Renowned Chattanooga heart surgeon, Dr. Richard Morrison, has joined the Erlanger Heart and Lung Institute. Dr. Morrison is the latest physician to become a member of Erlanger Health System’s world-class team of heart specialists, and will start at Erlanger on March 15.
In making the announcement Dr. Judy Tingley, VP & CEO of the Erlanger Heart and Lung Institute, said, “As we continue to develop the Heart and Lung Institute and our talented team of exceptional physician leaders, I look forward to working closely with Dr. Morrison. He is known throughout this region for his commitment to the highest quality of care, the ability to perform highly complex cardiac procedures, great outcomes, and improving the quality of life for his patients. This makes Dr. Morrison an ideal partner.”
“Achieving excellence in heart care comes from a variety of factors. The heart team members that Erlanger is gathering together to execute their vision is impressive,” said Dr. Morrison. “The most important factor, besides training and the latest technology, is achieving the best outcomes for every patient. That’s what we are focused on here at Erlanger, and I am proud to be part of this team,” he said.
Last November, Erlanger officials announced construction plans for a newly dedicated Heart and Lung Institute at Erlanger’s downtown campus. This specialized treatment area will be entirely dedicated to Erlanger heart patients, with cardiac operating rooms, cardiac catheterization suites, post and pre-op beds, and patient beds located all on one floor. Erlanger is the region’s only Joint Commission certified center for treating heart attacks and home to the area’s only academic heart specialists and Cardiovascular Fellowship Program.
Dr. Morrison completed medical school at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis. He served his Internship and Residency in General Surgery at Erlanger Medical Center. He served his Fellowship in Cardiothoracic Surgery at New York University in New York, NY, where he was Chief Cardiothoracic Resident at Bellevue Hospital Center.
The well-known local heart surgeon has practiced in the Chattanooga region for more than four decades, and holds certifications from the National Board of Medical Examiners, American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery and Society of Thoracic Surgeons. He is a Fellow with the American College of Surgeons and affiliated with the American Medical Association, Tennessee Medical Association, Southern Medical Association and Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Association.
“Dr. Morrison has shown a career-long commitment to providing excellent cardiac care to the tri-state area,” said Erlanger Heart and Lung Institute Co-Medical Director, Dr. Larry Shears. “As Erlanger continues its quest to provide the highest quality cardiovascular care in this country, the addition of Dr. Morrison is a perfect fit,” he added.
Dr. Charles Campbell, Co-Medical Director of Erlanger’s Heart and Lung Institute said, “Bringing world class care to our region requires clinical excellence as well as an understanding of the people who live here. Dr. Morrison clearly brings both of these attributes to our team.”
Other physician specialists associated with the Erlanger Heart and Lung Institute include: Allison Bailey, M.D.; William Blalock, M.D.; Charles Campbell, M.D.; Walter Few III, M.D.; John Golding III, M.D.; Carol Gruver, M.D.; Robert Huang, M.D.; Michael Love, M.D.; Harish Manyam, M.D.; Michael Mikolaj, M.D.; Kendrick Mills, M.D.; Dharm Patel, M.D.; Poonam Puri, M.D.; Larry Shears II, M.D.; Matt Wiisanen, M.D. and Ted Wright, M.D.
These physicians will be welcoming Dr. Morrison to their team during special ceremonies at Erlanger’s Medical Mall in April. Former patients of Dr. Morrison and their family members will also be invited to this public ceremony welcoming the local surgeon to Erlanger’s team of heart specialists.