Diabetes is a significant chronic medical condition in the United States, affecting an estimated 34.2M people and totaling to around $327 billion in health costs. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications, further illnesses and even death if left untreated. The Drs. Vedala sit down with Deborah Peter, APRN-CNS of Norman Regional Endocrine Para/Thyroid Center to discuss the disease, and how continuous glucose monitoring can help patients keep their diabetes under control. 

Guest Host Bio:
Christa Bellack, MD is currently a family medicine resident at The University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix. Dr. Bellack attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with her Bachelor of Science in neurobiology in 2019. In her family medicine residency, she has a strong interest in community health and palliative care. She chose to enter primary care for the opportunity to serve a diverse patient population and to have lasting relationships with her patients and community. Dr. Bellack shadowed Drs. Vedala prior to her graduation from OU College of Medicine. 

Guest Bio:
Deborah Peter, APRN-CNS, is a board certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with prescriptive authority who specializes in endocrinology.

Her special interests include:

• Diabetes management
• Management of thyroid disorders
• Management of cardiovascular conditions such as dyslipidemia
• Lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise and weight loss
• Smoking cessation

Deborah’s patients can expect to be heard and treated with compassion while being provided the best evidence-based care for their medical conditions. When Deborah isn’t on the job, you can find her baking or spending time with her dogs.

Links:
Norman Regional Endocrine Para/Thyroid Center
Deborah Peter, APRN-CNS
Endocrinology at Norman Regional Health System

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

Norman Regional Health System's Vice President and Chief People Officer Keith Minnis joins the podcast to talk all things recruitment and retention in the healthcare space. Keith gives insights into the HR sector of healthcare, sharing successes he and his team have accomplished at Norman Regional. 

Dr. Veer described it best in the intro of this episode - the key to hiring in healthcare is to recruit and keep the right people who are motivated, engaged, and committed so that the organization can build a talented, diverse workforce that drives growth, innovation, and performance. 

About Keith Minnis:
Keith W. Minnis, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is a highly accomplished senior executive leader and human resources professional with over three decades of experience in complex matrix healthcare systems consisting of for-profit, not-for-profit, academic, and community health systems. Minnis has a proven track record of success in human capital management, mergers and acquisitions, talent acquisition, employee engagement and retention, and lean healthcare applications driving organizational and operational performance. 

Some of Minnis' professional associations and certifications include the Society for Human Resources Management, American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration - ASHHRA, Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) HRCI certification, Professional in Human Resources (PHR) HRCI certification and more. 

Outside of work, Minnis enjoys spending time with his wife and three adult children, and collecting art and antiques. 

Links:
Follow Keith on LinkedIn
Discover your next position at Norman Regional Health System

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

In Vital Visions' second cardiology episode, the Vedalas speak to Norman Regional’s Archana Gautam, MD. As an interventional cardiologist, Dr. Gautam’s years of experience and accomplishments are evident in this episode. Dr. Gautam is a wealth of knowledge and talks to the brothers about Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) in The Caridology Connection, Part 2. Dr. 

Guest Bio:
Archana Gautam, MD, is board certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine, Echocardiography, and Nuclear Cardiology. She is an interventional cardiologist who completed her residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and her fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Gautam was also an assistant cardiology professor in academic medicine at OUHSC. She has conducted numerous research studies and been published multiple times.
Dr. Gautam's special interests include coronary artery stent, peripheral artery angioplasty and stent, carotid angioplasty and stent, atrial septal defect repair, patent foramen ovale closure and varicose vein treatment.

Links:
Archana Gautam, MD
Heart Care at Norman Regional
Heart Plaza location page
Norman Heart & Vascular Associates, Heart Plaza
Norman Heart & Vascular Associates, Heart Plaza (Cardiovascular Surgery)
Blog - Patient Living With Less Worry, Medication After WATCHMAN Procedure

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

Vital Visions is BACK for Season 3, with special guest, Brian Whitson, MD. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, so what better way to wrap up the month than having Norman Regional's newest Pulmonologist join the pod?

The Vedalas ask Dr. Whitson about restrictive and obstructive diseases, asthma and COPD treatment, smoking, life saving lung cancer screenings, Norman Regional's revolutionary ION system and more.

