Dr. Melissa McIntosh is the Osage Nation Health System’s new Interim chief medical officer.
Dr. McIntosh has been with the health system for two years and specializes in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, said CEO Mark Rogers. After working closely with former CMO Dr. Tony Little, she is taking on his former role following his early retirement.
Dr. Little, said Rogers, had been planning to retire after the opening of the new clinic but family health issues compelled him to request an earlier retirement.
“He requested an earlier retirement, which we accommodated for him,” said Rogers. “He’s still helping us with our transition.”
Rogers thanked Dr. Little for his service and commitment to all their Native American patients, families and the Osage community.
“Our team remains committed to providing high-quality healthcare and ensuring a seamless transition for our staff and patients,” he said. “We appreciate everyone’s support and patience during this period of change.”
Rogers said Dr. McIntosh attended a training for the ONHS’ new electronic health record system and will ensure continuity of care and leadership.
“She has seamlessly slid into [Dr. Little’s former] role,” Rogers told Osage News, who also shared that he was happy the new clinic’s construction has remained on schedule.
The new clinic building is currently being constructed on Pawhuska’s Main Street and is set to open this summer.
Dr. McIntosh began her career in rural medicine in 2002 after graduating from the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa Internal Medicine-Pediatrics program. This was proceeded by graduation from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City and an undergraduate degree from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kans. She has worked in rural health care in private practice or tribal health care for the entirety of her 23-year career.
“I am extremely proud to say that I stand firmly in my rural roots. Medicine in underserved areas is challenging but I would not want to be anywhere else,” she said. “There is great value in serving our Native American citizens in underserved areas.”
She said she’s excited to try something new to promote positive change, not just through the doctor-patient relationship, but also through changes in care delivery and systems of delivering that care.
“This transition comes during an exciting and seismic time. In the next few months, we will implement a new electronic health record, called EPIC, that will allow improved patient care, move into a beautiful, new state-of-the-art facility, and continue to serve our Osage community through the busy and wonderful Inlonshka dances,” she said. “As I began this transition, I could not have asked for a better support system, and I am profoundly grateful to be working with such a dedicated team.”
