By Carrie Bradshaw-Buckley, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Teresa M. Shavney, M.D.
Oklahoma City's first female surgeon, Teresa M. Shavney, M.D. has been named the 2009 Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman of the Year. Dr . Shavney was selected from this year's group of eight distinguished and accomplished nominees.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said that strong, dynamic women have always been a foundation of the Chickasaw Nation.
"Dr. Shavney is a fine example of a Chickasaw woman with the courage and determination to accomplish great things," said Gov. Anoatubby. "She also has the compassion and vision to ensure those accomplishments enhance the lives of her family and members of the community."
A general and pediatric surgeon, Dr. Shavney has more than 26 years in her field.
As an undergraduate Civil Engineering major at the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Shavney was one of the first female graduates from OU's Environmental Sciences program.
After working for the Environmental Protection Agency for a short time, Shavney realized that her true calling was in medicine.
In 1979, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma's School of Medicine and went on to become Oklahoma City's first female surgeon and only the second female surgeon to practice in the state of Oklahoma.
Dr. Shavney was also the first woman elected to the State's Physician-owned medical insurance group, Physician's Liability Income Company and was named as one of America's Top Surgeons by The Consumer Research Council of America.
She has served in many positions of leadership, including president of the Oklahoma Medical Women's Association, the Oklahoma Surgical Society and of the Oklahoma County Medical Society.
"We are very pleased to honor such an energetic and influential member of the medical profession," said Lona Barrick, Administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities. "Dr. Shavney inspires each of us by her strength of character, commitment to excellence and service to the community."
Aside from her medical obligations, Dr. Shavney is also a committed and involved community member, church member, mother and wife.
Established in 2006, the Dynamic Woman Award honors Chickasaw women who have made significant contributions to the tribe, served as role models for other Chickasaw women and have made a difference in the lives of Chickasaws and other citizens. Past recipients include playwright Dr. JudyLee Oliva, State Representative Lisa Johnson-Billy and Dr. Tina Marie Cooper.
Dr. Shavney will be honored at the Chickasaw Nation Arts and Culture awards Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the McSwain Theatre in Ada (OK) as part of the Annual Meeting and Festival.
The Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman of the Year Award will be one of several awards given at the ceremony. Other awards include the Silver Feather Award, Heritage Preservation Awards and artist awards for the Southeastern Art Show and Market (SEASAM).
Dr. Shavney is the granddaughter of original Chickasaw enrollee Sylvia Gibson Pope and the daughter of Richard and Beaulah Shavney.