Dr. Whitson's pulmonary expertise really shows in the Season 3 opener of Vital Visions! 

Guest bio:
Brian Whitson, MD, FCCP, attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma, College of Medicine, followed by an Internal Medicine residency at Baylor University Medical Center.

His education culminated in a fellowship with Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine. Dr. Whitson’s career has followed his enthusiasm towards pulmonary physiology and pathology as well as working with patients to restore their health.

Dr. Whitson’s most recent work in Enid included a focus on pulmonary rehab as a means of improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Whitson sees patients 12 years old and older with asthma or similar conditions.

Links:
Brian Whitson, MD, FCCP

Norman Regional Pulmonary Clinic

BOOK: $125 Heart and Lung Scans at Norman Regional

BLOG: Norman Regional Ramps Up Lung Cancer Screenings for Lung Cancer Awareness Month

BLOG: Raising Awareness for Lung Cancer and COPD in Oklahoma: Screenings, Prevention and Key Stats

WATCH: Norman Regional Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy for Lung Cancer Screenings

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

They call themselves the "Dot Connectors." Norman Regional's Business Development team joins the Vedalas for a behind the scenes look at their day-to-day. Suzanne, Heather and Cacie explain what they do for physicians and clinics, how they problem solve, and why it's so important for them to make connections for the benefit of Norman Regional. This episode of Vital Visions looks at a different side of healthcare, taking a dive into one of the many departments that keep things running smoothly at Norman Regional.

Links:
NormanRegional.com
Find a Norman Regional Provider
Find a Norman Regional Location
Norman Regional Walk-in Clinics

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Knowing the signs of a stroke are vital in saving brain function when a stroke occurs. In this special two-segment episode, the Vedalas talk to Jennie Melendez, a Healer at Norman Regional who is also a stroke survivor. The brothers get a first-hand account from Jennie as she shares her story. The doctors then bring in Holly Costner, DO and Lane Tinsley, MD to give their professional advice on stroke and describe the lifesaving care they perform on stroke patients coming into the emergency department who then come into our in-patient care. 

Guest bios:
Jennie Melendez, MBA is a communications professional with experience in news, print, higher education and state level agency. In her latest role, Jennie is a marketing and communications specialist for Norman Regional Health System. Jennie received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Broadcasting from Oklahoma State University and received her MBA in Integrated Marketing Communications from Oklahoma City University.
Jennie is a hemorrhagic stroke survivor, with her stroke happening on April 22, 2022 during a normal day at work. She tells us her story and what she has had to overcome in her recovery.

Holly Costner, DO is an Emergency Medicine Physician at Norman Regional Health System.  Dr. Costner is also the co-medical director of Norman Regional’s Stroke Committee with Dr. Tinsley. 
 
 Lane Tinsley, MD, is Norman Regional Health System’s first Neuro-Hospitalist, treating acute neurological issues for actively admitted patients in the hospital. Dr. Tinsley has 7 years of experience managing adult patients with strokes, seizures/epilepsy, headache disorders and dementia. She is the co-medical director of Norman Regional’s Stroke Committee, along with Dr. Costner.

Links:
Holly Costner, DO
Lane Tinsley, MD
Norman Regional Stroke Center of Excellence
Norman Regional Stroke Support Group

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

The Vedalas sit down with their wives for this special episode of Vital Visions! Namrata Vedala and Sriya Vedala give us an inside look into the lives of the Vedala Brothers and their family. The couples discuss life with a partner in medicine, taking care of burn out and your mental health in a marriage and so much more. In this episode, we get to learn about a small piece of the Vedalas' personal lives and the strong, supportive women who get to be next to them through it all. 

Guest bios:
Naga Namrata Vedala is married to Dr. Krishna Vedala. She has a master's in Computer Science from NYIT and a master's in IT Management from Campbellsville University. Her hobbies include reading books and gardening. Namrata also enjoys spending time at the zoo and spending quality time with family.

Sriya Vedala, BS, MMSc, is married to Dr. Veer Vedala. She has a master's in Immunology from Harvard Medical School and a bachelor's of science in Biomedical Engineering from UT Austin. In her free time, Sriya is a fashion designer and the founder of her label, Sithara by Sriya, where she creates South Asian inspired designs rooted in elegance, simplicity and versatility. 

