OSU-COM alum Gilbertson aligns medicine with her faith, family

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Media Contact: Neile Jones | Communications Manager | 918-561-1169 | neile.jones@okstate.edu

As a child, Dr. Chelsey Gilbertson faced health challenges that ultimately inspired a career dedicated to changing lives. Recurrent hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses led to a diagnosis of asthma, and she often found herself in an oxygen tent during those difficult times.

“I have vivid memories of being in that oxygen tent and receiving a Fisher-Price doctor’s kit from my parents through a small window,” she said. “That little kit became a symbol of hope for me.”

Today, Gilbertson serves as an emergency medicine physician and the chief medical officer at Integris Health Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Her early struggles inspired her passion for medicine.

“I always knew medicine was my next step,” she said. “From high school to college, college to medical school and then residency — it was always the path forward for me.”

She credits her time at Oklahoma State University for opening doors.

“I’m a big OSU fan,” she said. “The guest speakers and experiences I had there really shaped my journey into osteopathic medicine.”

Gilbertson pursued emergency medicine after a shadowing experience during her second year of medical school.

“I spent a night shift in the emergency department during Christmas break and just knew this was what I was meant to do,” she said.

Even now, she balances her administrative role with weekly shifts in the emergency room.

“Taking care of patients is non-negotiable for me,” she said. “It’s what keeps me grounded and connected to why I started this journey.”

And in her role as chief medical officer, she can make an even broader impact.

“I work closely with my physician colleagues to improve systems that benefit both patients and providers,” she said. “It’s an honor to collaborate and make a difference.”

Her commitment to patient care and demonstrated leadership led to an appointment to the Oklahoma State Board of Osteopathic Examiners where she serves as president. 

“I’m actually the first female physician to ever be on the board,” she said.

The board, which oversees the licensing of osteopathic physicians in the state, has a history spanning more than 100 years.

“It’s pretty cool to be part of this legacy,” she said.

Gilbertson also finds joy in mentoring aspiring medical professionals.

“I’ve mentored people with and without connections in the field,” she said. “At the end of the day, don’t sell yourself short. If medicine is your passion, find a way to pursue it.”

And she encourages students to focus on the rewards.

“Find joy in the journey — even if it’s organic chemistry,” she said with a laugh.

Gilbertson credits her family for their unwavering support.

“My faith, my family and my career — they have to be in the right alignment,” she said. “I’m really fortunate because I have amazing support from my son, my husband, my parents, my in-laws. We have such an amazing support network that allows me to do this work. If I didn’t have them, I couldn’t do this.”

Gilbertson grew up in Guthrie and believes in staying connected to her Oklahoma roots.

“All my family is here and it’s really important for me to be close to the community where I grew up,” she said. “OSU really supports keeping physicians in the state and I never see myself leaving Oklahoma.”

For Gilbertson, medicine is more than a profession; it’s a calling.

“This isn’t just what I do; it’s my life,” she said.