Research Today. Better Health Tomorrow.
Celebrating the People Advancing Medicine! This Clinical Trials Day, OSU Medicine recognizes the dedicated professionals behind our growing clinical research program. Our team of eight brings a combined 78 years of clinical research experience and a strong history of advancing patient care through research. From completing 31 pediatric vaccine studies over the past 24 years to building new momentum under the leadership of Candida (Candi) Barlow, PhD, MSN, CRN‑BC, RN, Director of Clinical Research, and Matt Maxey, MLA, BSN, RN, Assistant Director of Clinical Research, we remain committed to expanding access to innovative research opportunities for patients and providers across Oklahoma. Thank you to our clinical research professionals, physician partners and patient participants who make this work possible. Learn more: About our clinical research program at okla.st/Clinical_Research. About our infrastructure rebuild and capability expansion at okla.st/ClinicalResearchUnit.
Clinical Research Infrastructure and Capability Expansion
Clinical Research Infrastructure Rebuild and Capability Expansion The OSU Center for Health Sciences Clinical Research team is pleased to announce the completion of a comprehensive rebuild of our clinical trials infrastructure to support high-quality, compliant, and efficient research across our system. This initiative strengthens the foundation for clinical research at OSU CHS and enhances our ability to support clinical trials that advance medical knowledge and expand treatment options for patients across Oklahoma. Over the past year, the OSU Clinical Research Unit (CRU) has implemented several key infrastructure components to streamline study startup, strengthen regulatory and billing compliance, and reduce administrative burden for investigators. A new Clinical Trials Management System (CTMS) now provides real-time transparency, regulatory tracking, compliance oversight, and financial reporting across study portfolios. An electronic regulatory system (eReg) will launch in the fall of 2026 to centralize regulatory documentation, automate workflows, and maintain inspection-ready, 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic binders. This comprehensive FDA-approved system aligns with International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) regulatory requirements and offers remote engagement for our providers and industry partners. A unified Clinical Trials Billing Compliance Program has been established to ensure accurate coverage analysis, protect investigators and the institution, and strengthen audit readiness. In addition, the Clinical Research coordinator workforce has been expanded with dedicated full-time coordinators supported by structured onboarding and competency-based training. Centralized standard operating procedures and streamlined workflows have also been implemented to accelerate study startup and improve consistency across departments. The CRU now serves as a dedicated facility to support clinical trial operations including: An outpatient investigational product pharmacy Specimen processing and long-term storage laboratory Unblinded and blinded investigational product management space Conference areas for monitors and training Coordinator and research staff offices On-site research equipment including refrigerators, -20°C and -70°C freezers, and centrifuge capabilities. To expand study opportunities, OSU Center for Health Sciences has entered an exclusive agreement with the WCG Site Network. Through this partnership, Clinical Research will receive regular study feasibility opportunities aligned to our patient populations and clinical expertise, enabling the Clinical Research team to identify and support appropriate clinical trial activity across the system. This collaboration enhances their ability to efficiently evaluate and activate new studies while maintaining high standards for regulatory compliance and operational oversight. As we begin onboarding new studies through the WCG Site Network, the Clinical Research team is preparing to expand clinical trial activity across multiple specialties. These efforts reflect a continued commitment to research excellence, regulatory compliance, and the development of innovative therapies that benefit patients and the broader healthcare community. Contact our team for more information OSU Center for Health Sciences OSU-CHS Clinical Research 1631 S. Utica Ave. Tulsa OK, 74104 Phone: 918-586-4737 Email: [email protected]
OSU Medicine, Choctaw Nation Launch Innovative Virtual Care Clinic in Antlers
This facility represents more than a building. It represents access, equity and innovation. It represents a health care gap that we can address through advanced technology, innovative tools and deeply rooted partnerships. OSU Medicine, Choctaw Nation Launch Innovative Virtual Care Clinic in Antlers Oklahoma State University Medicine and The Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority have joined forces to establish the Antlers Community Health Clinic, a first-of-its-kind in Oklahoma. This clinic will operate with a limited on-site staff, while health care providers remotely manage patient care through innovative virtual technology. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 29, the Antlers Community Health Clinic officially opened on April 30. The facility is open to everyone, including non-tribal community members, and is designed to meet the health care needs of residents who require same-day care but don’t require the emergency room's services. It is located at 506 N Hwy 271, Suite C, in Antlers, Oklahoma. “We’re proud to bring this much-needed service to the Antlers area,” said Dr. Jason Hill, chief medical officer of Choctaw Nation Health. “Our goal is to provide fast, compassionate care close to home and to ease the burden on local emergency rooms.” The clinic will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering walk-in services for conditions such as minor injuries, infections, flu symptoms, cuts, sprains, and more. Patients must be at least 2 years old to be seen. “This facility represents more than a building,” said Dr. Johnny Stephens, president of OSU Center for Health Sciences. “It represents access, equity and innovation. We are already planning a second one. It represents a health care gap that we can address through advanced technology, innovative tools and deeply rooted partnerships. We’re expanding access to quality health care; it doesn’t matter what zip code you live in.” Antlers Community Health Clinic accepts all major insurance plans. The clinic also integrates with Epic's MyChart system, making it easy for patients to manage appointments, view test results, and communicate online with the patient care team. Dr. Vu Ngo will be the clinic's overseeing physician. A board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for the Choctaw Nation, Dr. Ngo will be hands-on by mentoring the staff and collaborating on patient care. For more information, please contact Melani Hamilton at 918-561-8462 or [email protected].
