A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY
APRIL 2026
Congratulations to James R. Webb, M.D. on his inauguration and offer our deepest appreciation to our retiring physicians for their extraordinary dedication and service. Ondria C. Gleason, M.D. was also recognized for her leadership as President in 2025. More photos from the celebration start on Page 3.
Address:
APR 08
TCMS Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, April 8 - 6:00 PM at TCMS
APR 18 OSMA House of Delegates
Saturday, April 18, 2026 8:30 AM - TCMS Caucus & Breakfast 10:00 AM - House of Delegates
Register Now to be a TCMS Delegate. RSVP Here or email Mark at mark@tcmsok.org.
TULSA COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
James Webb, Jr., MD Sharon D’Souza, MD Henry Haskell, MD
Ondria Gleason, MD Stephen Bruns, MD Geoffrey Chow, MD
Chris Emerson, MD Diane Heaton, MD Brian Macha, MD
Reetu Singh, MD Sharon Smallwood, MD John Tedesco, DO Ex-Officio Members Dennis Blankenship, DO OSU-COM Dean Boyd Burns, DO OU-SCM - Int. Dean
Sydney Marouk, OMSIV, OSU - SRC, Chair Lily Robistow, MSIII, OU - SRC, Vice-Chair
TCMS Foundation - Board of Directors
David Griffiths, MD Peter Aran, MD Sharon D’Souza, MD
Ondria Gleason, MD Michael Hairston, CTFA Martina Jelley, MD
Brian Macha, MD David Minielly Kulsum Siddiqui
James Webb, Jr., MD Matthew Wenger, MD
Mark McElreath, MPA
Executive Director TCMS & TCMS Foundation mark@tcmsok.org
Joetta Cunningham Director of Operations TCMS joetta@tcmsok.org
Pam Oppelt Care Coordinator
Ashley Bishop Development Coord.
Project TCMS pam@tcmsok.org
Project TCMS ashley@tcmsok.org
APR 27
TCMS Alliance
Philanthropic Opportunity At Ronald McDonald House. More details on Page 6.
May 01 Volunteer as Doctor of the Day! Use this link to see the live schedule and sign-up today!
May 01 OSDS Social 5:30 PM - At Soma Rooftop 1840 S Boulder Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119 Must register to attend.
May 02 Oklahoma State Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery Society Annual Meeting
7:00 AM - 2:00 PM OU Schusterman Center - Founders Hall & Perkins Auditorium To register contact joetta@tcmsok.org
May 08 Mark Allen Evertt, MD Skin of Color Symposium
7:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Virtual Mark Allen Everett, MD Dept. of Dermatology Earn up to 7.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits
May 09 OSU-COM Commencement Ceremony
1:00 PM, Tulsa Mabee Center
MAY 08 JUL 17 SEP 11 NOV 12 DEC 04 Friday, May 8 @ 12 PM Friday, July 17 @ 12 PM Friday, September 11 @ 12 PM Thursday, November 12 @ 6 PM Friday, December 4 @ 12 PM
Speaker: Cori H. Loomis, JD., McAfee & Taft Free for OSMA members & $75 for non-member physicians
To sign up, or for more information, contact Katie Kemper, 405-601-9571, kemper@okmed.org, or visit www.okmed.org
*Signed into law in 2018,
On a memorable evening, the Tulsa County Medical Society gathered to celebrate the 119th Presidential Inauguration of Dr. James R. Webb, a respected leader and dedicated physician within our community. The event, held on March 27, 2026, at the Riverside Rooftop at the Discovery Lab, brought together members, colleagues, and distinguished guests to honor Dr. Webb’s leadership and to recognize several retiring physicians whose careers have left a lasting impact on the practice of medicine in Tulsa County.
As we welcome Dr. Webb into his role as 2026 President, we also take time to reflect on the remarkable contributions of our retiring members. Their years of service, commitment to patient care, and leadership within the profession have helped shape the strong foundation upon which our society stands today. Their legacy will continue to guide and inspire future generations of physicians as we remain dedicated to advancing excellence, compassion, and service in healthcare.
We extend our sincere congratulations to Dr. James R. Webb on his inauguration and offer our deepest appreciation to our retiring physicians for their extraordinary dedication and service. Together, we look ahead with optimism as we continue to support one another and advance the future of medicine in our community.
