Rare Endocrine Disorders such as Pituitary Tumors MEN1, MEN2, Acromegaly
Open Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-5:30 PM
Bradley J Margo, MD President
Arielle M . Allen, DO
Pooja Singhal, MD
David Korber, MD
President-Elect
Vice President
Secretary-Treasurer
Matthew J Jared, MD Immediate Past President
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tauseef Ali, MD
Betsy Jett, MD
Randal Juengel, MD
Amanda Levine, MD
Robert Leonard, MD
Adam McConnell, MD
Ryan Morgan, DO
Hakeem Shakir, MD
Nigam Sheth, MD
Mark Shreve, MD
Irim Yasin, MD
BOARD OF CENSORS
R . Kevin Moore, MD
Lisa J . Wasemiller-Smith, MD
Basel S . Hassoun, MD
Ashley Weedn, MD
Ian F . Dunn, MD, FACS, FAANS
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OFFICERS
OSMA Trustee
Executive Dean University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Alison Williams
Rebecca Carr
Executive Director
Associate Director
EDITORIAL BOARD
Hanna A. Saadah, MD Editor
S .S . Sanbar, MD, PhD, JD Assistant Editor
Anureet K. Bajaj, MD
H. T. Kurkjian, MD
Christopher Jordan, MD
Jennifer Morris, MD
Betsy M. Nolan, MD
Tomás P. Owens, MD
Ideas
Janet G. Rodgers, MD
Chittur A. Sivaram, MD
Michael D. Taylor, MD
William P. Truels, MD
Elizabeth A. Wickersham, MD
Oklahoma County Medical Society.
President’s Page
As we start a new year, I have had time to reflect about our shared profession. I hope to address many worthwhile topics in my columns this year. I first want to thank outgoing OCMS president, Matthew Jared. I have enjoyed getting to know him over the last few years and his leadership has served our society well. Dr. Jared has provided me with guidance, advice, and counsel. For that I am grateful.
Dr. Jared recently joined me in our nation’s capital for the Annual Advocacy for Medicine Conference. I am pleased to report we had a group of eight physicians from across our state in attendance. We were able to sit down with our congressional delegation to provide acute awareness of critical issues we face as providers to our patients. Medicare reimbursement was in sharp focus. We were well received and encouraged to continue to speak up and advocate on behalf of physicians in Oklahoma.
Physician advocacy is a vital component of healthcare that extends beyond the examination room. Advocacy by physicians involves promoting policies, practices, and laws that improve patient care, public health, and our overall healthcare system. Physicians have a unique perspective on the healthcare system, having witnessed firsthand the impact of policies and practices on patient outcomes. While physician advocacy is crucial, it can be challenging due to time constraints, lack of training, and potential backlash. However, OCMS offers resources and support for physician advocacy, including training programs, policy briefs, and advocacy networks. By embracing our roles as advocates, physicians can drive positive changes, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to a more just and equitable healthcare system.
If you want to be more involved in advocacy, please call the OCMS office at 405-702-0500 and our staff will share available options.
Bradley J. Margo, MD
President Brad Margo with his father, Robert Margo, as they review a vintage copy of the OCMS Bulletin magazine at the 2025 Inaugural Ball.
2025 OCMS Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Bradley J. Margo, MD – President | McBride Orthopedic Hospital
Arielle Allen, DO – President-Elect | Urogynecology of Oklahoma
Pooja Singhal, MD – Vice President | Oklahoma Gastro Health and Wellness
David Korber, MD – Secretary/Treasurer | Korber Eyecare
Matthew J. Jared, MD – Immediate Past President | Metro Physicians Group
DIRECTORS
Tauseef Ali, MD
SSM Health Digestive Care
Betsy Jett, MD
SSM Health Breast Care – Diagnostic Radiology
Randal Juengel, MD
The Pathology Group
Amanda Levine, MD
Mercy Clinic – OBGYN
Robert Leonard, MD
Retinal Associates of Oklahoma
Adam McConnell, MD
SSM Health Medical Group - Family Medicine
Ryan Morgan, DO
VITALIS Metabolic Health
Hakeem Shakir, MD
OU Health Physicians – Neurosurgery
Nigam Sheth, MD
Oklahoma Anesthesia Professionals
Mark Shreve, MD
McBride Orthopedic Hospital
Irim Yasin, MD
INTEGRIS Hospital – Oncology
Matthew Jared, MD; Amanda Levine, MD; Brad Margo, MD; Mark Shreve, MD; Pooja Singhal, MD; David Korber, MD; Betsy Jett, MD; Robert Leonard, MD; Arielle Allen, DO; and Nigam Sheth, MD.
