6: A Conversation with Colleagues

Vital Visions: The Vedala Brothers Podcast

Jay Jennings, MD and Aaron Smathers, MD join the Vedalas this week to talk about their experiences together in medical school at OU and now at Norman Regional. The four physicians look back and reminisce on their days spent in lectures and anatomy lab and the professors who helped them get to where they are now. Dr. Jennings and Dr. Smathers share about their lives and specialties, giving patients and physicians tips and advice. We get to learn more about the process of medical school and what it took to get through their classes on this week’s episode, A Conversation with Colleagues!
Guest Bios:
Jay Jennings, MD, is a general surgeon with Norman Regional’s Oklahoma Surgical Associates clinic. Dr. Jennings attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma and completed his general surgery residency at the University of Missouri. He pursued general surgery as his field of medicine because of his desire to improve patient’s lives in a direct manner. He enjoys having the ability to not only figure out problems for patients but also fix them in a holistic approach. Dr. Jennings said his patients can expect a provider with a strong technical skill set who is fully invested in providing them the best individualized care possible.
His special interests include bowel blockages, colon cancer, diverticular disease, emergency general surgery, hernia repair, laparoscopic appendectomies, laparoscopic and open gallbladder surgery and robotic surgery.
Dr. Jennings is a sixth generation Oklahoman with strong native ties. Most of his family has dedicated their lives to serving the citizens of Oklahoma in a variety of ways. Dr. Jennings says he is honored to continue this tradition as a surgeon.
Aaron Smathers, MD, MS, is a board-certified sports medicine physician at Ortho Central. He attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma College Of Medicine and chose to pursue sports medicine because as an athlete himself, he wants to help other athletes overcome the challenges associated with competition. Dr. Smathers said his patients can expect a well-rounded sports medicine physician prepared to take care of any and all active populations. The focus will always be to work together to achieve a patient’s goals.
His special interests include non-operative orthopedic care for all ages, endurance sports performance and preparation, ultrasound guided joint and soft tissue injections, non-operative fracture care, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and concussion management.
Dr. Smathers enjoys spending time with family, biking, and playing the guitar.

Links:
Jay Jennings, MD
Aaron Smathers, MD
Dr. Jennings’ Clinic, Oklahoma Surgical Associates
Dr. Smathers’ Clinic, Ortho Central
Blog – Prevent Commotio Cordis in Young Athletes
This podcast is for educational purposes only. The information in this show is not to be used as medical advice. If you are needing medical care, please consult with your physician.
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