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(March 30 is National Doctors’ Day. Hillcrest Hospital Claremore would like to thank our physicians for the dedication and passion they show for their patients. In honor of National Doctors’ Day, we would like to spotlight obstetrics and gynecology specialist, Melinda Steelmon, D.O.)

Melinda Steelmon was accustomed to a small-town atmosphere growing up in McAlester.

“I grew up on a farm in the country,” she said. “I really liked that kind of lifestyle.”

For years, Hillcrest Hospital Claremore has maintained strong ties to the community and surrounding area. One of the best examples of that relationship is through a special group of volunteers.

Over 47 patients were tested for COVID-19 last weekend at Hillcrest Hospital.

“A community testing site such as the health department or your primary care provider (PCP) should be utilized for COVID testing and for treatment of minor COVID symptoms,” Hillcrest Communications Manager Rachel Weaver Smith said. “The ER is not the correct place to come if you just want a COVID swab and a note for work. If you need emergency care, we are here for you.”

Karen Choate, MSN, RN, employee health and infection prevention at Hillcrest Hospital Claremore, has a passion for learning and helping others to improve their craft in the medical field.

Choate had the opportunity to display and discuss her master’s capstone presentation on her thesis project, “Intravenous (IV) medication education program for emergency nurses,” at the 2021 Oklahoma Nurses Association Nursing Convention.

Like many of their colleagues, everyday life changed for the Hillcrest Hospital Claremore med-surg unit when the COVID-19 virus arrived at its door in 2020.

An unexpected shutdown, increased patient loads, juggling staff schedules and dealing with the unknown from a pandemic were just a few of the hurdles the team faced. But through it all, the unit, with the help of countless others, not only met those challenges, but also persevered and the bond between the team grew tighter.

Congenital heart disease impacts an estimated 1% of babies. Katie Jackson, M.D., a pediatrician at Utica Park Clinic Claremore, discusses how babies are tested for congenital heart disease even before birth.

We’re proud to share the Hillcrest Hospital Claremore 2020 Community Benefit Report. Along with hospital statistics, this report reflects Hillcrest Claremore’s impact on the community through unfunded care, discounts to uninsured patients and support to local vendors. It’s an honor to provide unsurpassed care and support to our community every day. See report here.

Ever noticed a lack of information on how to get your child clean at bath time? Katie Jackson, M.D., a pediatrician at Utica Park Clinic Claremore, gives helpful tips on how to wash them safely.

“Cleaning body parts can be one of those subjects,” Jackson wrote. “For newborns, we recommend sponge bath until after the umbilical cord falls off, and if a circumcision was performed, until that area heals. After that, parents are on their own…”