Click here for more photos from the evening – Photo Gallery Link
Stephen M Brownlee, MD
Robert R. Bruce, MD
Mark L. Harman, MD
Jeanne O. Hayes, MD
James A. Johnson, Jr., MD
Robert M. MaHaffey, MD
Daran L. Parham, MD
Michael A. Weisz, MD
David W. White, MD
Thank you to the sponsors and those who attended to support TCMS, Dr. Webb, and our retirees! Presenting Sponsor
Tulsa County Medical Society
On March 7, the excitement was palpable as first-year and second-year medical students from the OU School of Community Medicine and OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine faced off in a thrilling night of flag football. The cool, sunny weather set the perfect backdrop for this spirited rivalry, drawing in enthusiastic crowds of friends, family, and fellow students who gathered to cheer on their teams. The energy was electric as shouts of encouragement echoed across the field, fueled by the friendly competition that defines the annual Medlam flag football showdown.
As the game progressed, tensions rose, but the players displayed remarkable sportsmanship and skill. In the end, it was... OSU who emerged victorious, capturing the Medlam traveling trophy and the pride that comes with it. The celebration didn’t end on the field, as the Andolini's pizza food truck was on hand, treating everyone to delicious slices and drinks to keep spirits high. With the support of generous sponsors, this event not only highlighted the camaraderie between the two schools but also fostered connections and memories that will last.
Congratulations to OSU on their victory, and we look forward to next year's thrilling game!
Thank you to our Sponsors Presenting Sponsor
TCMS Alliance
We wanted to let you know we have our first philanthropic opportunity coming up on April 27th!
We have the chance to serve the families at the Ronald McDonald House by cooking a meal for them. There will be many capacities in which you can serve.
Before participating in the kitchen, you’ll need to complete a short quiz required by the organization. It’s very simple and only takes a couple of minutes. If you want to get started on that, you can click this link:
https://thd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7QzQXoPBDQwRFbg
More details, a meal plan, and a sign up will be shared soon, so keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming quarterly newsletter!
Thanks for your willingness to jump in and make a difference!
TCMS Alliance Board
Tulsa County Medical Society and TCMS Foundation
The 2026 Clinical Vignette Symposium (CVS), sponsored by the Tulsa County Medical Society and TCMS Foundation, featured almost sixty case report posters from a wide range of fields, all showcasing trainee experiences at the School of Community Medicine.
Congratulations to the 2026 winners!
FIRST PLACE -
Back Pain Leads to New Diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Pregnancy
Winning Author: Ashlyn Kamrath, MD
OU SCM, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Co-authors: Marisa Michealson, MD, Allison Huebert, MD, FACOG, MPH
SECOND PLACE (TIE) -
Name That Rash: A Case of Eczema Herpeticum
Winning Author: Ayah Saleh, MD
OU SCM, Department of Internal Medicine
Co-authors: Mary Ellen Jensen, MD, Caleb Hurst, DO
Dermatitis Herpetiformis with Atypical Presentation and CoOccurring Sjögren’s Syndrome: A Diagnostic Challenge
Winning Author: Olgaby Martinez, BA
OU School of Community Medicine
Co-authors: Saramarie Azzun, BS, David Adelson, MD
OU School of Community Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
Co-authors: Carrie Wallace, BS, Laura Campion, MD, Michelle Condren, PharmD, Keith Mather, MD, Laura J Chalmers, MD
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting: Salvage After Complicated Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Winning Author: Brice Koons, BS
OU School of Community Medicine
Co-authors: Tejesh Guddanti, MD, Geoffrey Chow, MD, FACS
Each presentation at CVS is the result of a collaborative team effort between trainees, staff, and faculty.
Tulsa County Medical Society and Oklahoma State Medical Association
As healthcare professionals, you dedicate your lives to improving the health and well-being of your communities. One unique opportunity to extend that commitment is by volunteering as the 'Doctor of the Day' at the Oklahoma State Capitol. This program not only allows you to serve as a medical resource within a vibrant political setting but also plays a crucial role in promoting health awareness and education among lawmakers and their staff.
Why Volunteer? Participating as the Doctor of the Day offers several rewarding benefits:
1. Impact Legislation: By providing medical expertise directly to legislators, you help inform critical health-related decisions and policies that can affect the lives of Oklahomans across the state.
2. Community Engagement: Engage with local leaders and community stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of healthcare and wellness in the political arena.
3. Personal Fulfillment: There's immense satisfaction in giving back to your community, especially in such a meaningful way. Your presence in the capitol demonstrates the value of physicians during crucial policymaking processes.
How It Works
As the Doctor of the Day, you will provide limited medical services primarily for lawmakers and staff members, and be available to address any health-related inquiries. The commitment is minimal—just one day or one half day—and you have the flexibility to choose a day that fits your schedule. The Oklahoma State Medical Association coordinates the program, ensuring a seamless experience for all volunteers.
Your involvement can enhance the health dialogue within our government at a time when healthcare is at the forefront of public discourse.
By volunteering, you embody the spirit of community service, advocate for better health policies, and take an influential role at a pivotal time for Oklahoma.
Don’t miss the chance to make your voice heard where it matters most. Sign up to be the Doctor of the Day and help shape the future of healthcare in our great state!
