SMC News
Share Medical Center Welcomes First Medical Student for Rural Externship Program
Share Medical Center is proud to welcome Student Doctor Mitchell Hartwig of the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine as he begins his 2026 Summer Rural Externship at SMC’s Downtown Clinic under the supervision of Dr. Chris Burk, M.D.
Hartwig, whose family has deep roots in the Alva area, is interested in pursuing Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Rural Medical Track, a program designed to prepare future physicians to serve rural and underserved communities across Oklahoma.
This externship marks an important milestone for Share Medical Center, as Hartwig becomes the first medical student to complete a clinical rotation at the organization.
“We are excited to welcome Mitchell to Share Medical Center and provide hands-on learning opportunities in rural healthcare,” said Share Medical Center representatives. “Investing in future physicians is essential to strengthening healthcare access in rural Oklahoma, and we hope to continue expanding opportunities for medical students interested in serving communities like ours.”
Hartwig will work alongside Dr. Burk and the Downtown Clinic team, gaining firsthand experience in patient care while learning about the unique rewards and challenges of practicing medicine in a rural setting.
Share Medical Center remains committed to supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals and fostering educational partnerships that help grow the future rural physician workforce.
Share Medical Center Celebrates 2026 EMS Week
Share Medical Center proudly celebrated EMS Week 2026 by recognizing and thanking the EMS professionals and volunteers who serve communities across northwest Oklahoma.
Throughout the week, SMC showed appreciation for local EMS partners with snacks, drinks, EMS-themed swag, and a special custom wooden art piece created to honor the dedication and service of emergency responders.
One of the highlights of the week was the presentation of a custom wooden EMS art piece as a token of appreciation for the service and sacrifice EMS professionals provide every day across rural Oklahoma.
“EMS Week is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who answer the call at all hours, often in difficult circumstances,” Share Medical Center shared. “We are grateful for their dedication to caring for our communities and proud to celebrate them this week.”
Share Medical Center extends its sincere appreciation to all EMS providers, volunteers, dispatchers, and first responders for their continued service and commitment to rural healthcare.
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Buffalo EMS
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Waynoka EMS
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Alva EMS & Survival Flight 24
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Freedom EMS
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Alfalfa County EMS
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Survival Flight 24
Share Medical Center Celebrates 2026 National Hospital Week
Share Medical Center proudly celebrated National Hospital Week with a full week of activities dedicated to honoring the employees who serve patients and the community every day.
Throughout the week, SMC staff members were recognized with meals, treats, gifts, and fun activities designed to celebrate their hard work, compassion, and dedication to rural healthcare.
Hospital Week festivities kicked off with Survival Flight providing Chick-fil-A for all SMC employees, helping launch the celebration with a generous show of support and appreciation.
Employees also enjoyed a festive Employee Appreciation Lunch catered by Cancun featuring a taco and fajita bar complete with all the fixings.
The SMC Human Resources team brought smiles throughout the hospital with a traveling Ice Cream Sundae Snack Cart serving chocolate and vanilla ice cream, caramel, strawberry, and chocolate syrups, and toppings ranging from M&Ms to waffle cone bits. Staff members were also able to choose a squishy stress ball while enjoying classic ice cream truck music played through the halls.
Additional treats throughout the week included specialty drinks and snacks from Wicked Grind, as well as a final “Code Snack” cart featuring dirty sodas and Rialto popcorn to close out the celebration.
National Hospital Week serves as an opportunity to recognize the physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians, EMS professionals, support staff, leadership, and employees across every department who work together to provide quality healthcare to northwest Oklahoma.
“We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the care they provide every day,” said Share Medical Center leadership. “Hospital Week is one small way to celebrate the people who make our mission possible.”
Share Medical Center extends sincere gratitude to the community partners, local businesses, and employees who helped make the week special.
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Dirty Soda "Code Snack" Cart
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Lab & Radiology w/ "Code Snack" Cart
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Downtown Clinic Team
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Wicked Grind Treats for all!
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Downtown Clinic Team enjoying lunch!
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Ice Cream Sundae "Code Snack" Cart!
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The Homestead Staff enjoying a sundae!
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Chick-fil-A courtesy of Survival Flight 24!
Share Medical Center Receives 2026 OBI STAR Award
We’re incredibly proud to share that Share Medical Center has been recognized by the Oklahoma Blood Institute as a top hospital blood drive performer!
Eric Driskill with the OBI presented Koleta Burton and our amazing team with the STAR Award- a special recognition given to fewer than 10% of medical partners who go above and beyond to be part of the solution in saving lives.
Here’s what our community made possible together from April 2025 - April 2026:
10 blood drives hosted
152 donations collected
410 RBCs delivered
456 patients’ lives impacted
In a rural area like ours, where the nearest blood supply is over an hour away, this matters more than ever. Because of you, life-saving care stays close to home.
Koko shared, “Having blood available locally can make all the difference in an emergency. It also allows patients who need regular transfusions to receive care right here, without the burden of traveling.” She added, “We’re so grateful for the recognition of our blood drive efforts. These drives happen monthly, and anyone in our community can step in and make a real impact.”