Poem:
The Selfless by Camille Marie

Links:
Sithara by Sriya

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

Kyle Hurley, Director of EMSSTAT at Norman Regional Health System sits down with the Vedalas to talk all things EMSSTAT, which is Norman Regional Health System's emergency medical service. EMSSTAT is a hospital-based EMS in both the public safety and healthcare sectors, making it a unique service for the communities it serves. Kyle talks to the doctors about his career journey, working in the emergency department through the COVID pandemic, the Fentanyl epidemic, the different positions a part of EMSSTAT and more. Learn about Norman Regional's emergency medical service, EMSSTAT, in this exciting episode of Vital Visions!

Guest bio:
Kyle Hurley, MBA-HC, NRP, is the current director of EMSSTAT at Norman Regional Health System. Kyle has 24 years of experience in healthcare, holding various roles at Norman Regional such as an ER technician, a paramedic and paramedic supervisor, a business planning specialist, a system manager of the emergency departments, and is now in his latest role as director of EMSSTAT. While simultaneously working at Norman Regional, Kyle has also previously been an associate professor at Southern Nazarene University, teaching Healthcare Ethics to graduate students.

Kyle is a proud member of the Norman and Oklahoma communities, where his passion and involvement truly shine through his organizational affiliation. He is on the board of directors for Sooner Healthcare Executives, is involved with and was previously the president of the Norman Rotary Club, and is a board member of the Norman YMCA. Kyle's strong ties and relationships help him collaborate with other healthcare and non-healthcare professionals in the community, which allows him to have a hand in the betterment of patient care. 

Kyle was born and raised in Norman Oklahoma, and is proud to be working at the health system in his home town. Kyle is married and they have a dog named Jack. Together,  he and his wife enjoy traveling to different places and going on wine tours while on vacation. Kyle also enjoys watching movies and is a self-proclaimed movie addict. 

Links:
EMSSTAT Services
EMSSTAT Careers
Blog: "Program Trains, Incentivizes Next Generation of Paramedics with Norman Regional EMSSTAT"
Blog: "Norman Regional Rescues People from Tornado Damage"
Blog: "Norman Regional EMSSTAT recognized for KROR, Quail Creek Bank"

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

The Vedalas bring in special guests for this episode of Vitals Visions to speak about Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) Awareness. Lacey Heidel, BSN, RNC-OB of Norman Regional's OBED and Labor and Delivery units and Lea Ann Stephens, RN of Norman Regional's Infection Prevention department talk to the Vedalas about AFE symptoms, treatment during labor and more. The two also tell the story of their own personal tie to an AFE with their patient and daughter, Jacie's, AFE. Lacey was Jacie's Labor and Delivery nurse. Lea Ann is Jacie's mother. 

According to afesupport.org, "AFE is an unexpected life-threatening complication. It can affect both mother and baby. It is thought to result from an allergic-like reaction to the [amniotic] fluid that enters the mother's bloodstream. It can occur during labor or soon after delivery." To learn more about AFE, what you can do to help or for support resources, visit afesupport.org.

March 27 is designated as AFE Awareness Day.
This episode is in loving memory of Jacie Stephens Cochran and Andrea Neill.

Links:
AFE Foundation
For Clinicians: AmnioticFluidEmbolism.org - Research and Education
Blog: Amniotic Fluid Embolism, Labor and Delivery Nurses and How your Blood Donations Help
Blog: Norman Regional Earns First-in-National OBED Accreditation
Blog: PTSD, Healthcare Workers: What You Need to Know, How to Get Help

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

Azure Adkins, MD, bariatric surgeon with Norman Regional's Journey Clinic joins the Vedalas for an in depth look at the process of bariatric weight loss. Dr. Adkins describes the types of bariatric surgeries they offer, the pros and cons of each surgery type, the types of services patients have access to and eliminating the stigma surrounding obesity. This episode has extremely valuable information for anyone looking into bariatric weight loss solutions!

Guest Bio:
Azure Adkins, MD, is a fellowship trained bariatric and minimally invasive GI surgeon who is board certified in general surgery at Norman Regional's Journey Clinic. 