Matthew Jared, MD handing the Presidential gavel to Brad Margo, MD
Drs. Sumeeta and Sumit Nanda. Sumit Nanda is the incoming 2025 Oklahoma State Medical Association President.
2025 Inaugural Ball
Dr. Brad Margo plays along with the sounds of “Souled Out”
Arielle Allen, DO (OCMS President-Elect), Bradley Margo, MD (2025 OCMS President), and Matthew Jared, MD (OCMS Immediate Past President).
Jake Margo gives Riley Ufolla a twirl on the dance floor
2025 INAUGURAL BALL
Above: Pat & Melanie Hall; Savannah Stumph, DO; Chelsea Abney, Director of OMPAC; and Vicki Behenna, Oklahoma County District Attorney. Left: The Jett Family, (standing) Landon Gaske, Betsy Jett, MD; Barbara Jett, and Coulter Gaske; (seated) Mason Jett, MD.
Hanna Saadah, MD and Judy Saadah
Above: SSM Health Physicians--Greg Blair, MD; Steven Sands, DO; Kim Puterbaugh, MD; 2025 Rhinehart Award winner Betsy Jett, MD; Anna Stidham, MD; Alyssa Penick, DO; Toby Abraham, DO; and Matt Jared, MD (OCMS President 2024)
Above: Drs. Margo and Lees with OU College of Medicine students. Left: Drew Smith, Jana Timberlake, Retired OCMS Executive Director; and Larry Bookman, MD.
Above: Bradley Margo, MD and Mukesh Parekh, MD Above center: Jeanean Jones, HAU Executive Director, presenting Basil Hassoun, MD, with the 2025 Health Alliance for the Uninsured Honorable
S AY G O O D B Y E T O A T M F E E S !
The Margo Legacy
By Jeary Seikel
MARVIN MARGO BRADLEY MARGO
Welcome and congratulations to Dr. Bradley Margo, recently installed as the 125th president of the Oklahoma County Medical Society.
It is customary to introduce the new president of OCMS in the first Bulletin following installation. Dr. Margo graduated from OU Medical School in 2003, completed an internship in St. Louis, residency at OU and fellowship in New York City at The Insall Scott Kelly Institute for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. In 2009 he joined McBride Clinic at its Midtown location at Northwest 10th & Dewey and participated in the planning, building and move to its current location at Britton and Broadway. Brad has been married to Debbie Chansolme for 25 years, and together they have three sons—Jake, Will and Sam. But in the telling of Brad’s achievements, one must look at the Margo family tree and marvel at the family’s influence in Oklahoma history. Brad is the third
Margo to practice orthopedic surgery in Oklahoma City, providing 105 years of continual care to innumerable patients who needed help with their bones and joints. He was installed as president of OCMS 15 years after he became a member, just as his grandfather Marvin did.
Dr. Elias Margo, Brad’s great grandfather, was a pioneer in orthopedic medicine, joining Dr. Earl McBride in 1926 as Dr. McBride’s first associate at the Reconstruction Hospital, later known as Bone and Joint. Like Dr. McBride, Elias served in WWI and was introduced to orthopedics as a medic. A native of Texas, Elias graduated from the first medical school in The University of Texas Medical System in Galveston, Texas.
Orthopedic specialty was available in its earliest stages when Elias studied. He made his way to Oklahoma City for an internship at St. Anthony Hospital where he met his future wife, Carolyn.
Continues on page 14 …
Practicing general medicine in Covington, Oklahoma, Elias was recruited by Dr. McBride to join him in the early days of his orthopedic practice.
