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Dr. Scott Russell
Last July, Bristow bid farewell to the medical services of Dr. Donald “Chip” Cooper; fortunately, a new doctor arrived soon thereafter, eager to serve area residents’ healthcare needs. That physician is Dr. Scott Russell.
His early life spent in Orem, Utah, Dr. Russell fell in love with medicine while shadowing doctors in the operating room for a high school class. As he shadowed the physicians, he realized he wanted to become a doctor. He found the experience and medicine interesting but most enjoyed seeing those doctors help people and improve the quality of their lives. Consequently, he began to tailor his high school and eventual college classes toward his own nascent goal of helping people with their healthcare needs.
Along his path to becoming Bristow’s newest physician, Dr. Russell first graduated with an undergraduate degree in biology from Orem’s own Utah Valley University in 2013. He then earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from Lincoln Memorial University of Harrogate, Tennessee, in 2018. For his residency, Dr. Russell looked for a program nearer to his family in Utah but close enough to his medical school in Tennessee. Ultimately, he chose OSU Medical Center’s residency program in Tulsa for its location as well as for its standing among DO residency programs, structure, and attachment to a medical school.
Dr. Russell worked a rotation in rural healthcare as part of his residency. He enjoyed the opportunity to serve oft underserved populations, offering him the opportunity to engage in a larger scope of practice. In choosing rural healthcare and specializing in family medicine, his practice could include a wider variety of patients and medicine, including dermatology, preventive medicine, joint treatments, and more for a population ranging from pediatric to geriatric patients.
Additionally, working in rural settings meant being a part of a tight-knit community and connecting with patients on a personal level—both aspects that attracted him to searching for an opportunity in a small, rural community. Bristow found itself in need of a new physician as Dr. Cooper retired, and Dr. Russell came along at the right time to fill the position.
After completing his residency earlier this year, Dr. Russell got married this summer. (Sorry, ladies, he is not single.) His wife, Tien, works in healthcare as a nurse. Presently, the couple do not have any children or pets; although, Dr. Russell did lightly chuckle and say, “We have a fish.” Seemingly, the doctor possesses a bit of humor. He also enjoys playing sports: Ping-Pong, basketball, volleyball, and tennis. When it comes to watching, he is a fan of the Utah Jazz and OSU football. He also enjoys attending festivals, sporting events, concerts, and other events. With Onstage at the Freeland bringing great acts to the community and Bristow’s location between Tulsa and Oklahoma City, perhaps the doctor will find he wants to stay for a long time.
Asked what he most likes about the community, he stated, “The patients are very nice and friendly. People are friendly as they pass by on the street, and I recently saw the community sendoff for the softball team, which is neat because you don’t see that in big cities.”
If you need or want a new physician, Dr. Russell is still taking new patients. His practice is located in Dr. Cooper’s old office, and he can be reached at the same number as well: 918-367-5531. In the meantime, Dr. Russell encourages everyone to “make healthy choices, attend wellness visits, get preventive screenings, and consult your provider with any concerns or questions.” Sage advice from a welcomed newcomer.