New Geriatric Clinic Opens Doors In Tulsa

Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Tulsa Seniors have a new place they can turn for their health care. A geriatric clinic, the OU Physicians Clinic on Zarrow Campus, held its grand opening Wednesday.

Shirley Shelnutt moved to Oklahoma from Georgia in 2009. Her daughter says her health suffered before the move.

"I do a lot of things for myself, but then I get to a point where I can't," said Shirley Shelnutt, patient of a geriatrician. "My hands. I have rheumatoid arthritis."

But Shelnutt says she's physically improved since turning to a geriatrician.

"He gives me the time that I need. And I feel comfortable. That's the most important thing," she said.

Shelnutt says the specialized care improved her quality of life. A portable oxygen tank allows her to be mobile.

The OU Physicians Clinic on Zarrow Campus partnered with the OU School of Community Medicine and the Tulsa Jewish Retirement and Health Care Center.

The whole idea is to make board-certified geriatricians available and more accessible to a more diverse population and to more of the Tulsa community at large.

The clinic aims to meet the demands of an aging - and thriving - population. The fastest part of our society growing is those 85 years old and up.

"The older patient tends to be complex, takes more time," said Dr. John Carment. Dr. Carment practices Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine at St. John Medical Center.

He says the new clinic is a step in the right direction.

"I definitely think there is a need. I think you can't ignore that. I think eventually at some point in our society, we'll have a shift to where this becomes a valued service," Dr. Carment said.

Giving seniors like Shelnutt the time they deserve.

"It is attention that I have to have," she said. "It's any doctor's obligation, I think, to do that."

The OU Physicians Clinic on Zarrow Campus is accepting new patients and is open to the public. It is located at 2025 E. 71st Street in Tulsa.

In addition to Dr. John Carment, Physician Assistant Jessica Lee Luetkemeyer serves the geriatric population at the new clinic.

Their services include:

• Evaluation and treatment of memory problems
• Evaluation and treatment of walking and balance problems
• Chronic disease management
• Medications management
• Evaluation and management of joint and muscle pain, including large joint injections
• Minor skin procedures
• Health promotion for older patients

Clinic patients are seen on Wednesdays; call 918-619-4171 to schedule an appointment.