What to know about Measles
What to Know About Measles It’s important to know basic facts about measles so you can protect your family. Measles is a highly contagious virus. It can spread in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes; and it can spread after someone touches an infected surface. Symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after contact with the virus and include a high fever (104º F or higher), cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a red, blotchy skin rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body. Infected individuals can be contagious up to 4 days before symptoms appear and up to 4 days after symptoms are gone. Those at higher risk are individuals who have not received the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, especially children under the age of 5, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. There is no specific treatment for a measles infection. To avoid serious complications, contact your physician for help managing symptoms. If you think you or someone in your family has symptoms consistent with measles or has been exposed to measles, contact your doctor immediately. Protection from measles: Make sure children and adults in your household have had the MMR vaccine or booster. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles when two doses are given. Use other health precautions such as wearing a mask when you are ill, washing your hands, and disinfecting surfaces when you or someone in your household is ill. If you experience symptoms consistent with measles, isolate yourself while you are awaiting testing or results to avoid spreading the virus. If you have questions about your immunity to measles, please contact your primary care physician. OSU Medicine
OSU Medicine Bringing Mobile Clinic to McIntosh County
OSU Medicine Bringing Mobile Clinic to McIntosh County Checotah, Okla. - In partnership with the McIntosh County OSU Extension Office, OSU Medicine is bringing its mobile Virtual Care Clinic to Checotah. OSU Medicine’s Virtual Care Clinic connects patients to primary care doctors and treats non-life-threatening health conditions for any age group free of charge. A medical or advanced practice provider administers care and assists patients in finding a primary care provider to continue their health and wellness journey. As a leader in primary care and rural health, OSU Medicine’s Virtual Care focuses on making health care accessible to everyone. Better access to primary care providers are proven to improve the treatment of chronic conditions and increase life expectancy. More than 75% of Oklahoma’s population lives in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), emphasizing the need for accessible health care in rural communities. “One of our top priorities is to innovate and expand access to health care across Oklahoma. While OSU is a leader in educating and returning physicians to practice in rural and underserved areas, the need for providers is still great. Virtual care and telehealth services are vital to connecting Oklahomans in rural communities to health services,” said Jared Droze, director of Virtual Care for OSU Medicine. OSU Medicine’s Virtual Care Clinic focuses on common health concerns and illnesses, including cold and flu symptoms, cough, fevers, ear aches and more. Additionally, the clinic offers management for chronic disease progression and treatment of minor injuries. For patients who need prescription medication support, the Virtual Care provider can supply refills that bridge to a primary care provider. Virtual Care Clinic hours are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Wednesday through December 18. Please note the clinic will be closed November 27. The mobile care clinic will be located at the McIntosh County OSU Extension Office, 311 N. Broadway St. Suite C, Checotah, OK 74426. To learn more about OSU Medicine Virtual Care visit the website. For more information, please contact Melani Hamilton at 918-561-8462 or [email protected].
