GROVE (June 16, 2013) –Joel Kraft, M.D., has always felt a calling to serve others. He began his career by serving our country in the United States Air Force. After retiring from the service, Kraft decided to become a physician to fulfill his passion to help others and make a positive impact on their lives.
Kraft received his bachelor’s degree, graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Central Oklahoma. He attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma, College of Medicine, where he was a recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship. He completed a residency with Great Plains Family Medicine at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center where he also served as chief resident.
Kraft was drawn to family medicine as a specialty because of the broad scope of practice and the opportunity to care for the entire family. “Family medicine is a specialized field that allows me to treat a diverse patient population with a variety of health conditions. It is a very rewarding career. I like focusing on prevention and wellness, as much as I like being able to provide a cure for an illness or disease. I enjoy caring for newborns, as much as I enjoy caring for my geriatric patients,” Kraft says.
He has a well-earned reputation for providing comprehensive care for his patients. “It’s rewarding to help my patients make positive changes in their lives. I am always challenging myself to look at each patient individually and to make sure I have done everything possible to help my patient.”
His patients often share that they appreciate Kraft’s warm and approachable personality and the personalized treatment he provides. “I get to know my patients. This helps me provide the very best care possible,” he continues. “The best treatment for the disease or illness may not be the best treatment for the patient. When I know my patients, I can modify the treatment plan to achieve optimal results for that particular patient.”
Greg Martin, president of INTEGRIS Grove Hospital, is pleased that Kraft is joining the team. “Dr. Kraft has a great reputation at INTEGRIS. It’s a major accomplishment to be named the chief resident, so obviously he is very bright, and a natural leader. He also has a way of working with his patients: he has a great bedside manner and patients respond very well to him. He will be an excellent addition to our medical staff.”
Outside the office, Kraft is a devoted family man. He and his wife Sheli have three children. In his spare time he enjoys flying, hunting, running, scuba diving and mountain biking.
Kraft is joining the practice of Kyle Schauf, M.D., and will begin seeing patients on Aug. 1, 2014. He accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance.
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