Five Graduate from Choctaw Nation Residency Program

DURANT, Okla. – The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma celebrates five graduates from the Family Medicine Residency Program this summer. Doctors Henry Gutierrez, Zachary Cruse, Shanell Gray, Patrick McIntosh, and Daniel Stacy finish their three-year residency with Choctaw Nation and four are remaining on as a physician with Choctaw Nation Health Services.

“The dedication, compassion, and resilience shown by these residents proves that they are ready to make a difference in the lives of countless patients,” says Dr. Eric Gillette, residency program director. “We are all immensely proud of their accomplishments and excited for the bright futures that lie ahead.”

Henry Gutierrez, D.O., comes from Cedarville, Arkansas. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with his Bachelor of Biology, minoring in chemistry. He completed his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Smith, Ark. Having completed his residency requirements, he plans to stay with Choctaw Nation as a member of the core faculty with the residency program. He and his wife have been married for two years and have a new-born daughter, Ellie, who is the first child he’s ever picked up. Dr. Gutierrez is the first member of his family to pursue a career in medicine and was chosen as this year’s Chief Resident.

Zachary Cruse, D.O., grew up in Edmond, Okla. In 2012, he graduated with his Bachelor of Science in both chemistry-health sciences and forensic sciences from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Okla. He graduated in 2021 with his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Cruse has been married to his wife, Leigh Anne, for two years and recently found out they are expecting their first child in January 2025. When not working, he enjoys traveling, hunting, fishing and playing board games. Dr. Cruse plans to continue working with Choctaw Nation at the Stigler Clinic.

Shanell Gray, D.O., grew up in Inola, Okla. She graduated in 2012 from Rogers State University in Claremore, Okla. with a degree in medical molecular biology. She continued her education at Oklahoma State University and in 2016 graduated with a masters in biochemistry and molecular biology. With those degrees in hand, she continued with the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine where she graduated in 2021. Growing up in rural Oklahoma, she developed a love for the underprivileged and those in need. She’s active in both the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association and American Osteopathic Association. She plans to continue as the first Choctaw Nation fellow in Oklahoma State University’s Osteopathic Manipulative and Neuromuscular Medicine.

Dr. Patrick McIntosh is from the Bristow and Tulsa area. He graduated with a bachelor’s in mathematics from Concordia University in Chicago, Ill. He went on to Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he earned in doctorate in osteopathic medicine in 2020. He plans to continue working with the Choctaw Nation as a family medicine physician.

Daniel Stacy, D.O., grew up in Poteau, Okla. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Arkansas in Fort Smith, Ark. and continued in Fort Smith to earn his doctorate in osteopathic medicine from Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Stacy plans to continue working for Choctaw Nation and looks forward to buying a house and growing his family.

The residents completed the program on June 30, 2024, and are eligible for board certification in family medicine. They gathered with family and friends for a graduation ceremony recently to celebrate.

Gillette remarked, “They’ve not only acquired the medical knowledge and skills necessary for excellence but have also shown an unwavering dedication to patient care, community health, and continuous learning. Their passion for medicine and genuine care for their patients will undoubtedly lead to transformative impacts in the communities they serve.”

The ceremony included recognition for the faculty that give their time to teach the residents throughout their three years of the program. This year’s Attending of the Year is Quinton Tieu, D.O. “It’s such an honor to work with these young doctors,” says Dr. Tieu. “Being chosen by those we guide and mentor is the highest compliment. This award reflects not just my efforts but the collaborative spirit and dedication of our entire faculty.”