OSU medical residency program with Saint Francis Level I trauma center receives regent approval

Friday, January 30, 2026

Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Senior Communications Coordinator at OSU-CHS | 918-561-1282 | sara.plummer@okstate.edu

The OSU/A&M Board of Regents approved the creation of new Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences residency and fellowship positions at Saint Francis Hospital’s Level I trauma center during its regular board meeting on Jan. 30.

This collaboration will create a foundation of trauma-focused training for future physicians, with the goal of saving more lives and enhancing high-level emergency care across northeastern Oklahoma and the region.

The regents’ approval follows legislation passed last year to bring this partnership to fruition. In June 2025, the Oklahoma Legislature approved two bills establishing a public-private partnership between Saint Francis Health System and the OSU Medical Authority and Trust to develop a Level I trauma center in Tulsa.  

The legislation authorized the OSU Medical Authority and Trust to deliver medical education and training in a certified Level I trauma center and appropriated $8 million to support the partnership between OSU and Saint Francis. 

“Expanding our residency and fellowship programs through this partnership with Saint Francis Health System and its new Level I trauma center is a tremendous opportunity for our institution, our residents and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Johnny Stephens, OSU-CHS president. “Training residents and fellows in a high-acuity, Level I trauma environment enhances their clinical education, sharpens critical decision-making skills and prepares them to care for patients with complex and urgent medical needs.”

In September, Saint Francis earned a three-year Level I trauma center verification from the American College of Surgeons, the highest designation for trauma care. Level I trauma center designation means trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons and other specialty physicians must be on site, not just on call, for critical cases. 

“The Saint Francis-OSU partnership creates a sustainable system that will serve the trauma needs of eastern Oklahoma for years to come,” said Dr. Cliff Robertson, Saint Francis Health System president and CEO. “By training the next generation of physicians, we meet today's needs and the future's.”