Health & Wellness: TulsaKids’ Family Favorites Winners and Finalists
Kids get sick. They get injured. Families need a place to go when baby has a fever, allergies flare up, things are looking blurry or teeth need to be checked. Health professionals are critical partners for parents, and here are our readers’ favorites.
Favorite Pediatrician
Dr. Richard Gordon, Utica Park Clinic
In this all-important category, Dr. Gordon was voted as the doctor parents trust to take care of their children. Since 1981, Dr. Gordon has been providing compassionate medical care for kids from birth through college.
Finalists: Dr. Umang Sood, Birth and Beyond; Dr. Stacy O’Sullivan, Pediatric Specialists of Tulsa
Favorite Family Doctor
Dr. Renee Frenier, Warren Clinic
Voted as a favorite doc by TulsaKids’ readers, Dr. Frenier cares for members of the entire family. An Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences graduate in 2009, Dr. Frenier is associated with Saint Francis Hospital South and Saint Francis Hospital.
Finalists: Dr. Chelsey Griffin, OSU Family Medicine; Dr. Emily Grewe-Nelson, Utica Park Clinic
Favorite OB/GYN
Dr. Sarah Shepherd, OB/GYN Specialists of Tulsa
Dr. Shepherd is a mom and understands women’s concerns about pregnancy and birth on a personal level. Her patients voted her as their top pick because she considers the whole person, provides individualized care, and understands the entire spectrum of women’s health.
Finalists: Dr. Cate Hildebrand, OB/GYN Specialists of Tulsa; Dr. Lauralee Ribaudo, Tulsa OB-GYN Associates
Favorite Optometrist
Dr. Stephen Groves, His Vision Eye Care and Eye Wear
Founded in 2005 as His Vision for Children, Dr. Groves provides comprehensive eye care for children and adults. Dr. Groves earned his undergraduate degree at ORU and his M.D. at the University of Colorado. Families love his caring treatment of infants and children with neuro-developmental differences, and eye problems such as amblyopia and strabismus.
Finalists: Dr. Jeff Long, Dr. Jeff Long’s Children & Family Eye Care; Dr. Robert Zoellner
Favorite Kid-Friendly Dentist
Dr. Ryan Roberts and a patient. Photo courtesy On the Cusp
On the Cusp Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
When parents want specialized pediatric dental services for their kids, they turn to On the Cusp. The two locations make it convenient to visit, and the fun, colorful atmosphere make kids feel relaxed and safe. Pediatric dentists and staff are uniquely trained to work with children, whether they need a routine exam or more serious services. Kids will be all smiles at On the Cusp.
Finalists: Little Tooth Co.; Morrow, Lai & Kitterman
Favorite Orthodontist
Dr. Kelly Klontz. Photo courtesy On the Cusp
On the Cusp Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
On the Cusp takes the top spot in a second important category. Dr. Kelly Klontz has been practicing orthodontics for almost 30 years. He provides parents with the information they need to know about children’s orthodontics and will provide a free consultation for braces if you think your child might need them.
Finalists: Cooper & Misner Orthodontics; Emerson Orthodontics
Favorite Allergist
Photo courtesy Eastern Oklahoma ENT
Eastern Oklahoma ENT
Since 1975, Eastern Oklahoma ENT has been treating allergy sufferers to make them more comfortable. Offering a full-service team that provides testing and administration of allergy shots, hundreds of patients each month find relief at EOENT.
Finalists: Dr. James Love, Allergy Clinic of Tulsa; Dr. Lynn Wiens, Warren Clinic Allergy and Immunology
Favorite ENT
Dr. Jaye Bea Downs, Ear Nose & Throat Specialists of Tulsa
Jaye Downs, DO, was voted our readers’ top pick. She specializes in general pediatric otolaryngology, cleft lip and palate repair, airway problems, feeding difficulties, tongue and lip tie, snoring and OSA, otoplasty and infant ear shaping for congenital ear anomalies. Parents turn to her when they need specialized ENT treatment for their children.
Finalists: Dr. Atul Vaidya, Eastern Oklahoma ENT; Dr. Steven Dyer, Warren Clinic Otolaryngology
Favorite Place for Pediatric Therapy
TherapyWorks
For another year, TherapyWorks takes the honor of being the Family Favorite for therapy. TherapyWorks offers families comprehensive occupational, speech and physical therapy whether they’re recovering from a sports injury or need practice with social skills. TherapyWorks evaluates each child and provides an individualized treatment plan.
Finalists: Soaring on Hope; Speech and Beyond
Favorite Mental Health Provider
Family & Children’s Services
It’s in the name. Families turn to Family & Children’s Services for family therapy, individual therapy, parenting help and more. Helping children heal from abuse and trauma, providing help with addictions and more, this full-service agency is the place families turn to for compassionate help and support.
Finalists: Counseling and Recovery Services; Resolve Behavioral Health Services
Favorite Chiropractor
Dr. Casey Flickinger. Photo by Ian Upton
Dr. Casey Flickinger, Ochsner Chiropractic
Dr. Flickinger is an Oklahoma State University graduate and a 2013 grad of Logan College of Chiropractic. He is full bodied certified in Active Release Technique (ART) and acupuncture. He wants to help patients live pain-free and achieve their health goals.
Finalists: Dr. Cassidy Meredith, Thrive Chiropractic; Red Canyon Wellness
Favorite Orthopedist
Dr. Mark Schwartz, Warren Clinic Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
A pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Schwartz has almost two decades of experience helping kids heal from accidents, fractures or other orthopedic issues. Parents commented on his caring manner and his ability to put them and their children at ease.
Finalists: : Dr. Brian Chalkin, The Orthopaedic Center; Dr. Caleb Nunley, Tulsa Bone & Joint
Favorite Urgent Care
Warren Clinic Urgent Care
Minor injuries, illnesses and sudden health problems often require walk-in availability other than an emergency room. Warren Clinic Urgent Care has several locations that families can easily access, and they can use On My Way to find estimated wait times at different sites via the website. Virtual visits, on-site lab and imaging make care even faster and more convenient for parents with a fussy child.
Finalists: Tulsa Pediatric Urgent Care; MedWise Urgent Care Center; PediStat Pediatric Urgent Care
Favorite Hospital
Photo by Ian Upton
Saint Francis Hospital
Once again, Saint Francis Hospital was voted the Family Favorite by TulsaKids’ readers. Beginning at birth, patients find continuous, compassionate care at Saint Francis. A level IV NICU, a heart hospital, cancer care, women’s health care, pediatrics, primary care and more, families know they can find the specialists and the professional health care that they need for every stage of life at Saint Francis Hospital.
Finalists: Ascension St. John; Hillcrest Medical Center
