OU College of Medicine Recognizes Exceptional Resident Physicians with Lloyd Rader Award

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA – The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine has honored two outstanding resident physicians with the prestigious 2025 Lloyd Rader Award. This year’s recipients, Dr. Elizabeth Joy Trimble and Dr. Khawaja Hassan Akhtar, were selected for their exemplary achievements in clinical care research and leadership throughout their medical training.

“The Lloyd Rader Award represents the highest ideals of our residency programs—clinical excellence, a commitment to discovery and compassionate leadership,” said Jason Lees, MD, associate dean of Graduate Medical Education. “Dr. Trimble and Dr. Akhtar embody these values in every aspect of their work. Their dedication to their patients, peers, and the advancement of medical science sets a powerful example for all of us in graduate medical education.”

Dr. Trimble was a surgery resident who has distinguished herself through scholarly productivity and compassionate care. She authored or co-authored 11 publications and presentations, with ongoing contributions to surgical education and pediatric care. Her clinical strengths included exceptional communication skills and surgical judgment, while colleagues and mentors praised her compassion, integrity and tenacity.

“Dr. Trimble has deep compassion for others: colleagues, staff, patients and people in general. She took her duties and obligations to her patients and colleagues very seriously, and she was hard on herself if she felt she failed them in any capacity,” said nominating program director Ajay Jain, MD. “She was also very self-reflective and she took responsibility for mistakes and for the mistakes of others under her supervision. Plainly said, you could trust what she says at all times.”

Dr. Akhtar, a chief fellow in cardiovascular medicine, demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to advancing cardiology research and education. With 22 peer-reviewed publications and numerous accolades, including multiple best research awards from national cardiology societies, he was known for his humility, leadership and dedication to teaching.

“Dr. Akhtar was a true triple threat: an outstanding clinician, dedicated educator and highly accomplished researcher. He was also a deeply compassionate physician who led with humility and empathy,” said nominating program director Zain Ul Adideen Asad, MD. “Widely respected by both peers and faculty, he was unanimously elected Chief Fellow by is co-fellows, which was a testament to his leadership and collegiality.”

Established in 1978 by the Lloyd and Ruth Rader family, the Lloyd Rader Award is named in honor of Lloyd Rader, who served as director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services from 1951 to 1982. It recognizes residents who demonstrate exceptional promise for a career in either medical research or clinical practice. The annual award includes a $500 cash prize and is presented to one or two residents who exemplify excellence and integrity in their field.

About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.