine began in high school while watching the TV show Lost. “I was inspired by Jack Shepherd, whose character was a physician. I decided to volunteer at a local hospital and shadow,” he said. “I realized I loved medicine and decided then that I wanted to be a doctor. I haven’t turned back.” Hembree has bled orange since he was little, attending OSU for undergrad, OSU-COM for medical school, and OSUMC for residency.

For Hembree, the camaraderie of his residency program, rotating through other specialties and meeting new people have been highlights of his experience so far. He's built meaningful relationships with his patients over the last three years. “I’ll be sad when it’s time to pass them on to another resident,” he said, “but I am excited to build a new patient panel after residency.”

Hembree has learned the importance of being efficient to avoid taking work home. “I have a beautiful wife and two toddler boys, so most of my free time is spent hanging out with them,” he said. Hembree also enjoys playing pickleball, reading books and listening to audiobooks when he has time.

Thank you, Dr. Hembree, for following your passion!

02/26/2026

Today, we're highlighting third-year Family Medicine Chief Resident, Danoush Paborji, DO, whose non-traditional path to residency shapes his approach to patient care and leadership.

Paborji attended UC San Diego for undergrad, majoring in economics and art history. After working in private equity, he switched to medicine, attending post-baccalaureate classes at San Francisco State University before entering medical school at Midwestern University in Arizona.

"I changed careers because I was unhappy with finance. I shadowed my boss’s husband, a surgeon in San Diego, and it became clear to me that medicine was both fulfilling and rewarding," said Paborji.

Taking a non-traditional path to medicine helped Paborji appreciate the privilege of being a physician. As a family medicine doctor, he values building relationships with patients and treating them like family.

Paborji balances residency with his personal life by spending time with his fiancée and their two dogs. “I grew up racing in motorsports, and I still do that today when I have time off,” he added. “Racing requires attention to detail, something that I apply to residency every day.”

Regarding his time at OSUMC, Paborji said, “I am indebted to OSU and the patients I’ve had the privilege of caring for. I will forever cherish my residency as the best three years of my life so far.”

Thank you, Dr. Paborji, for being a compassionate resident!

02/25/2026

Today's resident spotlight is Alexandra Koontz, DO, a fourth-year ENT resident from Eaton, Colorado.

Her passion for medicine began at fourteen, when she traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and saw children with unmet medical needs. “Over time, I recognized that my interest in medicine stemmed from the ongoing need I observed, which inspired me to pursue a career in medicine,” said Koontz. She would go on to completed her medical degree at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, Colorado.

Contributing to a team, developing skills and seeing her own progress in clearly explaining diagnoses, procedures and treatment options are among the most rewarding aspects of her residency. Regarding challenges, Koontz noted the importance of summoning courage and grit to take on unfamiliar tasks and maintaining motivation to practice repeatedly until she improves.

Despite the demands of residency, Koontz makes time for family celebrations and values her connection with her husband, who keeps her grounded beyond work. In her free time, she loves camping in their SUV’s rooftop tent and jumping in the middle of any lakes.

Thank you for your dedication and persistence, Dr. Koontz!

02/24/2026

Up next in the Thank A Resident Day spotlight series is Micah Kee, DO, a third-year Internal Medicine Chief Resident who grew up on a cattle ranch in Woodward, Oklahoma.

His small-town background fostered a sports-oriented mindset, leading him to pursue football and track. Kee completed his biology degree at Oklahoma State University. Over time, he shifted from sports to a career focused on service and caring for others.

Kee was raised observing his mother, an OB nurse who frequently worked with doctors. He was lucky to have mentors who recognized his potential to become a physician. “I applied to OSU-CHS and got accepted for medical school. Those four amazing years of learning also led me to meet my wife and form lasting friendships."

Choosing to pursue internal medicine after med school felt like a natural continuation of Kee’s training. “OSU Medical Center offers some of the most rigorous and robust clinical training for internal medicine in the country. The choice was easy,” said Kee. “I’ve greatly enjoyed my time at OSU, and I can truly say I bleed orange.”

Kee still enjoys sports, often watching football with his wife or playing golf during his free time. “Residency is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. I couldn’t do it without the support of my family, friends and mentors.”

Thank you, Dr. Kee, for your passionate care!

02/23/2026

Thank A Resident Day is this Friday, February 27th! Every day this week, we'll highlight some of the incredible residents here at OSU Medical Center. Up first is Ali Sharp, DO, a fifth-year General Surgery resident from Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Sharp’s father was influential in her decision to pursue a medical degree. “He’s a family medicine physician, and seeing the positive impact he had on our rural community through care and relationship-building inspired me to want the same.”

Sharp considers surgery highly rewarding because of its immediate effect on a patient’s quality of life. “I believe it’s unique how rapidly we can impact a patient’s treatment,” she said. “Being able to identify a specific issue and act immediately to provide relief or a solution is a very fulfilling aspect of acute general surgery care.”

Balancing work and personal life can be difficult, but Sharp and her husband prioritize family, spending time with their 1 ½-year-old daughter whenever possible. Together, they hike, fish and travel to explore new places.

Thank you for everything you do for your patients, Dr. Sharp!

02/13/2026

From plans to progress! We're grateful for TSET's support!

Check out this progress at the OSU Medical Center in Tulsa! A TSET Legacy Grant will support the hospital’s ongoing expansion project and help train providers.

OSU Medical Center President Finny Mathew said, “This support from TSET will enhance our ability to deliver first-rate care, improve patient experiences and support our mission of training future physicians for rural Oklahoma.”

02/12/2026

OSU Medical Center has been officially certified as a Primary Stroke Center! This certification recognizes OSUMC as a hospital with the staffing, infrastructure and protocols to quickly evaluate, stabilize and treat most emergency stroke patients.

Yesterday, we hosted a hospital-wide celebration to thank everyone who helped achieve this milestone. Thank you to the volunteers and dietary staff for serving employees delicious Qdoba bowls!

We are so proud of Cardiovascular Services, the Emergency Department, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and inpatient care teams for their dedication to accomplishing this goal. Because of their hard work, patients will benefit from faster diagnosis, coordinated stroke care and improved outcomes when every minute matters.

02/10/2026

This , we want to take a moment to thank the phlebotomists we work with every day. Your dedication and hard work ensure our lab runs smoothly and effectively. We appreciate all that you do!

02/09/2026

Happy Cardiovascular Professionals and Cardiac Rehabilitation Week! ♥

Every day, Non-Invasive Cardiology, Cath Lab, Cardiac Rehab and Same-Day Services play a vital role in supporting their patients' heart health. They approach their work with genuine compassion and dedication, and OSU Medical Center appreciates all their efforts!