Dr. Sara Coffey Endowed Chair
Dr. Sara Coffey, recently named the Anne & Henry Zarrow Endowed Leadership Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at OSU Center for Health Sciences. Dr. Sara Coffey Endowed Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences After a national search, OSU Center for Health Sciences has named Dr. Sara Coffey the Anne & Henry Zarrow Endowed Leadership Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. In this role, she will lead the psychiatry education strategy at the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine including OSU Medicine’s Behavioral Medicine clinic, and serve as the institution’s key liaison to local, state and national mental health entities. Dr. Coffey began her residency training at the University of Chicago and completed her fellowship training at Harvard Medical School. She received her medical degree from OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa where she returned to serve as an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in 2017. In the last five years, she also served as director of clinical operations for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division. Her work in Oklahoma behavioral health is extensive, from working with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health to serving on advisory committees aimed at educating legislators on the issues facing mental health care, presentations advocating for adolescents with mental health challenges and the importance of caring for the needs of the behavioral health care workforce. Coffey is a frequent speaker at local, regional and national mental health conferences and is considered an expert on childhood trauma and emotional wellness in school settings. She is a published author in the American Journal of Psychiatry and who’s new book "Unpacked, A Psychiatrist Explores and Unpacks Our Collective Experience of the COVID Pandemic" is available for purchase online. “After a thorough process of national scope, our search led us to the most highly qualified candidate right here at OSU-CHS,” said Dr. Johnny Stephens, president of OSU-CHS. “Dr. Coffey is the right person to oversee our program here as we continue to lead the way for behavioral medicine in the state of Oklahoma.” The timing of her selection comes when mental health statistics are grim, both nationally and in Oklahoma. According to research by the Healthy Minds Policy Initiative, Oklahoma is severely behind the national average in behavioral health care providers, but particularly psychiatrists and psychologists. In order to address this pressing need, OSU-CHS has partnered with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, local philanthropists, the city of Tulsa and Tulsa County to build the new Oklahoma Psychiatric Care Center in downtown Tulsa, slated to open late 2025. The new hospital also will also dramatically increase residency slots for training new behavioral health professionals. “The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation has supported the growth of OSU’s department of psychiatry from nearly its start,” said Bill Major, Foundation president. “We are excited to watch and learn as Dr. Coffey’s vision takes the department to the next level. Roughly 75% of the program’s graduates
Expanding Access to Health Care Across Oklahoma
Expanding Access to Health Care Across Oklahoma In order to bridge the gap of health care access that is much needed in Oklahoma, OSU Medicine is utilizing the latest technologies to bring the expertise of its physicians directly to rural hospitals across the state. OSU Medicine is currently providing virtual behavioral health emergency room consults, as well as hospitalist services for McCurtain Memorial Hospital and Cleveland Area Hospital respectively. Emergency room behavioral care will also soon be available at Coal County General Hospital and Atoka County Medical Center, while virtual hospitalist services will soon be available in Sallisaw at Northeastern Health System Sequoyah. Tele-stroke services are now offered at hospitals in Anadarko, Fairfax and Stroud, while virtual cardiology services are ongoing with Choctaw Nation in Poteau. “Oklahoma State University has been pioneering telehealth services for more than 25 years,” said Dr. Johnny Stephens, president of OSU Center for Health Sciences. “OSU continues to innovate as the leader in telehealth and virtual care, as technology continues to broaden the possibilities of reaching across the state to provide specialty care. Through these efforts, we are working to address both patient needs as well as health care workforce shortage issues.” In addition to virtual care services, OSU Medicine is providing board-certified emergency medicine physicians to staff and manage the ER services at Cleveland Area Hospital and McAlester Regional Medical Center. “Our push for quality has driven increased patient volume and acuity. The partnership with OSU, including having an emergency medicine physician onsite 24/7, has enhanced our clinical skill, professionalism, and stability,” said Edred Benton, CEO of Cleveland Area Hospital. “OSU continues to innovate as the leader in telehealth and virtual care, as technology continues to broaden the possibilities of reaching across the state to provide specialty care. Through these efforts, we are working to address both patient needs as well as health care workforce shortage issues,” said Dr. Johnny Stephens, OSU Center for Health Sciences President. During the first month of providing virtual care at McCurtain Memorial Hospital, OSU Medicine provided 21 emergency behavioral health appointments, half of which were addiction related. These services can be transformative as a solution to inpatient bed shortages. “McCurtain Memorial Hospital and Oklahoma State University have partnered to help provide much needed tele-psychiatry services through the emergency room for our community. Every three years we perform a community health needs assessment, and mental health is always at the top of that list," said Dr. David Bishop, ER physician and chief of staff at McCurtain Memorial Hospital. "Through this partnership patients can see a psychiatrist, and potentially begin treatment immediately. Mental health resources in rural communities have always been an area that has operated in a deficit compared to the public need, and through this partnership we hope to bridge that gap. OSU brings a level of care to our area that is second to none, and we are proud to be able to offer this service.” According to a new study by the Healthy Minds