Her special interests include:

• Bariatric surgery
• Endoscopy
• Nutrition and lifestyle counseling
• Robotic surgery
• Minimally invasive surgery

Dr. Adkins finished medical school in 2013 at The University of Texas Houston Medical School and completed her general surgery residency at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. She then completed her Advanced GI (gastrointestinal), MIS (minimally invasive surgery) and Bariatric Surgery fellowship at Alta Bates Summit Hospital in Oakland, California. Dr. Adkins chose to pursue a career in bariatric surgery because she enjoys working with her hands and having an immediate positive impact on the lives of her patients. She said she wants her patients to know that she will treat them as if they are her own family and provide individualized care with compassion and empathy every step of the way.

Links:
Azure Adkins, MD
Journey Clinic Website
Blog - Spatz Success Stories
Blog - Bariatric Surgery: It's Not Just for Weight Loss
Journey Clinic Blog

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

In Vital Visions' first cardiology episode, the Vedalas speak to Norman Regional’s Archana Gautam, MD. As an interventional cardiologist, Dr. Gautam’s years of experience and accomplishments are evident in this episode. She talks to the brothers about cholesterol, statin medications, coronary calcium scans, AFib, WATCHMAN devices, SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP 1 medications. This episode is full of useful information that our listeners  of all ages should absolutely hear!

Guest Bio:
Archana Gautam, MD, is board certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine, Echocardiography, and Nuclear Cardiology. She is an interventional cardiologist who completed her residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and her fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Gautam was also an assistant cardiology professor in academic medicine at OUHSC. She has conducted numerous research studies and been published multiple times.
Dr. Gautam's special interests include coronary artery stent, peripheral artery angioplasty and stent, carotid angioplasty and stent, atrial septal defect repair, patent foramen ovale closure and varicose vein treatment.

Links:
Archana Gautam, MD
Heart Care at Norman Regional
Heart Plaza location page
Norman Heart & Vascular Associates, Heart Plaza
Norman Heart & Vascular Associates, Heart Plaza (Cardiovascular Surgery)
Blog - Patient Living With Less Worry, Medication After WATCHMAN Procedure

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

Welcome back, friends! The Vedalas are BACK for season 2 of Vital Visions. For the first episode of the season, the brothers sit down with Norman Regional's very own chiropractor, Angela Schmidt, DC.

Dr. Schmidt talks about what drew her to become a chiropractor, what it was like completely switching careers to pursue chiropractic care, what an office visit looks like with her, how chiropractic care can help patients and more.

Don't miss this episode full of valuable information regarding our spine health!

Guest Bio:
Angela Schmidt, DC is a doctor of chiropractic who is certified by the Oklahoma Board of Chiropractic Examiners. She earned her Doctorate and Bachelor of Science degrees in Anatomy and Health and Wellness from Parker University in Dallas. She was one of a select few chosen for the prestigious opportunity to complete her clinical internship abroad in Bogota, Colombia treating Olympic and high-performance athletes.

“Chiropractic changed my life,” said Dr. Schmidt. “I wanted a more natural way to relieve my back and neck pain and chiropractic care not only gave me that relief but my seasonal allergies disappeared! That’s when I knew there was more to this healing art and followed my calling to help others through chiropractic the way it helped me.”

Dr. Schmidt provides specific chiropractic adjustments to help patients of all ages feel and function their best. She specializes in: Acute and chronic pain, Back pain, Family care, Headaches and migraines, Neck pain and whiplash, Newborn care and pediatrics, Pregnancy, Posture and ergonomics, Sciatica and Wellness care.

Dr. Schmidt is certified in Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and adjustment, through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA).

“Patients can expect me to listen with compassion, serve with gratitude and deliver the best possible care so they may experience health at their fullest potential,” said Dr. Schmidt.  Traveling, hiking, gardening and yoga are a few of Dr. Schmidt’s favorite activities. She also enjoys nature and making memories with her husband and son.

Links:
Angela Schmidt, DC
Norman Regional Chiropractic and Wellness Clinic
Blog: Magic Touch with Norman Regional Chiropractic Care

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

As we wrap up 2023 and Season 1 of Vital Visions with the Vedala Brothers, Dr. Krishna and Dr. Veer look back on some of their favorite moments from this season’s episodes.  

