(405) 271-4700
405-271-4700

The Journal Record Health Care Heroes 2026

  • Category: News
  • Posted On:
The Journal Record Health Care Heroes 2026

We’re proud to celebrate the seven OU Health team members named The Journal Record's 2026 Health Care Heroes — a recognition honoring healthcare professionals across Oklahoma who go above and beyond for patients, communities, education and innovation.

These honorees reflect the very best of OU Health and the strength of the University of Oklahoma's academic health system — bringing together clinical excellence, compassionate care, leadership, and service to advance health across all 77 counties and beyond.

Please Join Us in Congratulating Our 2026 Health Care Heroes

Their dedication embodies what it means to serve the sickest of the sick, advance academic medicine, and put patients first. Thank you to our honorees for the impact they make every day and for representing OU Health with excellence.

  • Ann Acers‑Warn, MD, MBA
    Ann Acers‑Warn, M.D., MBA

    Clinical Professor, OU Health Dean McGee Eye Institute

    Dr. Acers‑Warn is a nationally recognized ophthalmologist with more than 30 years of clinical and leadership experience. She currently serves as chair of the American Board of Ophthalmology and has held numerous state and national leadership roles advancing eye care and medical governance.

  • Headshot of Dr. Ahmed standing in front of neutral background with arms crossed while smiling and wearing glasses, bow tie, white doctors lab coat and watch on left wrist
    Azeemuddin Ahmed, M.D., MBA

    Chair of Emergency Medicine, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

    Dr. Ahmed serves as the inaugural chair of emergency medicine at the OU College of Medicine and clinical service chief at OU Health. He brings more than 20 years of leadership experience focused on improving outcomes for time‑sensitive medical and trauma conditions through innovation, education, and systems‑based care.

  • Close up headshot of Tracy with neutral background with her hair styled up wearing a turquoise blazer and a matching shirt with a speckled pattern
    Tracy Cothran, MBA

    President of Children’s Services, Oklahoma Children’s OU Health

    Ms. Cothran oversees pediatric operations at Oklahoma Children’s, guiding growth, innovation, and nationally recognized specialty care. Her leadership has expanded access to advanced pediatric services and strengthened care for children and families across Oklahoma.

  • Photo of Debbi standing in bright lobby area with hands cross at waist wearing her blonde hair down, glasses, a white doctors lab coat and blue and white vertical stripe shirt with collar and black pants
    Debbi McCullock, DNP, APRN, FNP‑BC

    Street Medicine Team Lead, Street Medicine Program

    Dr. McCullock leads OU Health’s Street Medicine Program, delivering primary care to individuals experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City. She brings more than 40 years of healthcare experience and is known for building trust and expanding access to dignified, integrated care for vulnerable populations.

  • Headshot of Madeline with bright neutral background with her red hair down over her right shoulder and wearing black dress with cap sleeves
    Madeline Cravens‑Shumate, RN, BSN

    Transition Nurse, Oklahoma Children’s OU Health

    Ms. Cravens‑Shumate serves in one of Oklahoma Children’s most specialized nursing roles, leading neonatal resuscitation and stabilization during high‑risk deliveries. She also educates clinicians statewide through her work as a certified Neonatal Resuscitation Program instructor.

  • Close up headshot of Chris with dark background wearing a dark blue suit, white collar shirt and tie and his hair is short and clean cut
    Chris Rougeux, MSN, RN, NPD‑BC, NEA‑BC

    Associate Vice President of Professional Practice, OU Health

    Mr. Rougeux oversees system‑wide nursing standards and professional practice at OU Health. With more than two decades of leadership experience, he is dedicated to advancing nursing excellence, workforce development, and high‑quality patient care across Oklahoma’s academic health system.

  • Headshot of Megan with dark background with her red hair down and over both her shoulders wearing a dark brown button up collar three quarter shirt with her hands on her hips
    Megan K. Roberts, PT, D.Sc., M.S.

    Program Director, Oklahoma LEND, University of Oklahoma

    Dr. Roberts leads the Oklahoma Interdisciplinary Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, preparing professionals to deliver high‑quality, interdisciplinary care. She is an associate professor in pediatrics and a national leader in disability education and advocacy.

Want to Join Oklahoma's Employer of Choice?

Whether you're a nurse, physician, student or in one of the many other roles at OU Health, you have the opportunity to be a part of something greater than yourself and inspire hope through curiosity.

Search Open Jobs