Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, visited Lansford on Friday, where he conducted a roundtable discussion at Star Community Health on various local health care issues.

Oz, a former TV personality, also toured the St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Center in Lansford as well as the Star Health Care mobile van.

An estimated 40 people attended the roundtable event, including medical professionals, hospital administrative personnel, political leaders and several patients of Star Community Health.

Rural health was the main topic of discussion.

The health care personnel also talked about dental care; the continuing need for more nurses; available local training programs through St. Luke’s regarding nursing; rural health centers; and the augmentation of artificial intelligence in the health care profession.

Oz also referenced some of the regulatory obstacles existing in health care and how improvements must occur.

Despite challenges facing the health care industry, Oz said, “We do have great health care facilities in Pennsylvania.”

He spoke about the need to get more young people involved, especially in the field of nursing.

The several patients who attended spoke about the challenges they face in rural health care, including transportation.

However, they stressed they are very happy with the level of health care they receive including lab results, screenings and caring personnel.

One of the panelists said that an issue often confronted locally is regarding dental care. She said dental exams are provided but when references occur, sometimes they have to be made to professionals outside the county.

Dr. Alycia Walty, one of the staffers who attended the roundtable, said that she was impressed with the overall program.

“Dr. Oz really listened to us,” she said.

She added that the citizens who attended were very serious with their input, making for a positive ambiance.