The Oklahoma State Medical Association is committed to improving rural health.

In 2017, the Oklahoma State Medical Association advanced an ambitious initiative setting aside $2.5 Million over five years to attract and retain rural physicians through the Healthcare Workforce Training Commission’s (HWTC) medical loan repayment program.

Working with the HWTC and other community partners, the OSMA has helped place six physicians in high-need areas. In 2023, the OSMA extended its commitment, allocating another $2.5 Million toward rural health.

Physicians placed through the partnership include:
  • Stormy Walkup, D.O.         INTEGRIS Idabel
  • Michael Cooper, M.D.        Choctaw Nation, Talihina
  • Mina Joseph, M.D.              Duncan Regional Hospital, Duncan
  • Colby Eisenbach, M.D.       Duncan Regional Hospital, Duncan
  • Kaleb Vaughn, D.O.            Utica Park Clinic, Pryor
  • Gabriel DeCarvalho, M.D.       Alliance Health Medical Group, Woodward