FC Tulsa names OSU Medicine official sports medicine partner
FC Tulsa soccer players play during a home game at ONEOK Field in Tulsa. OSU Medicine will now be the official sports medicine partner of FC Tulsa. FC Tulsa names OSU Medicine official sports medicine partner FC Tulsa announced Thursday that Oklahoma State University Medicine would be the organization’s official sports medicine partner for the Oklahoma professional soccer club. The exclusive agreement creates a relationship whereby OSU sports medicine physicians and athletic trainers work closely with FC Tulsa performance coaches to reduce and treat injury, increase performance and consult on nutrition plans. The agreement also provides OSU athletic training students with educational opportunities and a pathway to potential full-time positions with FC Tulsa. "We're thrilled to solidify this partnership with OSU Medicine," said Ryan Craft, co-owner of FC Tulsa. "By teaming up with OSU's sports medicine program, we're not only prioritizing the performance and recovery of our athletes but also nurturing a pathway for the next generation of sports medicine professionals. This collaboration will undoubtedly elevate our standards in injury prevention, treatment and overall player care." Partnering with OSU Medicine provides our athletes with access to elite medical care. This allows for a quick triage to determine any imagining needed for diagnosis and treatment. This facilitates our athletes to return to the pitch as quickly and safely as possible. This partnership allows collaboration with Drs. James Cornwell, Chad Hanson and the rest of the health professionals with OSU Medicine to provide the best care for our athletes, said Craft. “We’re so proud of this new partnership, which is a testament to OSU’s sports medicine program,” said Bill Schloss, chief operating officer for OSU Center for Health Sciences. “Our OSU Medicine physicians and sports medicine professional staff will ensure a continuity of care that enhances and improves recovery time and health outcomes for these professional soccer players.” OSU Medicine also serves as the official sports medicine partner for Tulsa Oilers professional hockey and arena football teams in Tulsa, as well as USA BMX. The FC Tulsa 2024 home opener is set for Friday, April 5, at ONEOK Field. Thursday, March 28, 2024 Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | [email protected]
OSU Medicine Provides Staff for McAlester Regional Emergency Department
Aerial photo of the emergency department at McAlester Regional Health Center in McAlester, OK. COURTESY OSU Medicine to provide staff for McAlester Regional emergency department Board-certified emergency medicine physicians from Oklahoma State University Medicine will now be working in the emergency department at McAlester Regional Health Center. The staffing agreement between OSU Medicine and McAlester Regional Health Center went into effect March 14, so now OSU Medicine emergency medicine physicians will staff the emergency department during every shift, every day of the year. "I am excited to begin a new partnership with OSU Medicine and their Department of Emergency Medicine. Their group of board-certified emergency physicians set the example in compassion, quality care and teamwork. I welcome that commitment to our community,” said MRHC President and CEO Shawn Howard. Five years ago, the McAlester Regional Health Center expanded its emergency department from a 3,400 square feet facility serving about 27,000 emergency visits a year to a 20,000 square feet facility with the capacity to serve 60,000 visits a year. MRHC serves not only patients in Pittsburg County, but also the surrounding seven counties — Atoka, Coal, Haskell, Hughes, Latimer, McIntosh and Pushmataha. In fact, the majority of patients served at MRHC live outside Pittsburg County. OSU’s Department of Emergency Medicine includes 46 board-certified emergency physicians, three board-certified pediatric emergency physicians and a board-certified clinical pharmacist bringing high quality medical care to nine locations across Oklahoma. “We are proud to partner with the McAlester Regional Health Center to provide those living in and around McAlester with compassionate, consistent care from our board-certified physicians who live and work in Oklahoma and care about the communities they serve,” said Dr. Dennis Blankenship, dean of the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and emergency medicine physician with OSU Medicine. OSU-COM was founded more than 50 years ago with the mission to educate and train physicians to meet the health care needs of rural and underserved communities in Oklahoma. OSU Medicine and its network of clinics and physicians are meeting that mission through virtual health care programs and staffing agreements like the one with McAlester Regional Health Center. Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | [email protected]
Making a Difference in the Fight Against Addiction through Research Partnership
