Dr. Shelba Bethel

[baby on the way]

Need to know,

Everyone has their own opinions as to who the best OB/GYN in Norman is. Kudos to those who feel that it's Dr. Porter, Dr. Potter, Dr. Mulligan (Dr. Bethel's daughter) or whoever else. They are great doctors as well and I would never write anything negative about them. I am in the middle of my first pregnancy with Dr. Bethel and she handled all of my gyno appointments up until the pregnancy as well. She is fantastic. I have read all of the negative and positive comments about her and I've never seen her not wash her hands, be unfriendly, or be rude to a patient. She IS very quiet, but I am a very talkative person, so I ask a lot of questions and she is quick to answer them as thoroughly as she possibly can. Quietness a personality trait, not an indicator on whether she is a great doctor or not, so I wouldn't even take that into consideration when you are choosing a doctor. As far as the comment about her handleing the miscarriage patient? I cannot see Dr. Bethel EVER being uncaring or unhelpful to a miscarriage patient. Quiet? Yes. To the point? Yes. But never EVER uncaring. She is very professional and thorough. Her office staff is amazing, her nurses are fantastic, and they always treat me (and other patients that I've seen/heard in there) well. She is an older woman and extremely wise. Dr. Bethel has delivered over 13,000 babies, and I'd have to say that I'm more than comfortable with having her deliver mine. She has my vote, but like I said previously, there are many doctors to choose from. Most of these negative stories I've read about Dr. Bethel either sound fabricated or largely over exaggerated.

[momof4]

Need to know wrote:

Can anyone inform me about this doctor. She has come highly recommended as and OB/GYN. I would like more than one opinion though. I am new to Norman.

I think Dr. Bethel is a wonderful Dr. I've never once doubted her competency. She is quiet (some of us are naturally that way) but she is always more than willing to answer any questions. Almost all my friends go to her. When one of my friends had her baby 5 yrs. ago, Dr. Bethel delivered the baby. She was not her reg. Dr. but the Dr. on call at the time. When they asked her how many babies she'd delivered it was over 20,000. And that was over 5 yrs. ago. Her bullitins in her office rooms are loaded with pictures of babies she's delivered for the last 30 some yrs. With my first pregnancy I had a different Dr. because of living in another state. With him we had to see whichever Dr. was in the office. When I went in for delivery my Dr. was leaving for vacation but wouldn't stay 4 hrs. to deliver him. I wasn't very impressed at all at the time but it turned out okay. I have loved to be able to use Dr. Bethel. Like my sis-in-law says... "she comes alive in the delivery room". You can tell she truly enjoys it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[lexiriss]

I LOVE DR BETHEL!!! She is delivered myself my husband and my 2 kids. I will go to her until she retires. She knows her stuff. She has always been friendly to me. When my mother passed away she sent me a beautiful letter she had hand written saying how sorry she was for my loss. I was touched. She always asks how all my family is and has an excellent memory. I refer all my friends and family to her. She is old, yes, but can do her work the best!!!! She is very gentle and tells you everything up front.