Physicians Honor Legendary Surgeon with Surprise Sign and Naming of Surgery Area

NORMAN – Norman Regional Health System physicians are dedicating the hospital’s surgical area to a local surgeon who helped shaped its success.

On the hospital’s 80th anniversary, the surgical services area was named for James “Rick” McCurdy, MD, a surgeon who has served the Norman community for 49 years.

“Dr. McCurdy is not only a one-of-a-kind surgeon; he is also an amazing person. The medical staff knew we wanted to honor him in a way that would be special,” said Aaron L. Boyd, MD, President and CEO of Norman Regional Health System.

Norman Regional physicians raised the money to install a large, lit sign in the hospital’s Surgical Services waiting area. Now this area serves as a reminder to patients and staff of the compassion and commitment of Dr. McCurdy.

The medical staff surprised Dr. McCurdy with an unveiling of the sign complete with visits from the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band and OU coaching legend Barry Switzer.

The McCurdy family has been serving the people of Cleveland and McClain counties for more than a century. Dr. McCurdy’s grandfather William C. McCurdy was a physician as well as his cousin Bill McCurdy.

Dr. McCurdy was an accomplished student athlete at Purcell High School where he played football, basketball, track and baseball.

At the University of Oklahoma, he played Defensive End for the Sooners. The New York Jets selected Dr. McCurdy in the eighth round of the NFL draft, but he instead opted for a career in medicine.

Dr. McCurdy received his medical degree and completed his residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. McCurdy began work at Norman Regional Hospital (then Norman Municipal Hospital) in April 1977.

At Norman Regional, he is a member of the surgical practice of Oklahoma Surgical Associates. Dr. McCurdy specializes in general surgery. To make an appointment with Dr. McCurdy or any member of the Oklahoma Surgical Associates team, please call 405-515-4099.