As oil field and farm workers came to Oklahoma City to receive treatment, a booming business grew, even during the Great Depression. The Reconstruction Hospital moved in 1938 and was renamed Bone & Joint Hospital. Dr. Elias was a member of OCMS, OSMA and Southern Medical Society. His pioneering vision guided the practices of orthopedic medicine and influenced countless residents after Bone and Joint was approved as a training hospital in 1947. Dr. Margo practiced until he was killed in an automobile accident in eastern Oklahoma in 1967. His death came just two months after his son, Dr. Marvin Margo, was installed as president of OCMS.
Dr. Marvin Margo accepted the gavel making him president of OCMS on a January night in 1967 in a ceremony at the Skirvin Hotel, similar to his grandson’s installation, precisely 58 years later. In writing the president’s page in the 12 editions of the Bulletin published that year, Dr. Margo encouraged physicians to provide leadership in the community, and kindness toward patients. His home number was printed in the phone book throughout his career. He worried about outside influences in the practice of medicine, he desired a stronger check on physician behaviors, and he advocated for a modified election process in OCMS leadership.
Marvin advocated for strengthened highway safety and supported the establishment of emergency services and adequate emergency rooms. Marvin went on to lead the Oklahoma State Medical Association as president in 1978-85. His influence is rooted in the establishment of PLICO, Oklahoma’s Worker’s Compensation Commission and the Oklahoma Blood Institute.
A graduate of OU and OU Med, Marvin was an Army veteran of WW II. While in residency in Indianapolis, the Korean War began and he was again
called up, joining the Air Force as an orthopedic surgeon in London. When his time was served, he was told his war service would complete his training. He and his young family headed back home to Oklahoma, joining McBride Clinic in 1952. His wife, Bobbie, was an active member of the Auxiliary while raising two sons, Robert and Craig.
Brad’s father, Robert Margo, became an attorney with Short, Barnes, Wiggins and Margo where he worked as a medical malpractice defense attorney from 1977-2019. He defended physicians and hospitals in every corner in the state. Robert sat on the OCMS Community Foundation Board for a number of years and to this day serves as the Trial Advisor to the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. Robert has been a friend of medicine.
If you go into Brad’s office in McBride Clinic, you will find Elias’ handwritten notes in a small, tattered notebook filled with medical and surgical notes that he carried in the pocket of his white coat. A frame on the wall contains a hand-written bill for services for a month’s stay at The Reconstruction Hospital in 1929. Line items layout hospital expenses as exam at $10; X-Ray at $15; operation at $350, 4 weeks of hospitalization at $28 per week for a total bill of $517. Photos that chronicle the locations of Bone and Joint Hospital and McBride Orthopedic Hospital anchor the historical collection.
Brad has long been a student of family history and is able to quickly offer facts about the Margo family’s long service to medicine. The generational dedication to orthopedic medicine can’t really be explained, but Brad would tell you he was never pressured to go into medicine, but that he witnessed a devotion that inspired him.
Brad remembers being a young child while making rounds with his grandfather, Marvin. He now knows the young men who accompanied them were resident physicians. Brad was in the 8th grade when a very young Dr. Tom Howard learned of Brad’s interest in
medicine, inviting him into the operating room to watch his surgical case. It was at that moment he knew his goal would be a career in orthopedic surgery, which he described as “cool.” Brad is quick to share that Dr. Tom Howard was his medical mentor. He speaks proudly of Howard’s surgical talent, compassion toward patients, along with his vision for McBride’s expansion to Norman and the construction of the McBride Orthopedic Hospital.
Dr. Bradley Margo begins his tenure as president of the OCMS with the enthusiasm of youthful leadership, but it is anchored by a commitment that is unseen. He is the fourth generation of Margo men who have given their lives’ work to the health and well-being of Oklahomans. Their collective years in their medical careers total around 150 years, and Brad is just getting started. What has driven this? One might say it’s in their bones.
The beginning of the year is a good time to reflect upon the lives we lead and how we got to this place in time. Take a moment to think upon your family influences and who helped you along the way to your career in medicine. While at it, remember the women who played a part in making the medical family work at home.
Jeary Seikel served as President of the OCMS Alliance 1988-89 and 2008-2009. She is married to retired OB
GYN Mike Seikel, MD.
MEDICAL FUN FACT
• Dr. Elias Margo was issued Oklahoma medical license #2705 in 1920; Dr. Bradley Margo was issued Oklahoma medical license #23853 in 2003.
