James Creel
James Creel, M.D., Erlanger Health System chief medical officer and senior oral examiner for the American Board of Emergency Medicine for many years, died on Wednesday.
Two years ago, he marked more than 30 years being board certified in emergency medicine by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM).
ABEM Maintenance of Certification is a voluntary process that consists of activities to assist certified physicians stay current in medical research, provide opportunities in practice improvement and support appropriate communication and professionalism with patients.
In addition, physicians must also pass clinically-focused, comprehensive examination.
The landmark of 30 years reflects Dr. Creel’s outstanding dedication to the specialty of emergency medicine, the recognition of the value to be board certified, his devotion to continuous learning and the provision quality care to all patients.
In addition to practicing emergency medicine, Dr. Creel was a pioneer in the implementation of advanced skills for emergency medicine. He developed the first Emergency Medicine Residency Program at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga (UTCOMC) – the first program of its kind in the UT system – and served as interim chairman of the program. He also served as assistant professor in both the departments of surgery and internal medicine for UTCOMC and as well as Erlanger’s chief of emergency medicine, vice chief of staff, chief of staff and director of Hyperbarics.
Dr. Creel’s service to the community included the roles of medical director for Hamilton County EMS and Walker County EMS, first responders and Chattanooga Fire; team physician for Hamilton County SWAT; and director of Med Comm.
Dr. Creel is shown (in white coat) at Life Force 1 ceremony