About The Author
STEVEN DRABEK MD
Dr. Steven A. Drabek is a physician whose career has been built on one clear purpose: helping people understand, navigate, and face complex medical realities with clarity and dignity. With decades of experience across family medicine, hospice, palliative care, and chronic pain management, his work extends far beyond diagnosis and treatment.
He is known for what he calls “medical translation”, the ability to simplify complicated medical situations into language patients and families can truly understand. Whether guiding end-of-life decisions or managing long-term pain, his approach is grounded in compassion, communication, and trust.
Even after retirement from full-time clinical practice, Dr. Drabek continues to contribute through hospice leadership and home-based palliative care programs. His writing reflects the same steady, human-centered perspective, offering reassurance, clarity, and insight in moments that often feel overwhelming.
Professional Background
Dr. Drabek earned his B.S. from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and his M.D. from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, followed by a Family Practice Residency in Tulsa.
He spent over 25 years in family medicine before transitioning into hospitalist care, hospice, and palliative medicine. His roles have included Director of Palliative Medicine at INTEGRIS Hospice House, hospitalist positions, and Medical Director roles across multiple healthcare organizations.
In recent years, his focus has centered on chronic pain and home-based palliative care, where he continues to lead and develop patient-centered care programs.
Achievements and Recognition
Dr. Drabek has received multiple honors for his contributions to medicine, including Family Physician of the Year and Physician of the Year awards. He has also been widely recognized for his role in teaching and mentorship, earning distinction as an Outstanding Physician Preceptor while training future healthcare professionals.
His leadership extends beyond clinical care, including hospital board service, departmental leadership, and contributions to the development of major healthcare institutions in Oklahoma.