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

The Norman Regional Health Foundation plays a pivotal role in Norman Regional Health System’s growth and momentum forward. The Drs. Vedala bring in Erin Barnhart, Executive Director of the NRH Foundation for the last episode of Season 1 of Vital Visions. Erin talks about how the Foundation funds employee grants and awards scholarships, the Equipped For Tomorrow Campaign, and much more. Hear about all the amazing opportunities the Foundation provides to Norman Regional and its healers! 

Guest Bio: Erin Barnhart has been leading the Norman Regional Health Foundation as its Executive Director since 2014. Her 20 years experience in working with nonprofit organizations began with event coordination for the American Heart Association. After moving to Norman, OK, she worked for Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity and the Center for Children and Families. Prior to working in the nonprofit field, Erin managed the NCAA's Corporate Partner program for Host Communications, a Lexington, KY sports marketing company. She is a member of the Norman Rotary Club, a sustaining member of the Junior League of Norman and a graduate of Leadership Norman. Born and raised in West Virginia, Erin graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and a Master's Degree in Sports Marketing from West Virginia University. She is the proud mom of two adult children, Blake and Grace.

Links:
NRH Foundation
Equipped For Tomorrow Campaign

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

In last week’s episode, you got to meet Norman Regional Health System’s President & CEO, Richie Splitt. Richie is back with the Vedalas for part two of his episode. In part two, the three talk about Norman Regional’s partnership with OU Stephenson Cancer Center, Obesity Medicine at Norman Regional’s Journey Clinic, The Norman Way, Richie’s big moments as CEO, AI in healthcare and more. Listen to Conversations with Our CEO, Part 2 to hear this compelling episode. “We can do more together than apart.” – Richie Splitt, President & CEO

Guest Bio: Richie Splitt, FACHE is the President and Chief Executive Officer at Norman Regional Health System. He leads a team of more than 3,500 healers to fulfill the health system’s mission of serving its community as a leader in health and wellness care.

Splitt joined Norman Regional in 2013 as the chief administrative officer of the Norman Regional HealthPlex (168 beds) and Moore Medical Center (44-beds). After one week on the job, an EF-5 tornado destroyed the beloved Moore facility. This tragic and momentous event revealed Splitt’s character as a strong, effective and engaging leader in times of crisis. Splitt helped Norman Regional and its communities find hope, healing, pride and even joy in the face of adversity.

In 2017, Splitt was appointed to chief executive officer of the Norman Regional Health System. During his time as President and CEO, NRHS has received numerous clinical recognitions and experienced tremendous growth. Norman Regional has a net revenue of $450 million, 555 licensed beds at its two main campuses, 17 primary care clinics and 25 specialty clinics. Splitt has also led new growth in areas such as population and telehealth – including a direct-to-consumer app called Norman Regional Virtual Care, primary care clinic expansion, and a new transformative campus plan named Inspire Health.

Helping others to heal has always been a passion for Splitt. He began his career as a physical therapy technician, providing care to patients for nearly a decade before transitioning into management.

Splitt earned his Master of Science in Health and Exercise Science from the University of Oklahoma and his Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University. He is board certified in healthcare management and an American College of Healthcare Executives fellow. In 2020, Splitt was named Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEO by The Journal Record in the non-profit category.

Links:
Norman Regional Health System
Norman Regional’s Team
The Norman Way
Inspire Health
Richie’s LinkedIn

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

Meet Norman Regional Health System’s President & CEO, Richie Splitt! Richie joins the Vedalas for a special two-part episode. In part one, the three talk about Richie’s career and his calling into healthcare and administration, why he calls Norman Regional employees healers, the Inspire Health strategic plan, things that excite him about the future of Norman Regional and more. Tune in to Conversations with Our CEO, Part 1 to hear this insightful episode. In the famous words of Richie Splitt, Be Well.

Guest Bio: Richie Splitt, FACHE is the President and Chief Executive Officer at Norman Regional Health System. He leads a team of more than 3,500 healers to fulfill the health system’s mission of serving its community as a leader in health and wellness care.