• 21,148 physician licenses were issued between the two.
N E X C E P T I O N A L L E A D E R
9601 N. May Ave, Oklahoma City
OCMS Salutes 2025 Physician Leadership Graduates
The OCMS Physician Leadership Academy is a prestigious program designed to equip physicians with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in leadership and administrative roles within the healthcare industry. With a focus on fostering leadership development, the academy aims to empower physicians to enhance their careers, contribute to the physician community, and improve healthcare in Oklahoma.
Congratulations to the graduates of Physician Leadership Academy Class XIV: Hunter Burrow, M.D., is a family medicine provider who is passionate about addressing health disparities within diverse and underserved populations. Dr. Burrow believes trust is the cornerstone of the provider-patient relationship, enabling open communication, fostering mutual respect, and ensuring more accurate diagnoses and effective care.
Nicole Sharp Cottrell, M.D., FACS, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist at INTEGRIS Health Breast Surgery in Oklahoma City. Dr. Sharp earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Science Center. She completed her residency training in General Surgery at Baylor Scott & White General Surgery Residency Program in Temple, Texas. After residency, she completed an additional fellowship in Breast Surgical Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, Pa.
Alisa Cross, MD, FACS, is an Associate Professor, Department of Surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Dr. Cross attended the University of Oklahoma for her undergraduate studies from which she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Psychology. She completed her doctor of medicine at the OU College of Medicine in 2006. She went on to complete a general surgery residency at Emory University, Atlanta, in 2011 and subsequently continued on to complete a Trauma Surgery Fellowship and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital in 2013. Dr. Cross is double board certified by the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care. She serves as the Director of Emergency General Surgery and Associate Director of the Surgical and Trauma ICU at OU Medical Center. In addition, she is Surgical Director of the Clinical Skills Testing Center at OUHSC and is Associate Program Director for the General Surgery Residency Program
Samid Farooqui, MD, pulmonology, specializes in the diagnosis and care for conditions that affect breathing and the lungs, particularly asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung diseases and lung cancer, among others. He became interested in a career in medicine because he wanted to help people in the community. His philosophy is to provide patients with attentive care and compassion, as he works with them to overcome their medical problems. Farooqui received a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan. He then completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Oklahoma. While in
residency, he earned the ‘Best Original Research Project’ award at the Stewart Wolfe Research Symposium. Dr. Farooqui also pursued a pulmonary and critical care fellowship and served as Chief Fellow during his program. He also received the Martin H. Welch Award for being the Outstanding Fellow in 2021-2022. He has been published numerous times for his studies in pulmonology in books and medical journals. He is a member of the American Thoracic Society and the American College of Physician
Mary Masterman, MD is a family medicine physician with SSM Family Medicine. She received her medical degree from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville. She completed her internship and residency with Christi St. Francis. She has certifications from the American Board of Family Medicine, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.
Brant McCall, MD specializes in Family Medicine at Little Axe Health Center. He attended medical school at Trinity School of Medicine and completed residency at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital. When he’s not practicing medicine and helping patients, he can be found on the golf course or perusing a local record or used bookstore. He also enjoys traveling and trying out new restaurants around town.
Alyssa Penick, DO, works as clinical faculty at SSM St. Anthony Family Medicine Residency where she completed her training and enjoys teaching residents while continuing to practice full-spectrum family medicine. She attended medical school at Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee. Special interests in medicine include obstetrics, OMT, and NaProTECHNOLOGY restorative women’s health. She serves as vice president for the Catholic Medical
Continues on page 18 …
Physician Leadership Class XIV: Mary Masterman, MD; Elizabeth Saladin, MD; Nicole Sharp Cottrell, MD; Samid Farooqui, MD; Brant McCall, MD; and Alyssa Penick, DO. (Not pictured: Hunter Burrow, MD, and Alisa Cross, MD.)
Association’s Holy Family Guild of Oklahoma City. She enjoys traveling, reading, staying active, and spending time with her husband and two children.