Drs. Todd Vanderah, Mohab Ibrahim, Frank Porreca and Don Kyle, CEO of NCWR, come together during the “Making a Difference in the Opioid Epidemic through Partnership” event in Washington, D.C., highlighting the crucial role of collaboration in pain and addiction research, education and treatment. Making a Difference in the Fight Against Addiction through Research Partnership The Importance of Partnership The National Center for Wellness and Recovery (NCWR) recently participated in a Washington, D.C. summit focused on the importance of collaboration in pain and addiction research, education and treatment. The event “Making a Difference in the Opioid Epidemic through Partnership” highlighted the collaboration between the National Center for Wellness and Recovery (NCWR) at Oklahoma State University and the University of Arizona Health Sciences Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center (CPAC) and the Center of Excellence for Addiction Studies (CEAS). Director of the Division of Neuroscience and Behavior at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Dr. Rita Valentino said, “The leaders that have formed this unique collaboration between the Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center, the NIDA-funded Center of Excellence in Addiction Studies and the National Center for Wellness and Recovery at OSU have the vision to see how collaborating and leveraging shared resources will accelerate progress towards achieving the goals of understanding the overlapping neurobiology of pain and addiction and developing treatments for both.” Researchers Drs. Todd Vanderah, Mohab Ibrahim, Frank Porreca and Dr. Don Kyle, CEO of NCWR, highlighted several projects that could potentially change the landscape of pain and addiction recovery and treatment. The expert panel of researchers discussed their work on innovative solutions to meet urgent medical needs surrounding overdose interventions and enhancing the treatment of opioid use disorder and chronic pain. The Work The projects encompass a wide array of critical areas, including the development of potent agents to reverse fentanyl overdoses, novel medication-assisted treatments for opioid addiction, investigations into the impact of vaping on drug delivery and brain functioning, and the exploration of pain relief strategies with reduced side effects. The team is also gearing up to conduct clinical trials for potential new medications and educational programs to benefit the scientific community and people in need.
New Oklahoma Psychiatric Care Center Breaks Ground
Tulsa City Councilor Phil Lakin, left, Tulsa Mayor GT Bynum, ODMHSAS Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges, Oklahoma Sen. Roger Thompson, Oklahoma Rep. Cyndi Munson and OSU President Kayse Shrum take part in a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Oklahoma Psychiatric Care Center in Tulsa on March 30, 2023. New Oklahoma Psychiatric Care Center breaks ground An unprecedented public-private partnership for better mental health was showcased Thursday at a ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Oklahoma Psychiatric Care Center in downtown Tulsa. The 106-bed hospital will replace the current Tulsa Center for Behavioral Health and will feature a 24-hour crisis response Urgent Recovery Center. Projected to open in late 2024 or early 2025, the $70 million new center represents a partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, the City and County of Tulsa as well as several philanthropic organizations led by the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, said ODMHSAS Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges. “Today, we are recognizing one of the single largest investments in behavioral health ever made by Oklahoma lawmakers,” Slatton-Hodges said. “We are grateful that so many Oklahomans are beginning to recognize the value and importance of treating mental health issues, and that our legislators are leading the charge.” The facts surrounding mental health are grim. Approximately 140,000 residents in Tulsa and surrounding communities suffer from some sort of mental health challenge each year. Nearly 8% of children and youth in the greater Tulsa area have a serious emotional disturbance, according to ODMHSAS. The 140,000-square-foot Psychiatric Care Center will be located in the OSU Academic Medical District in downtown Tulsa, next door to the new VA Hospital in Tulsa and the OSU Medical Center near the intersection of 3rd and Houston streets. Of the $70 million needed to construct the hospital, Oklahoma legislators provided $38 million in ARPA funding, while private donors and governmental partnerships covered the remaining costs, she said. “The Oklahoma Psychiatric Care Center is a true public-private partnership, and the best version of one. It will be a state-owned asset made better by private support and strong local partnerships,” said Bill Major, executive director of the Zarrow Family Foundations. “Mental health care is especially worth investing in to improve the lives of Oklahomans and return people to wholeness. The new psychiatric hospital, located next to the OSU Medical Center, will expand and deepen experiential learning of our medical students in Oklahoma.” OSU-CHS President Johnny Stephens said he and OSU President Kayse Shrum share the vision of the university being the undisputed leader in mental health services and patient care. “OSU Medicine’s physicians, health care professionals, residents and medical students are eager to work with our partners at ODMHSAS to treat patients and make a difference in their lives through mental health services,” Dr. Stephens said. “Building strong partnerships has become a hallmark of OSU. We wouldn’t be here today, celebrating this milestone, without the dedication of so many people working toward the same goal