Dr. Ken Brown Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Kenneth Brown is a retired professor of chemistry at Northwestern Oklahoma State University who dedicated more than three decades to teaching, mentoring, and serving the Alva community. Originally from Herkimer, New York, Dr. Brown earned degrees in chemistry and mathematics from Hope College before completing his Ph.D. in physical and inorganic chemistry at Rutgers University.
He began his career at Northwestern in 1973 and spent 31 years teaching chemistry, impacting thousands of students before retiring in 2004. Known for his passion for science and his ability to connect with students, Dr. Brown took great pride not only in teaching complex concepts but in helping students grow into confident individuals.
Even in retirement, Dr. Brown has remained deeply committed to the Alva community. He volunteers regularly at Share Medical Center, serves on the Alva Hospital Authority and Northwest Family Services boards, and contributes his time to the Salt Plains Refuge Center- continuing a role he has held for more than 20 years.
His dedication to service earned him the Alva Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year award in 2017. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to NWOSU and the community, he was also honored as the university’s Homecoming Parade Marshal in 2025- a full-circle moment celebrating decades of impact and leadership.
Dr. Brown’s legacy is defined not only by his career in education, but by his continued service, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the people of Alva.
Steve Madrid, PA-C Earns Healthcare Professional of the Year Award
Steve Madrid is a Physician Assistant at Share Medical Center, dedicated to providing exceptional emergency and primary medical care to the community. He earned his honors degree from the OU School of Medicine Physician Associate program.
Outside of work, Steve finds joy in hunting, fishing, and various outdoor activities, often enjoyed with his beloved family.
He extends a heartfelt gratitude to his wife Melissa, his three children- Hilary, Karsyn, and Boden- as well as his son-in-law, Kennedy and grandsons Waylon and Colter, for their unwavering support and love.
Share Medical Center Named Service Business of the Year Nominee
Share Medical Center is a trusted critical access hospital dedicated to serving northwest Oklahoma with compassionate, high-quality healthcare. Offering a full range of services- including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient treatment, surgery, and specialty clinics- the organization is committed to ensuring patients can receive excellent care close to home.
Over the years, Share Medical Center has expanded access to healthcare in a rural setting by recruiting skilled providers, enhancing patient satisfaction scores, and maintaining high standards of safety and compliance. The hospital consistently earns strong patient satisfaction scores and is recognized for its culture of service, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Its commitment to excellence is matched by a deep sense of responsibility to the community it serves.
Drive by its Mission, “Passion for Excellence, Compassion for You,” Share Medical Center believes that rural communities deserve the same level of care, dignity, and quality as any other. Its team is dedicated to meeting patients where they are and caring for the whole person- physically, emotionally, and relationally.
What truly sets Share Medical Center apart is its people. Staff members are not only healthcare professionals but also neighbors, friends, and volunteers who have strong ties to the community. This “family-first” approach ensures that every patient is treated with the same care and respect as a loved one.
Proud to serve Alva, Share Medical Center values the town’s resilience, connection, and unwavering support for one another. The organization views its “family” as not only its staff but also the patients, families, first responders, and community partners it works alongside every day.
Grateful for this nomination, Share Medical Center shares this honor with its entire team and community. It remains steadfast in its mission to provide exceptional care and to serve Alva for generations to come.
Rural Health Matters
The Rural Health Matters series, authored by Share Medical Center’s CEO Kandice Allen, offers an in‑depth look at the critical role rural health systems play in sustaining northwest Oklahoma’s communities and economy. Through articles such as “The Hidden Heroes: How Critical Access Hospitals Keep Rural Economies Healthy,” Allen illustrates how deeply interconnected the region’s farms, businesses, schools, families, and health care systems truly are- where the well‑being of one strengthens the whole. Her writing highlights the essential function of Critical Access Hospitals like Share Medical Center, which not only safeguard access to care but also serve as major economic engines and pillars of community resilience.
“Your Neighbor, Your Provider”
An SMC Patient Education Series
In this episode of “Your Neighbor, Your Provider,” our Chief Nursing Officer, Regina Wilson, RN, shares a piece of advice for nurses looking to work in a rural hospital!
Regina has dedicated more than three decades to serving our patients, supporting our nursing teams, and helping shape the compassionate, community-centered care that defines SMC today. From evolving technology to improved patient-centered practices, Regina has witnessed- and helped lead- the remarkable advancements that continue to strengthen the care we provide.
“Kayla’s Kindness”
Alva, Oklahoma, you never cease to amaze us
A few years ago, a little girl named Kayla looked around and decided the world needed more kindness. So she started Kayla’s Kindness Project, and ever since, she has been one of Share Medical Center's biggest cheerleaders.
This week, Kayla (now a little older and still just as big-hearted) showed up with gifts for our Christmas Adoption Project.
And then there's Christopher McClellan.
Many of you may remember his mom, who was part of the Share family for years. Christopher has been fighting the hardest fight of his life to get drug-free. He's doing the work every single day at Renewal Ranch, and he's winning. This Christmas will be his first in years with HOPE instead of chains.
Christopher has nothing. Literally. We put him on our adoption list with the basics- warm clothes, a Bible, and a few things to make his space feel like home.
Two Oklahoma kids (one giving everything she has; one starting over with nothing) and both reminding us what Christmas is really about.
If you'd like to help wrap up Christopher's list, message us.
Kayla and Christopher- thank you for letting Share Medical Center be part of your story.
This is Alva. This is Woods County. This is home.