Elizabeth Saladin, MD, Dipl. ABOM is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Norman Regional’s Primary Care - Doctors Park clinic. She is also certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and assists patients in achieving their weight loss goals through wellness exams, lifestyle changes and weight loss medication at Norman Regional’s Health@ TheWell. Dr. Saladin earned her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine, where she received the Indian Health Service Scholarship. She completed her residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Fayetteville. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Saladin has been dedicated to meeting patients’ healthcare needs. Dr. Saladin grew up in Oklahoma and is an enrolled member of the
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and is learning her tribal language, Mvskoke Creek. She lives on a farm with her high school sweetheart and their two daughters.
These graduates have not only completed a comprehensive leadership program but have also showcased their commitment to advancing their careers and contributing to the healthcare community in Oklahoma. The OCMS Physician Leadership Academy is confident that these leaders will make lasting and positive contributions to healthcare in our region. Their dedication to advancing their leadership skills is commendable.
The OCMS Physician Leadership Academy is now accepting applications for the next class, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing the next generation of physician leaders. For more information on the Physician Leadership Academy and how to apply, visit www.okcountymed.org.
DIRECTOR’S DIALOGUE Alison Williams BULLETIN
Doctors’ Day Observance Precedes 30th Anniversary of OKC Bombing
Honoring the Healers: A Day of Remembrance for Medical Heroes
On April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City faced an unimaginable tragedy. In the wake of devastation, an extraordinary group of medical professionals—physicians and dentists—answered the call to serve. Their courage, skill, and compassion in those critical hours and days helped our community begin to heal.
Now, nearly 30 years later, we invite you to join us in honoring these heroes at A Day of Remembrance, hosted by OCMS and OSMA. The gathering is set for Sunday, March 30, at 1 p.m. at the Oklahoma City National Memorial, 620 North Harvey Avenue.
This commemoration is more than a remembrance—it is a tribute to the medical professionals who embodied the highest values of their profession: altruism, public service, and dedication to patient care. Their selfless actions saved lives, provided comfort, and set a lasting example of what it means to serve in times of crisis.
It is no coincidence that this event falls on National Doctors’ Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the impact of physicians across the country. Doctors are the backbone of our health care system, working tirelessly to safeguard the well-being of individuals and communities. Their expertise goes beyond patient care; they are pioneers in medical research, innovation, and advocacy.
The immediate response of Oklahoma City’s medical community after the bombing was nothing short of heroic. Within minutes, EMTs, paramedics, doctors, and nurses established triage centers near the Murrah Building, providing urgent medical attention to survivors. Their swift and decisive action saved countless lives and set in motion the Oklahoma Standard—a legacy of resilience, service, and unity that continues to define our city.
This event is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to ensure that the sacrifices and contributions of these medical professionals are never forgotten. We owe it to them to reflect, remember, and express our gratitude.
We encourage you to attend this meaningful event and stand in solidarity with those who gave so much during one of Oklahoma City’s darkest days.
Please RSVP by scanning the QR code on this page.
Together, let us honor the past, celebrate the spirit of service, and uphold the values that continue to define our community.
Dr. Jett Earns 2025 Rhinehart Award
Dr. Betsy Jett was the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Don F. Rhinehart, MD Medical Service Award. This esteemed honor acknowledges OCMS members, whether active or retired, who have shown remarkable dedication to initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare, community well-being, or statewide improvements.
Dr. Jett has dedicated many selfless hours to the development of programs at the Oklahoma County Medical Society, including serving on committees, boards, and leadership roles to better organized medicine in Oklahoma. Her dedication to organized medicine is crucial because it strengthens the voice of physicians, advocates for policies that improve patient care, and fosters collaboration to address the evolving challenges in healthcare. Through her commitment, Dr. Jett helps ensure that physicians have the support and resources needed to provide the highest quality care to their patients and communities.
She has helped lead the Oklahoma County Medical Society’s Physician Leadership Academy for the last decade and currently serves as an Advisory Director on the Presbyterian Health Foundation Board, the Heritage Hall Board of Trustees, and the UCSD Radiology Alumni Board.
Matthew Jared, MD presents Betsy Jett, MD with the 2025 Don F. Rhinehart Award at the 2025 Inaugural Ball.
OCMS Board members Amanda Levine, MD; Pooja Singhal, MD; Betsy Jett, MD; and Arielle Allen, DO.
… anxious about mandates and the impact on your career?
