Nestled in the heart of Garden City, Buffalo Plains Health Center is more than just a medical clinic—it’s a testament to the passion, perseverance, and purpose of its founder, Dr. Pamela Stewart. With a rich background that spans academia, international humanitarian work, and rural medicine, Dr. Stewart brings a deeply personal and transformative approach to family healthcare in western Kansas.

A Lifelong Journey Rooted in Service

Dr. Stewart's professional path is anything but ordinary. Beginning with a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Kansas State University, she taught at Washburn University before answering a different kind of calling—medicine. After earning her medical degree from the University of Kansas and completing Family Residency at UTMB, she embarked on a career in Family Medicine.

But Dr. Stewart’s true impact began when she combined medicine with mission. In the 1970s, she lived in Honduras, and after medical school, she returned regularly to provide care at a rural clinic. For nearly two decades, she led Medical Brigades which included pre-med students, creating international learning opportunities and expanding access to healthcare in underserved regions. Eventually, she was faced with a choice, here or there. She made the difficult decision to leave the practice she had been at in Garden City, KS, to focus on her Honduras clinic for several more years. Bringing a whole new level of care to a community so close to her heart. As time went on, life started to pull her back to the U.S., where she served with Native Alaskans in rural Alaska and Native Americans in the Grand Canyon for nearly another decade before founding her own independent clinic in Garden City in 2019.

The Buffalo Plains Vision

Buffalo Plains Health Center was built from the ground up with one goal in mind: patient-centered, affordable, and accessible care. Dr. Stewart embraced the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, which offers patients unlimited visits, discounted labs, medications, and in-office procedures and 24-hour access through text—no insurance necessary.

The clinic’s services are comprehensive, including acute and chronic illness management, dermatology, women’s health, hormone therapy, IV infusions, weight management, and regular and sports physicals. 

Additionally, Dr. Stewart has introduced innovative technologies like BTL treatments for incontinence and EmSculpt Neo for improving muscle function and repair—FDA-approved tools enhancing quality of life and physical wellness. Patients involved in studies for these innovations had such a positive experience, Dr. Stewart dedicated her time and resources to make these procedures available to our community. 

Unlike concierge medicine, the DPC model is intentionally designed to be more accessible to all income levels, provide ease of access, and eliminate the need to first pay high deductibles, particularly for Spanish-speaking and underserved patients. High premiums make insurance feel out of reach, so Dr. Stewart makes sure patients still get care—without surprise bills.

Navigating Modern Healthcare Challenges

Dr. Stewart is outspoken about one of today’s most pressing medical issues: misinformation. With platforms like TikTok fueling confusion and anxiety, she spends considerable time helping patients discern credible information. She spends time with patients focusing on education, prevention, and breaking things down in a way they can truly understand.

Her holistic philosophy is grounded in the four pillars of health: quality sleep, nourishing food, regular activity, and meaningful relationships—especially the one with yourself. For shift workers and others whose lifestyles challenge these basics, Dr. Stewart tailors her care with compassion and realism.

Care with Confidence and Courage

Dr. Stewart’s hands-on experience shines in stories from the field. One of her favorites? Delivering babies in the remote Native Reservation of the Havasupai within the Grand Canyon, where access is so limited that supplies arrive by mule and doctors travel by helicopter. She was reminded there’s no waiting when it comes to babies. Her steady hand and confidence made her a beloved provider among remote nurses and mothers alike.

Building the Future of Care

Looking ahead, Dr. Stewart is determined to help more patients reclaim control of their health. Her goals for Buffalo Plains over the next five years include helping individuals control chronic conditions, maximize mobility, and improve vitality. She emphasizes the need for bodily movement to all of her patients. She wants people to use every bit of their ability for as long as they can. That’s what health and vital life is about.

Join the Celebration – Business After Hours at Buffalo Plains

To learn more and connect with Dr. Stewart and her team, join Buffalo Plains Health Center on Thursday, May 15th for a special Business After Hours event. Tour the clinic, see demonstrations of some treatment offerings, meet the staff, and enjoy raffle prizes donated by local businesses. It’s a chance to see firsthand what compassionate, innovative care looks like in action.