Splitt joined Norman Regional in 2013 as the chief administrative officer of the Norman Regional HealthPlex (168 beds) and Moore Medical Center (44-beds). After one week on the job, an EF-5 tornado destroyed the beloved Moore facility. This tragic and momentous event revealed Splitt’s character as a strong, effective and engaging leader in times of crisis. Splitt helped Norman Regional and its communities find hope, healing, pride and even joy in the face of adversity.

In 2017, Splitt was appointed to chief executive officer of the Norman Regional Health System. During his time as President and CEO, NRHS has received numerous clinical recognitions and experienced tremendous growth. Norman Regional has a net revenue of $450 million, 555 licensed beds at its two main campuses, 17 primary care clinics and 25 specialty clinics. Splitt has also led new growth in areas such as population and telehealth – including a direct-to-consumer app called Norman Regional Virtual Care, primary care clinic expansion, and a new transformative campus plan named Inspire Health.

Helping others to heal has always been a passion for Splitt. He began his career as a physical therapy technician, providing care to patients for nearly a decade before transitioning into management.

Splitt earned his Master of Science in Health and Exercise Science from the University of Oklahoma and his Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University. He is board certified in healthcare management and an American College of Healthcare Executives fellow. In 2020, Splitt was named Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEO by The Journal Record in the non-profit category.

Links:
Norman Regional Health System
Norman Regional’s Team
Inspire Health
Richie’s LinkedIn

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

Amanda Sadler, MD sits down to speak with the Vedalas about her journey to Functional Sports Medicine. Dr. Sadler tells us her life story going from athlete to medical school student, triathlete trialing for the Olympics to resident doctor and physician. Dr. Sadler’s path was a bit unconventional for a doctor, but her journey made her the physician she is today. You’ll learn valuable information about gut health and Dr. Sadler’s NMotion clinic in this captivating episode of Vital Visions!

Guest Bio:
Amanda Sadler, MD, is a functional sports medicine physician with Norman Regional’s NMOTION clinic.
Her special interests include: Concussion management, Gait analysis, Girls & women in sports, Gut health in athletes, Nutrient therapy, Sports performance & optimization, Specialty testing, Ultrasound guided injections & injection therapies

Dr. Sadler graduated from medical school at the University of Oklahoma and completed her residency at the Great Plains Family Medicine Program. She completed her fellowship training through the University of Oklahoma Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship program. Dr. Sadler herself comes from an athletic background, participating at the highest levels of competition including being a member of Team USA. Dr. Sadler has earned more than 30 international podium finishes, the world’s fastest IronMan swim time, more than 20 IronMan finishes and has served on the Sam’s Club: Healthy Living Made Simple advisory board, the NCAA Athlete Advisory Committee and the USA Olympic Triathlon Strategic Planning Committee.

Links:
Amanda Sadler, MD
NMotion Website
NMotion Location page
Blog – Doctor Amanda Sadler shares her vision
Blog – Sports Injuries: Sprains and Strains

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

Jay Jennings, MD and Aaron Smathers, MD join the Vedalas this week to talk about their experiences together in medical school at OU and now at Norman Regional. The four physicians look back and reminisce on their days spent in lectures and anatomy lab and the professors who helped them get to where they are now. Dr. Jennings and Dr. Smathers share about their lives and specialties, giving patients and physicians tips and advice. We get to learn more about the process of medical school and what it took to get through their classes on this week’s episode, A Conversation with Colleagues!
 
Guest Bios:
Jay Jennings, MD, is a general surgeon with Norman Regional’s Oklahoma Surgical Associates clinic. Dr. Jennings attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma and completed his general surgery residency at the University of Missouri. He pursued general surgery as his field of medicine because of his desire to improve patient’s lives in a direct manner. He enjoys having the ability to not only figure out problems for patients but also fix them in a holistic approach. Dr. Jennings said his patients can expect a provider with a strong technical skill set who is fully invested in providing them the best individualized care possible.

His special interests include bowel blockages, colon cancer, diverticular disease, emergency general surgery, hernia repair, laparoscopic appendectomies, laparoscopic and open gallbladder surgery and robotic surgery.

Dr. Jennings is a sixth generation Oklahoman with strong native ties. Most of his family has dedicated their lives to serving the citizens of Oklahoma in a variety of ways. Dr. Jennings says he is honored to continue this tradition as a surgeon.