… uncertain about the direction of your career?
… concerned about pending litigation?
ARE YOU DO YOU
… feel as if your life and practice are in total chaos?
… caught in a cycle of new mandates?
… feel sad, irritable, isolated or alone?
we can help
Life is not just about powering through. It’s about having a safe harbor to empower and equip physicians with the tools to take care of themselves as they take care of their patients. The OCMS Physician Wellness Program provides member doctors with free, confidential counseling by vetted therapists with established practices. Same day appointments are available, and the session is completely confidential. If you are overwhelmed, overworked or overstressed, OCMS provides you up to 8 free and confidential, offsite sessions with a licensed psycologist to help you. For more information and how to make an appointment, visit www.okcountymed.org/pwp
LAW & MEDICINE
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana: Medical-Legal Aspects
First In A Series
Compiled by S. Sandy Sanbar, MD, PhD, JD, FCLM, DABLM
Medical marijuana was legalized in Oklahoma in 2018. In 2025, the state has become one of the most accessible in the nation for cannabis access. It has more than 2,000 dispensaries and over 200,000 registered patients. Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program is marked by its openness and adaptability, prioritizing patient access and safety while evolving with technological and regulatory advancements.
Medical Marijuana Program
Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program was initiated by the passage of State Question 788 in June 2018. This allowed residents with a physician’s recommendation to obtain a medical marijuana card, without limiting the use to specific medical conditions. This flexibility allows doctors to recommend cannabis based on a patient’s needs. This broadened access for patients with various health conditions, such as chronic pain and cancer.
The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) oversees the program, and ensures compliance with state regulations. The process of obtaining a medical marijuana card involves:
1. Application: Fil l out an online application.
2. Consultation: Have a telemedicine consultation with a certified doctor.
3. Registration: Submit the necessary documents to OMMA.
The cost for a medical marijuana card is $129, through Oklahoma Cannabis Card, with renewals at $99 every two years.
Recent Updates
1. Digital Medical Marijuana Cards: These were introduced in 2023. These cards allow patients to store and verify their cards digitally, enhancing convenience.
2. Prescription Monitoring Program Integration: Medical marijuana recommendations are now integrated into the state›s Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP). The purpose is to prevent the overprescription of controlled substances, and to ensure safer treatment plans.
3. Expanding Qualifying Conditions: There is ongoing advocacy to formally include conditions like PTSD and autism spectrum disorders as qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use. While doctors can already recommend cannabis for such conditions, official recognition would further ease access for patients.
Guidelines for Medical Marijuana Patients
1. Possession Limits. Registered patients can possess:
• Up to 3 ounces of marijuana on their person.
• Up to 8 ounces at their residence.
• Up to 1 ounce of concentrated marijuana (e.g., extracts).
• Up to 72 ounces of edible marijuana products. These limits ensure that patients have enough cannabis for personal medical use without exceeding reasonable amounts.
2. Cultivation Limits. Patients are permitted to grow their own marijuana plants:
• Up to 6 mature plants.
• Up to 6 seedling plants. Plants must be kept out of public view and in a secure location to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Consumption Guidelines. Consumption of medical marijuana is subject to the following restrictions:
• Prohibited in public spaces.
• Prohibited while operating a vehicle.
• Subject to the same restrictions as tobacco smoking in public buildings and areas where smoking is not allowed.
LAW AND MEDICINE
4. Caregiver Provisions. Caregivers can assist patients with purchasing, transporting, and administering medical marijuana. To become a caregiver, an individual must:
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a resident of Oklahoma.
• Submit the Adult Patient Caregiver Designation Form to OMMA, signed by both the patient and caregiver.
Caregivers must adhere to the same possession limits and use restrictions as patients.
5. Card Expiry and Renewal. Medical marijuana cards are valid for two years. To avoid disruption in access, patients should start the renewal process at least 30 days before the expiration date. The renewal process involves a consultation with a doctor to verify the continued need for medical marijuana, and costs $99.
Guidelines
for Oklahoma doctor who recommends medical marijuana
to patients:
1. Understand State Law. Oklahoma law allows licensed physicians to recommend medical marijuana to patients with qualifying conditions.
