When you think about the folks who keep a city running, you probably think of the mayor or maybe the police chief. But if you live in Oklahoma City, there’s a name that carries a different kind of weight, especially after the last few years: Dr. David Chansolme. If you’ve spent any time looking for an infectious disease specialist in the metro, you’ve likely stumbled across his name. He’s basically become the go-to guy for everything from complex hospital-acquired infections to the stuff that makes national headlines.
But who is he, really? And why does it seem like every major hospital system in OKC has him on speed dial?
The Doctor Behind the Diagnosis
Honestly, David Chansolme isn't just some guy in a white coat who showed up yesterday. He’s homegrown. Born and raised right here in Oklahoma City, he graduated from Bishop McGuinness High School back in '89.
He didn't stay local for college, though. He headed off to Emory University in Atlanta before coming back to the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine to get his M.D. in 1997. After that, it was a bit of a tour of the South—residency at Tulane in New Orleans (where he was Chief Resident, by the way) and a fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. UAB is basically the big leagues for infectious disease training.
What He Actually Does
Most people hope they never have to see an infectious disease (ID) doctor. If you're seeing Chansolme, it usually means something is going sideways that a general practitioner can’t quite pin down.
In 2004, he moved back to OKC and opened a practice that’s 100% dedicated to ID. He’s the founder of Infectious Diseases Consultants of Oklahoma City (IDCOKC). Think of him as a medical detective. He deals with:
- Bone and joint infections (often after surgery)
- HIV/AIDS management (where he's known for a very "no rush" patient atmosphere)
- Antibiotic-resistant bugs like MRSA
- Tropical diseases for people who come back from vacation with more than just a souvenir
One thing that’s kinda unique about his practice is the focus on outpatient infusion therapy. Basically, he realized that nobody wants to sit in a hospital bed for six weeks just to get IV antibiotics. He set up a system where people can get those life-saving meds at home or in a much more chill office setting. It’s about "putting healing in your hands," as his clinic's motto says.
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Why Everyone in OKC Knows the Name
If you lived through 2020 in Oklahoma, you saw Dr. David Chansolme a lot. He wasn't just working in the lab; he was the Medical Director of Infection Prevention at INTEGRIS Health.
He became one of the primary voices of reason during the COVID-19 pandemic. While everyone was panicking, Chansolme was the one on the news or in "Doctor Diaries" videos, standing in the ICU at INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center. He was remarkably blunt. I remember him saying at a press conference that "Testing is not going to curb the epidemic... What's going to fix the problem is washing your hands and staying away from other people."
He didn't sugarcoat it. He told Oklahomans exactly what they needed to hear, even when it was uncomfortable. That bluntness earned him a lot of respect in a state that values straight talk.
Affiliations and "The Office"
You’ll find him all over the city. While he has his private practice, he’s affiliated with a ton of hospitals.
- INTEGRIS Baptist and Southwest
- Mercy Hospital
- Surgical Hospital of Oklahoma
- Community Hospital
- Stillwater Medical Center
It’s actually kinda rare to see a doctor with that many ties. Usually, they’re locked into one system. Chansolme operates a bit differently, which gives him a bird’s-eye view of how health is trending across the whole OKC metro area.
What Patients Actually Say
Let’s be real: medical school rankings and titles are great, but how is he as a doctor?
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If you look at patient reviews, a few things come up constantly. People mention the "no rush" atmosphere. That’s huge. In 2026, medical care often feels like a conveyor belt, but patients say Chansolme actually sits down and listens. He has a 3.6 to 4.0-star rating across various platforms, which—for an ID doctor dealing with very sick, stressed people—is actually pretty solid.
The most common praise? "He never gives up." He handles the cases where other doctors have thrown up their hands.
The Research Side of Things
He’s not just seeing patients; he’s also a researcher. He’s done work on some pretty intense stuff:
- Bioterrorism agents (like Yersinia pestis, aka the plague)
- Syphilis and HIV-associated malignancies
- Transplant-related infections (where the immune system is suppressed)
This background is why he’s often the one called when a "mystery illness" pops up in the community. He’s trained to look for the things most doctors haven't seen since their textbooks in med school.
Practical Steps if You Need an ID Specialist in OKC
If you find yourself needing to see Dr. David Chansolme or any ID specialist in Oklahoma City, there are a few things you should know. Infectious disease isn't like a walk-in clinic.
Check the location first. He has two main spots—one on the south side of OKC (Western Ave) and one in the North Portland area. Don't just show up at the hospital; most of his initial consults happen at his private offices.
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Bring your history. ID doctors need the full story. Bring a list of every antibiotic you’ve taken in the last six months and any travel history. Even if it was just a weekend trip to Mexico, tell them.
Prepare for labs. You’re probably going to get blood drawn. A lot of it. They’re looking for specific markers that regular labs miss.
Ask about infusion. If you need long-term antibiotics, ask about the "home infusion" options. It’ll save you a fortune compared to staying in the hospital.
Where to Find Him
- Address: 4221 S. Western Ave, Suite 4010, Oklahoma City, OK 73109
- Phone: 405-644-6464
- Primary Hospital: INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center
Wrapping it Up
Dr. David Chansolme has carved out a pretty significant niche in the Oklahoma City medical community. He’s the bridge between the academic research world and the "boots on the ground" patient care. Whether he’s managing a complex HIV case or leading a hospital through an outbreak, his influence on OKC’s public health is undeniable.
If you're looking for him, start with a referral from your primary doctor, especially if you're dealing with a persistent infection that just won't clear up with standard treatment. He's arguably the most experienced set of eyes you can get on a tough case in this part of the country.
Next Steps:
- Verify your insurance: His office at IDCOKC accepts a wide range of commercial plans, but always call (405-644-6464) to confirm they are in-network for your specific policy.
- Gather your records: Before an appointment, request your recent imaging (MRIs/CT scans) and lab results from other providers to be faxed over to 405-644-6465 to avoid repeating tests.
- Prepare for your visit: If you are seeking a second opinion on a chronic infection, write down a timeline of when your symptoms started and which medications failed to work.