Aaron Smathers, MD, MS, is a board-certified sports medicine physician at Ortho Central. He attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma College Of Medicine and chose to pursue sports medicine because as an athlete himself, he wants to help other athletes overcome the challenges associated with competition. Dr. Smathers said his patients can expect a well-rounded sports medicine physician prepared to take care of any and all active populations. The focus will always be to work together to achieve a patient’s goals.

His special interests include non-operative orthopedic care for all ages, endurance sports performance and preparation, ultrasound guided joint and soft tissue injections, non-operative fracture care, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and concussion management.

Dr. Smathers enjoys spending time with family, biking, and playing the guitar.

Links:
Jay Jennings, MD
Aaron Smathers, MD
Dr. Jennings’ Clinic, Oklahoma Surgical Associates
Dr. Smathers’ Clinic, Ortho Central
Blog – Prevent Commotio Cordis in Young Athletes

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

On this week’s episode, Shari Jones, MD, PhD, joins the doctors to talk about Oncology and Hematology. Dr. Jones of OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center at Norman Regional, talks to Dr. Krishna and Dr. Veer about the importance of screenings, cancer prevalence, treatment and more. We thank Dr. Jones for sharing her knowledge and expertise in Hematology and Oncology with our Vital Visions listeners!

Guest Bio:
Shari Jones, MD, PhD, specializes in the following types of cancer:

• Breast
• Colorectal
• Hodgkin's Lymphoma
• Kidney
• Leukemia
• Lung
• Melanoma
• Multiple Myelomga
• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
• Prostate

Dr. Jones has a PhD in microbiology from the University of Oklahoma. She also received the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award which recognizes graduating students who demonstrate both clinical excellence and outstanding compassion in the delivery of care and who show respect for patients, their families, and healthcare colleagues.

A career in oncology was an easy choice for Dr. Jones.

“I knew right away in medical school while on rotation in oncology that this would be the field for me,” said Dr. Jones. “I love taking care of people. Also, with all the clinical advances in the field it was natural for me and tailors towards my scientific background.”

Dr. Jones is passionate about patient-centered care and education.

“The field of oncology is heading toward personalized medicine where we individualize therapy based on a patient’s tumor biology instead of giving everyone the same therapy as what was done in the past. This is very exciting!”

Helping patients feel comfortable and limiting their stress and anxiety is a priority to Dr. Jones.

“I believe that patients do better during therapy if they understand their disease and treatment. I will spend time with patients to explain every step and what to expect. I will listen to their concerns with the hope that they go home feeling at ease thereby eliminating any confusion or frustration.”

Dr. Jones wants her patients to know she is dedicated to their care.

“I am committed to finding the best therapy for them and to helping get them through treatment. I will help to provide support so that they don’t feel alone through the process.”

Dr. Jones was born and raised in Norman and has lived there for the last 15 years. In her spare time she enjoys playing with her children, traveling and gardening.

Links:
Shari Jones, MD, PhD
Norman Regional Cancer Care
Blog - OU, Norman Regional Partner for New Cancer Center
Blog -  OU Health Begins Operating the Medical Oncology Clinic and Infusion

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

The Vedalas welcome Dr. Alex Jones to the podcast! Dr. Jones sits down with the doctors to talk about a few important pillars of men's health.  Dr. Jones, a Urologist with Norman Urology Associates, talks to the Vedalas about testosterone replacement therapy, kidney stones, signs to look for when examining for prostate cancer and more. Send this episode to all the men in your life for extremely helpful and good-to-know information from Dr. Jones.

Guest Bio:
Alexander Jones, MD is a board certified urologist originally from Edmond, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s of science in physiology in 2010. Following his undergraduate years at OSU, he attended the University of Oklahoma College Of Medicine. Dr. Jones completed his general surgery internship and residency in urologic surgery at the University of Missouri - Columbia in 2019. While in training, he received extensive training using the da Vinci robot for procedures treating prostate cancer, kidney cancer, and pelvic reconstruction.

Urologist Dr. Alex Jones is passionate about utilizing the latest surgical technology to treat patients. He specializes in minimally invasive robotic surgery for pelvic floor dysfunction and kidney and prostate cancer. He also offers surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), erectile dysfunction, and kidney stones.

