Liberal, Kansas — Southwest Medical Center is proud to welcome Saira Ugarte, APRN-CNM, as the newest nurse practitioner at Knudsen Clinic for Women’s Health. Saira brings a deep passion for women’s health and years of experience caring for patients in our community.

A longtime member of the Southwest Medical Center team, Saira has worked in the OB unit since 2014. Her journey into health care began at a young age, inspired by her mother’s cancer diagnosis when Saira was just 15. That experience shaped her desire to become a nurse who delivers compassionate, patient-centered care.

Saira grew up in Hooker, Oklahoma, and graduated from Hooker High School in 2010. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wichita State University and most recently completed her Master of Science in Nursing with a Certified Nurse Midwife designation from Frontier Nursing University in Kentucky in December 2024. Her clinical training included time at Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, Arizona, a high-volume facility that helped sharpen her skills in women’s health care.

Now practicing at Knudsen Clinic for Women’s Health, Saira is passionate about educating patients on preventive care, particularly in addressing rising rates of abnormal Pap smears and the importance of HPV vaccination.

“I’m passionate about helping women understand their health, especially the importance of prevention,” Saira says. “We’re seeing an increase in abnormal Pap results, and I want to be part of the solution by educating patients and encouraging yearly exams and HPV vaccinations to reduce cancer risks.”

Saira is bilingual in English and Spanish, which allows her to communicate directly and effectively with a broader patient population.

“I want every patient to feel heard, supported, and understood,” she says. “I’m excited to serve the community and provide elite, compassionate care.”

Saira also shared her enthusiasm for working alongside Dr. Dennis Knudsen, who has served this region for decades.

“I’ve worked with Dr. Knudsen for many years in the OB unit, but now I’m learning from him in a new way, and I’m excited to continue growing as a provider.”

In addition to prenatal care, Saira emphasizes making each patient’s experience a positive one.

“It’s not just about medical care,” she adds. “I want the journey to be enjoyable and empowering.”

Saira is also continuing her education to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, with the goal of offering holistic care to women throughout all stages of life.

Patients can now schedule appointments with Saira Ugarte at Knudsen Clinic for Women’s Health, located at 222 W. 15th Street in Liberal, Kansas. She is currently accepting new patients and provides care to patients of all ages. Most major insurances, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare, and Kansas and Oklahoma Medicaid, are accepted.

To schedule an appointment, please call (620) 624-3811 or visit www.swmedcenter.com.