Branson honors health care providers

During an April 28 ceremony for the city's first Champions of Health Care awards, Branson officials honored several health care providers for health and community efforts.

The top three awards were the Patient's Choice Award, the Community Caregiver Award and the Medical Innovator Award, according to a news release.

Dr. Lynn Allison, primary care physician at Branson Clinic, was selected for the Patient's Choice Award. Allison provides primary care, obstetrics, pediatrics and women's health care.

"Her practice is devoted to making things simple and cost-effective, and going out of her way to work with patients even through insurance issues," the release said. "She treats patients with warmth and compassion, and takes time with each person to answer all questions and set them at ease."

The Community Caregiver Award was presented to Vickie Smeya, a hospice chaplain for Springfield-based home health care provider Oxford HealthCare.

“(She) takes ... assignment(s) with enthusiasm and serves us well. It is always an honor when you can say, 'I would love for this person to care for me or anyone in my family,'" said Tresa Marlow, Smeya's supervisor, in the release.

Dr. Brian Clonts, a physician at Branson-based Skaggs Regional Medical Center, received the Medical Innovator Award. Clonts, who has worked at Skaggs since 2008, is the medical director for the Skaggs Hospitalist Department and the Skaggs Stroke Program and serves on several committees. According to the release, Clonts also volunteers for the Faith Community Health clinic in Branson, holds medical education seminars for local providers and is a leader in Skaggs' annual sports physicals at local high schools.

Other Champions of Health Care honorees were:

• Dr. Peter Marcellus of Faith Community Health;
• Brandy Wishon of Oxford HealthCare;
• Kim Ghys of Oxford HealthCare;
• Cody Hoeflicker of Skaggs;
• Dr. Mark Schultz of Skaggs;
• Dr. T. Laurence Huffman of Lakes Area Medical Clinic in Branson West;
• Kelli Gosch of Skaggs;
• Susie Steele of Oxford HealthCare;
• Jenna Kure of Branson Therapy Services/CoxHealth in Branson;
• Dr. Travis Brawner of Skaggs; and
• Dr. Maryann Mugo of Skaggs.