Continues on page 24 …
*Dr. Sanbar is an Adjunct Professor of Medical Education, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Executive Director and Past Chairman and Diplomat, American Board of Legal Medicine; and Past President and Fellow, American College of Legal Medicine. He is a health law attorney and a retired cardiologist.
2. Qualifying Conditions: Unlike many states, Oklahoma does not have a specific list of qualifying medical conditions. Physicians have the discretion to recommend medical marijuana for any condition they deem appropriate.
3. Physician Licensing and Compliance: Physicians must hold a valid, unrestricted medical license from the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision or the Oklahoma Board of Osteopathic Examiners. They must complete required training related to medical marijuana, including understanding its effects, potential risks, and benefits.
4. Doctor-Patient Relationship: A bona fide physician-patient relationship must be established. This includes conducting a thorough examination and maintaining accurate medical records. Physicians should ensure that medical marijuana is a suitable treatment option for the patient’s condition.
5. Recommendation Process: Physicians must use the official Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) form to recommend medical marijuana. The recommendation is valid for a maximum of two years, though physicians can specify a shorter duration if deemed necessary.
6. Patient Education: Physicians should educate patients about the potential benefits and risks of medical marijuana, including side effects and interactions with other medications. They should also discuss methods of consumption, dosing, and the importance of purchasing products from licensed dispensaries.
7. Regulatory Compliance: Physicians must comply with all OMMA regulations and guidelines, including documenting the patient’s medical condition and treatment plan. They should stay informed about any changes in state laws or regulations related to medical marijuana.
8. Record Keeping and Reporting: Physicians should maintain detailed records of patient evaluations, recommendations, and follow-up care. They should also be prepared for potential audits or reviews by regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with state laws.
9. Professional Conduct and Ethics: Physicians should not have any financial interest in dispensaries or marijuana-related businesses to avoid conflicts of interest. And they should maintain professional boundaries and adhere to ethical standards in patient care.
10. Legal Protections and Risks: Physicians are protected from criminal prosecution for recommending medical marijuana in accordance with state laws. However, they must be aware of federal laws, as marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law.
11. Continuous Education: Physicians should engage in ongoing education regarding medical marijuana research, evolving legal frameworks, and best practices in patient care. Senate Bill 437, enacted by the Oklahoma legislature, outlines specific educational requirements for physicians who recommend medical marijuana. The bill mandates the creation of a registry by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, which will be published starting January 1, 2025. This registry will include physicians who are in compliance with the agency’s initial and continuing medical education requirements.
By adhering to these guidelines, Oklahoma doctors can responsibly recommend medical marijuana, and ensure that patients receive safe and effective treatment while complying with state regulations.
Coming In The Next Issue of The Bulletin:
Misfortunes may not always prove unfortunate. When our spirits rise to the challenge, they can turn misfortunes into creative opportunities. On the minted coins of destiny, the other side of misfortune can be joy.
“There is nothing good or bad but thinking makes it so,” said Hamlet.
“Posterity would never have seen the measure of your spirit if it had not seen it in misfortune,” said the statesman Élie, Duc de Molé, to Napoleon Bonaparte. (From, Napoleon-A Life, by Andrew Roberts.)
“My life has been full of terrible misfortunes most of which never happened,” said Michele De Montaigne in his Complete Works.
“To the wise, a storm of difficulty may be a school. The slaps of waves resemble the slaps of a master,” said the Urdu poet, Mirza Ghalib.
“A difficulty is a light. An unsurmountable difficulty is a sun,” said the French philosopher, Paul Valerie.
Misfortunes
(Sonnet 136)
Like storms, misfortunes suddenly appear When life is sunny and when skies are clear When no one can foresee that storms are near And that, what is unseen, is always here.
Misfortunes are the blithe batons of fate Impassion, undermine, and orchestrate Beget the tears that help us tolerate Turn on the lights that make us contemplate.
Misfortunes are the thorns beneath the blooms Of long-stemmed roses blowing in our rooms Brought in to dissipate our dooms and glooms And capture joy, which over sadness looms.
Misfortunes are the labor pains of mirth The necessary pains that bring rebirth.