Dr. Jones chose to work in the field of urology because of the great opportunity it provides to positively affect a patient’s quality of life. It also gives him the privilege of truly getting to know them over a long period of time. Dr. Jones is dedicated to providing patients with the most up-to-date, evidence based medical care to empower them to make the best treatment decisions.

Dr. Jones and his wife, Blair, have a daughter and two dogs. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, traveling and going to the lake.

Links:
Alexander Jones, MD
Norman Urology Associates
Blog - Norman Urology Associates Treats Any Type of Kidney Stone

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

The Vedala brothers bring in Bortier Manison to the Vital Visions podcast. Bortier is the annual Medicare wellness specialist at their clinic, Primary Care – South OKC. Bortier gives tips for patients approaching Medicare age, what his processes are to ensure the clinic’s patients receive the care they need and more. This episode is full of helpful information for those who are nearing the age of Medicare coverage or anyone who may be taking care of someone of Medicare age!

Links:
Norman Regional Primary Care – South OKC
Medicare website
Verify your insurance with Norman Regional

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

The Vedala Brothers bring in their first guests to the podcast in this episode! Farhan Jawed, MD, Collyn Campbell, MSW, LCSW, CCTP and Lynn Mayes, RN, Clinic Care Coordinator, join the brothers to speak about mental health. They engage in meaningful discussions with Dr. Krishna and Dr. Veer, emphasizing the important role of mental health services within comprehensive healthcare, seamlessly bridging patients’ journeys from primary care to necessary in-patient services and beyond. This compelling episode will leave you better after listening. This episode’s guests give us words of wisdom and hope for the future through their advice and experiences.

Guest Bios:
Farhan Jawed, MD, formally served as the Chief of Staff for Norman Regional Health System. He is the medical director for Norman Regional’s inpatient Behavioral Medicine Services in Norman. Dr. Jawed specializes is psychiatry and behavioral health. His certification is from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, studied medicine at King Edward Medical College and completed residency with Michigan State University, Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies.

Dr. Jawed is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He also has an outpatient practice where he treats adult mental health patients. 
Dr. Jawed specializes in psychiatric illness and substance abuse disorders and helps persons experiencing suicidal ideation, danger to self or others, depression, mania, anxiety, hallucinations, delusions, self mutilative behavior, insomnia, disorientation, catatonia, substance abuse and withdrawal symptoms from substance abuse. 

Collyn Campbell, MSW, LCSW, CCTP has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) since 2004, a board approved supervisor since 2011, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy) trained since 2021 and a CCTP (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional) since 2022.

Collyn has experience in forensic interviewing, private practice and working as a psychotherapist with various populations including children, at-risk youth, sex offenders in a juvenile detention center, adults, families and couples. Collyn has also been involved with the Oklahoma Arts Council and has acted as a group facilitator for Intro to Art Therapy at the University of Oklahoma. Her primary areas of specialty are in trauma and somatic psychotherapies. Collyn has been with Norman Regional Health System since 2011.

Lynn Mayes, RN, BSN has been a nurse for 27 years. She has a passion for helping others and has found her job as clinic care coordinator to be one of the most rewarding of her career. She has experience in providing care in a school system and as a nurse in the PACU. Lynn has been with Primary Care - South OKC since October, 2022.

Links:
Farhan Jawed, MD
Norman Regional In-patient Behavioral Medicine
Blog - Norman Regional. Oceans to Build Behavioral Health Center

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/

In Vital Visions’ first episode, we get to know the Vedala brothers in depth. Drs. Krishna and Veer Vedala talk about their lives growing up, going to undergrad and medical school together, and how their lives are now - practicing side by side in the same primary care clinic. The doctors talk about their passions, what brought them to medicine and how they ended up at Norman Regional together.

Links:
Krishna Vedala, MD, MPH
Raghuveer Vedala, MD, FAAFP
The Vedala's Primary Care Clinic
Norman Regional Primary Care Clinics
Blog - Norman Regional Doctor Awarded New Title

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.

Norman Regional is hiring! See all our open opportunities here: https://careers.normanregional.com/careers-home/