SMC News
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.