Juggling a hectic work schedule and busy home life can make it difficult to find time to see the doctor, no matter where you live. But for many Oklahomans living in rural parts of our state, the situation can be even trickier.
Juggling a hectic work schedule and busy home life can make it difficult to find time to see the doctor, no matter where you live. But for many Oklahomans living in rural parts of our state, the situation can be even trickier.
A lack of physicians or specialists in many of those areas, long drive times and rising gas prices can all be barriers to care, prohibiting many individuals from receiving the medical attention they need.
In an effort to counteract this predicament, the INTEGRIS Health Cardiovascular Physicians group has made a long-standing commitment that their doctors will physically travel into the heart of these communities each and every month, bringing their specialized knowledge and expertise with them.
“Our group has a strong tradition of doing this type of outreach for several years now across the entire state,” says Casey Sullivan, M.D., a cardiologist with INTEGRIS Health Cardiovascular Physicians. “We have a wide network of outreach clinics. It truly is an integral part of who we are as a group.”
Sullivan and two members of his team, Sara and Elycia, drive to Duncan, Hobart and Lawton each month as part of the outreach program. Rena Whitehead-Harris is one of his patients. “The benefit of having Dr. Sullivan and his group come to Hobart is that I don’t have to drive to a large city to have a specialist see me,” she admits. “Him coming here is more convenient for me and instead of taking a whole day to see the doctor, I can be in and out in an hour or so.”
She says she actually looks forward to her visits with Dr. Sullivan. “He doesn’t rush you through your visit, he listens to your concerns, and he makes sure he has everything down and understood before you walk out that door. He makes sure he treats you as a person and not just a patient.”
Sullivan enjoys these encounters just as much. “This outreach is an outstanding way of extending care to people where they need it. We know that cardiovascular disease impacts Americans everywhere, but especially in rural areas. By doing this each month, we really get to see firsthand the difference we’re making in these communities.”
The INTEGRIS Health Cardiovascular Physicians group is part of the INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital. In addition to 12 full-time clinic locations, we currently have 40 outreach clinics in 34 communities throughout the state and Fort Smith, Arkansas.
INTEGRIS Health understands the peace of mind that comes with receiving care close to home, surrounded by family and familiar faces. Together, we're improving access to heart care, paving the way for healthier lives across our communities.
Call 405-948-4040 to find a cardiovascular outreach clinic near you.
