Renowned Emergency Medicine Physician to Lead New Department, Enhance State's Emergency Care at OU Health

OKLAHOMA CITY— OU Health and the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine announced Dr. Azeemuddin Ahmed, M.D., MBA, as professor and Chair of the newly established Department of Emergency Medicine in Oklahoma City at the OU College of Medicine, as well as Clinical Service Chief of Emergency Medicine at OU Health. Dr. Ahmed will oversee the department’s clinical, educational and research initiatives, advancing the academic health system’s three-part mission of clinical care, education and research.

A nationally renowned expert in emergency medicine, Dr. Ahmed will begin his role on August 18, 2025. Under his leadership, the Department of Emergency Medicine in Oklahoma City will, for the first time in over 30 years, train emergency physicians at the state's only nationally verified Level I Trauma Center. Additionally, emergency physicians will be directly employed by OU Health, strengthening clinical integration and fostering advancements in patient care, medical education, and research.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ahmed as the chair of our new Department of Emergency Medicine," said Dr. Ian F. Dunn, M.D., FACS, FAANS, executive dean of the OU College of Medicine.  “With his vast expertise, we are not only expanding opportunities for future physicians but also fostering a culture of innovation in emergency care. His leadership will shape a program that blends rigorous training, leading-edge research, and a commitment to serving communities across the state.”

Addressing Critical Health Needs in Oklahoma

The OU Board of Regents approved the formation of the Department of Emergency Medicine in Oklahoma City in September 2024 as part of a broader expansion plan to increase medical school enrollment and address critical healthcare needs across Oklahoma.

"The establishment of the Department of Emergency Medicine in Oklahoma City is a significant milestone for OU Health," said Dr. Richard Lofgren, M.D., MPH, president and CEO of OU Health. "As the state's flagship academic health system, it is our role to build out this critical program. Under Dr. Ahmed's leadership, we will enhance emergency care delivery, train the next generation of emergency physicians, and advance our mission of providing comprehensive, evidence-driven care for the most complex conditions.”

Dr. Ahmed's new role coincides with Oklahoma and the nation preparing to mark the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. This tragic event highlighted the vital need for a coordinated emergency medical response and trauma care system. In its aftermath, leaders at OU Health and across the state worked together to establish Oklahoma’s trauma system, strengthening emergency care statewide.

"Oklahoma has a unique history that underscores the vital importance of emergency medicine in large scale disaster response and everyday healthcare," Dr. Lofgren said. "OU Health is committed to building a department that honors this legacy and continues to strengthen our state’s ability to provide rapid, expert medical response while advancing emergency care through research and education. This is a crucial step in improving healthcare outcomes for all Oklahomans.”

Experience Will Underscore OU Health’s Important Role

Dr. Ahmed comes to Oklahoma from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, where he served as clinical professor and executive vice chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine. He has over 20 years of academic and clinical expertise.

At the University of Iowa, he founded and directed the Division of Emergency Medical Services and the Emergency Medical Services Fellowship. He served as the medical director for Kinnick Stadium and Carver Hawkeye Arena as well as the medical director for the Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services at the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

"I am honored to join OU Health and lead the development of a comprehensive Department of Emergency Medicine in Oklahoma City,” said Dr. Ahmed.

“Emergency medicine plays a crucial role in our healthcare system, ensuring patients receive immediate, life-saving care when they need it most. I look forward to working with the outstanding team at OU Health to expand emergency medical education, research, and care for communities across Oklahoma.”

A fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and the Academy of Emergency Medical Services, Dr. Ahmed earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and completed his residency in emergency medicine at Michigan State University. He also holds an MBA from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business