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Oklahoma Healthcare

Hear and learn from the oral histories of Oklahoma's most influential doctors, nurses, and other leaders that shaped the state's healthcare success.

Learn From These Influential Oklahomans

Dr. C. T. Thompson

Dr. C. T. Thompson

Surgeon

His career as a surgeon and hospital administrator spanned a time of great social and medical change in the United States.

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Dr. Don Nelson

Dr. Don Nelson

Internal Medicine Doctor, Pulmonologist, Triathlete

Dr. Don G. Nelson, an internal medicine doctor and pulmonologist for over 60 years and triathlete, shares the history of his life, his medical career, and how he participated in 300 triathlons.

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Dr. Herb Lipe

Dr. Herb Lipe

WWII Veteran, Centenarian, Optometrist

Dr. Herb Lipe, a veteran of World War II and accomplished optometrist, shares his wisdom, his experiences, and his reflections on becoming one of Oklahoma's esteemed centenarians.

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Dr. Jerry Gustafson

Dr. Jerry Gustafson

Surgeon

After witnessing national tragedy in Dallas in 1963, he settled in Tulsa for a long and distinguished medical career.

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Dr. John Coates

Dr. John Coates

Neurosurgeon

His talents took him all over the world, but he returned to Oklahoma to begin his medical practice and raise his family.

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Dr. Robert G. Perryman

Dr. Robert G. Perryman

Surgeon

His family roots run deep in the origin of Tulsa, where he spent 40+ years as a surgeon.

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Jim Goodwin

Jim Goodwin

Owner of The Oklahoma Eagle Newspaper, Lawyer, Healthcare Leader

James "Jim" Osby Goodwin is the owner of The Oklahoma Eagle, Tulsa's only black-owned newspaper, a prominent lawyer who argued cases for free speech and reparations for the 1921 Race Massacre, and served on the Tulsa City-County Board of Health for over 50 years.

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Jim Rodgers

Jim Rodgers

Founder of Tulsa Spine and Specialty Hospital, Owner of Cain's Ballroom

A great surgeon, a good father, and a man whose indelible legacy includes revitalizing the legendary Cain's Ballroom and founding one of Oklahoma's most successful physician-owned hospitals.

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Sister Therese Gottschalk

Sister Therese Gottschalk

St. John Health System

Selflessly answered calls to serve the catholic church and a Tulsa hospital.

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William Warren, Jr.

William Warren, Jr.

Petroleum to Health Care

From Warran Petroleum to Saint Francis Health System and the philanthrophy of the industry.

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