ADA, Okla. — The Chickasaw Nation Medical Center (CNMC) has earned the 2025 Most Beautiful Hospital in the United States designation from Soliant, a staffing company that connects medical personnel with hospitals and schools across the country.
“Soliant’s ‘Most Beautiful Hospital’ awards recognize hospitals across the U.S. that combine thoughtful design, healing environments, compassionate care, and community pride,” according to its website.
Shari West, Chickasaw Nation Director of Landscaping and Facility Services, said keeping the Ada South Campus’s 230 acres and more than 370,000-square-foot hospital in great condition is a shared responsibility, not just for her staff but all CNMC employees.
“It’s really our entire workforce because everyone does their part to keep our hospital in pristine condition,” West said.
Three core departments, facility services, landscaping and maintenance, are primarily accountable for the property’s upkeep, according to West.
“They take pride in the space, and everything they do is a reflection of their hard work, and the love and care they have for the property,” she said.
West said while looks are important, there is a deeper underlying quality she wants those entering the facility to experience.
“For us, it’s much more than how the hospital looks, but how it feels. The Chickasaw Nation Medical Center is deeply tied to healing, dignity and community. Every detail of what we do, from the architecture, the landscaping and how we care for this space, it’s about creating a warm, respectful environment,” she said.
“We want every patient and family who walks through the door to feel welcome, supported and seen. We want them to know this is a place of healing. That focus drives everything we do.”
The most beautiful hospital competition is decided by the public, 1,067,862 of whom cast their ballots for CNMC, according to Soliant’s website.
Marty Wafford, Chickasaw Nation Under Secretary of Support and Programs, said CNMC does not look its age.
“The Chickasaw Nation Medical Center opened in July 2010, so it’s more than 15 years old. We give tours almost weekly, and people are very surprised when they enter and tour our building for the first time to learn it is as old as it is,” Wafford said.
Lyndal Dedmon, Chickasaw Nation Executive Officer of Support, said there is a reason the facility maintains its impressive appearance.
“All our teams do a spectacular job with a lot of pride in the work they do,” Dedmon said. “That’s why this facility looks the way it does. It’s 15 years old and looks brand-new because that is how it’s maintained. That says a lot for our employees.”
“It’s our culture,” Wafford said. “We are quality, and we’ve been working with that initiative. Last November, the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health won the Malcolm Baldrige Award, the highest quality award in any sector of business in the United States. It takes all our team members.
“It is common to walk into the medical center in the morning and see people doing things like picking up misplaced items or complimenting the landscaping. We are quality, and everyone does their part to help keep the campus beautiful,” she said.
“I’ve been with the Chickasaw Nation for 13 years,” West said. “It has been an incredible journey watching this facility evolve and grow and being a part of something that truly serves our citizens.”
For more information, visit ChickasawNationHealth.net.