For more information on how to get involved, please contact the Matt Robison at 405-601-9571 or robison@okmed.org. Let’s stand together as champions for health in Oklahoma!
This is a friendly reminder that if you have not yet paid your TCMS and OSMA membership dues for 2026. The Deadline for renewal was December 31, 2025.
There are 4 easy ways to renew your membership:
1.Online – Pay securely with the link sent to your email. a.Payment Methods: Credit or Debit Card, ACH, Apple Pay, and Google Pay (on devices)
2.Call – 918.743.6184 to pay over the phone
3.Mail – Send your check along with the attached invoice to our office (made payable to TCMS)
4.Fax – 918.743.0336 your completed invoice with payment to our secure office fax number
Please contact Joetta or Mark at 918.743.6184 or email us at joetta@tcmsok.org with any questions about dues or membership.
We thank you for your membership and support of your physician organizations!
Why Membership Matters
Being a member of the medical society means being part of a community that is dedicated to advancing the practice of medicine and improving patient care. Your membership provides you with access to exclusive benefits including the physician wellness program, GPO discounts, advocacy, event discounts, as well as resident and medical student support and scholarships.
By joining TCMS and OSMA our members are among friends, colleagues, and peers, who share their interest, concern, and dedication, to the medical profession. Our strength relies on individual members like these, who are committed to making an impact on the field of medicine. Share with them the opportunity to join! Have them visit www.tcmsok.org/join or have them contact Mark or Joetta at 918.743.6184 or email tcms@tcmsok.org
Kelly J. Dunn, MD Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry &
Executive
Director,
Clinical Treatment
OSU Center for Health Sciences St West Tower Ste 1102
Sylvia E. Walsh, MD Pediatrics
Saint Francis Health System
Warren Clinic Urgent Care 1801 E. Kenosha St Broken Arrow, OK 74012
918.449.4061
Oklahoma State Medical Association | March 29, 2026
The Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund (TSET) is under attack. TSET was established by Oklahoma voters in 2000 to manage funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with tobacco companies. TSET is a constitutional trust focused on reducing preventable deaths from tobacco use and obesity through grants, research, and community health programs. Some in the legislature would like TSET to be completely dismantled in order to access its funds.
TSET has a current balance of approximately $2.2B and access to these funds has been viewed as a monetary prize for the taking. Legislation to do just that has gained momentum in the House as HB4003 (Caldwell, T./Hall) passed the House 63-33 and HJR1076 (Caldwell, T./Hall) passed 69-25. Both measures are now headed to the Senate.
This legislation proposes a State Question to take TSET out of the Constitution, undo the provisions and funding authority of TSET, completely reform and dismantle the governing body, and utilize TSET funds to provide free college tuition under the Oklahoma’s Promise program. This completely undermines the intent and integrity of TSET and allows funds to go to non-health related programs.
OSMA strongly opposes this effort and is coordinating our strategy with other physician-led organizations.
All-Payer Claims Databases (APCDs) are state-mandated systems that collect medical, pharmacy, dental, and eligibility files from public and private insurers to analyze healthcare costs, quality, and utilization. These databases facilitate a comprehensive analysis of paid claims, allowing researchers and policymakers to evaluate health system performance.
HB3647 (Stinson/Rosino), Oklahoma’s effort to generate an APCD, passed the House 63-32 and is now headed to the Senate.
The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a five-year $50 billion federal initiative aimed at bolstering healthcare in rural America through state-led innovations. It provides $10 billion annually to all 50 states to improve access, enhance workforce recruitment, modernize technology, and implement new care models, with a focus on preventative care and long-term sustainability.
Oklahoma has secured more than $223M in federal funding to implement this statewide program and enhance access to quality health care services in rural areas of the state.
To utilize these funds, states must create a statutory structure to implement the program. HB3975 (Caldwell, T./Hall) designates the State Department of Health as the lead agency for implementing the RHTP. The measure also creates the RHTP Revolving Fund designed to receive and process the federal dollars.
In addition, HB3066 (Pogemiller/Seifried) allows the state to utilize RHTP funds for Oklahoma’s Healthcare Workforce Training Commission. The HWTC administers the state’s physician loan repayment program designed to enhance access to quality healthcare in rural parts of the state.
Both measures are strongly supported by OSMA.
THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING TO OSMA ACTION CALLS!
OSMA directly connects with your legislators when urgent contacts are needed
(To confirm who your legislators are, please utilize this link: Find My Legislator)
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MORE ACTION CALLS ON SCOPE AND INSURANCE REFORM KEY BILLS IMPORTANT TO OSMA SCOPE OF PRACTICE
*Legislative Updates are sent weekly via email from OSMA.
5315 S. Lewis Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74105-6539
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