By Hanna Saadah, MD
The Reasonable Person in the Medical Context
S. Sandy Sanbar, MD, PhD, JD, FCLM, DABLM
This essay provides an overview of the legal concepts and characteristics of the reasonable person, focusing on its application to doctors, judges, and jurors in cases of personal injury, medical negligence, informed consent, and refusal of treatment.
The reasonable person standard is a legal benchmark for assessing lawful behavior, established by appellate courts and memorialized as judge-made common law.
The concept of the reasonable person was first established in 1837 by an English court in Vaughn v. Menlove.1 The court held that the reasonable person standard is objective, requiring individuals to act with the caution and sensibility expected of a hypothetical reasonable person in similar circumstances.
Negligence and the Reasonable Person
Negligence occurs when an individual fails to act as a reasonable person would in a similar situation.
LAW & MEDICINE LAWAND
This failure represents a breach of duty, leading to legal liability if it results in injury. The reasonable person test is objective, providing a uniform standard for juries to assess the actions of parties in a case.
Medical Malpractice and the Reasonable Doctor
In medical malpractice cases, doctors are held to the standard of a “reasonably competent healthcare provider” with similar training and expertise. This standard is derived from the general negligence standard but accounts for the specialized knowledge of medical professionals.
Expert testimony is often required to assist juries in understanding whether a physician’s duty of care was breached.
Informed Consent
Informed consent is a critical aspect of medical practice, requiring healthcare providers to disclose information that allows patients to make informed
decisions about their care. The landmark case Canterbury v. Spence2 highlighted the importance of disclosing risks associated with medical procedures. Recent cases, such as Gates v. Jenson3 and Jandre v. Physicians Insurance Co of Wisconsin 4, emphasize the need for physicians to disclose personal interests and all diagnostic tests that may rule out potential conditions.
Standards for Informed Consent
States adopt different standards for informed consent:
• Subjective Standard: What the patient needs to know to make an informed decision. (followed in Oklahoma5)
• Reasonable Patient Standard: What an average patient would need to know. Reasonable Physician Standard: What a typical physician would disclose.
Exceptions to Informed Consent
Exceptions include incapacitated patients, life-threatening emergencies, and voluntary waived consent. Children typically cannot provide informed consent, with exceptions for married minors, mothers, military personnel, and those proving financial independence.
Res Ipsa Loquitur
This doctrine allows for an inference of negligence based on circumstantial evidence when an accident typically does not occur without negligence. It is often applied in medical malpractice cases where the facts speak for themselves.
In sum, the reasonable person standard remains a cornerstone of legal and medical practice, ensuring that individuals act with the appropriate level of care and caution. Informed consent continues to evolve, emphasizing shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers. As legal and medical landscapes change, the principles of reasonableness and informed consent will adapt to meet new challenges.
4 Physicians Insurance Company of Wisconsin, 2012 WI 39 (April 17, 2012)
5 Scott v. Bradford, 1979 OK 165; 606 P.2d 554, 556.
MEDICINE
“Work should be a way to relax,” said Napoleon.
From: Napoleon, A Life
by Andrew Roberts
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P L E A S E J O I N U S F O R A
Day of Remembrance
S U N D A Y , M A R C H 3 0 , 2 0 2 5 6 2 0 N H A R V E Y A V E N U E | O K L A H O M A C I T Y
a t o n e o ’ c l o c k i n t h e a f t e r n o o n A n e v e n t t o h o n o r p h y s i c i a n s a n d d e n t i s t s
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
f o r t h e i r d e d i c a t i o n a n d c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o t h e h e a l t h a n d w e l l b e i n g o f O k l a h o m a C i t y f o l l o w i n g t h e e v e n t s o f A p r i l 1 9 , 1 9 9 5 .
Oklahoma County Medical Society
313 N.E. 50th St., Suite 2
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-1830
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At INTEGRIS Health, we spend every day partnering with patients to help keep them well and to improve the overall health of all Oklahomans. So here are some important tips to ensure you stay in the best possible health, for you and your family.
– Watch your blood pressure and cholesterol and never ignore chest pain.
– Don’t skip regular wellness checks or screenings like a heart scan, mammogram, or your colonoscopy – they can all be lifesavers.
– Remember, there are options to treat joint pain and discomfort.
– Don’t delay scheduled or elective procedures.
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