Tulsa Patients Recall Compassion of Surgeon Killed in Saint Francis Shooting
As funeral plans are set for Dr. Preston Phillips, patients and their families describe an orthopedic surgeon who cared about far more than their injuries.
By Zanele Khumalo ·
People across Tulsa are remembering Dr. Preston Phillips, an orthopedic surgeon who was one of four people shot and killed last week in a mass shooting on the Saint Francis campus.
A funeral service for Phillips is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. at Boston Avenue Methodist. For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed live through the Biglow Funerals website, on the page dedicated to his obituary.
Another victim of the shooting, Dr. Stephanie Husen, will also be laid to rest Saturday. Her service is set for 10 a.m. at the Church of Saint Benedict.
In the days leading up to the services, many Oklahomans have shared stories about Phillips and the care he gave to people living with pain. He was widely known across the region as a surgeon who relieved suffering, and some patients went so far as to call him a "lifesaver."
Sisters Darla Brandon and April Curry said both of their parents were patients of Phillips at different times. Brandon said that since 2020 both her mother and father had broken a hip, and that her mother had also dealt with a range of back problems.
When the sisters first heard the shooting had taken place on the orthopedics floor of the Natalie Building, Brandon said her mind went immediately to Phillips. "My first thought was oh goodness I hope it wasn't Dr. Phillips or any of his staff," she said.
The sisters described him as much more than an ordinary physician, saying he earned the deep respect of their parents. They recalled that he once spoon-fed their mother in the hospital to make sure she was eating enough to heal.
"He was a great person and he not only cared about your orthopedic issue," Curry said. "He cared about your full wellbeing and how you felt."
Both women said they were struggling to accept that he was gone, and they hoped his family understood how deeply his patients miss him. "You could not ask for a better doctor we are completely heartbroken he is gone our prayers go out to the families," Brandon said.
Originally published by News Media House · Source: News On 6
