Welcome

Welcome to the University of Oklahoma Department of Emergency Medicine (OUDEM). Established in 2006 as a full academic Department, the OUDEM was developed in large part through the efforts of Interim Chair John C. Sacra. Dr. Sacra's name was well-known in the national prehospital and trauma systems arena; he chaired the Trauma Committee of the American College of Emergency Physicians and was the first Emergency Medicine (EM) specialist to serve as President of the American Trauma Society. 

The commitment of Dr. Sacra and early OUDEM colleagues resulted in RRC approval of the state's only allopathic EM residency on its initial application, and the first EM training class graduated in 2011. With a growing complement of residents, the faculty and its broad-based grant support (nearly $7 million in the past few years) are well on the way to meeting a mission of advancing Oklahoma's EM education, research, and clinical service.

The OUDEM's overarching goal is to improve Oklahoma's healthcare outcomes through leadership and collaborative participation in a variety of spheres. A central mission is the study, practice, and teaching of EM care that is simultaneously compassionate, highest-quality, evidence-based, and cost-effective. We also aim to serve as a resource for EMS and Disaster Medicine planners, practitioners, and trainers. In addition to local work and teaching, our interests include statewide efforts in prehospital care, trauma systems, and other community medicine measures such as promotion of tornado safety.    

This Web site is intended to provide an overview of the various activities of the OUDEM.  Please use the links at left to get a glimpse of what our Department's up to, and where we're headed.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at webmaster@oudem.org or at the address below.

Stephen H. Thomas MD MPH
Kaiser Family Foundation Professor & Chair
Department of Emergency Medicine
University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine

Contact information
Department of Emergency Medicine
OU Schusterman Center
4502 East 41st Street 
Tulsa, OK  74135
(918) 660-3823   fax (918) 660-3821
Stephen-Thomas@ouhsc.edu