posted March 28, 2008
Thirty-five physicians were nominated and 10 were selected for the annual Doctor’s Day Salute sponsored by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, Medical Foundation of Chattanooga, Medical Alliance, and Project Access, in conjunction with Channel 3’s Eyewitness News Today. “Physicians were nominated by patients, co-workers, staff members, and others who observed them as they care daily for patients,” said Medical Society Executive Director Rae Bond.
“National Doctors’ Day provides a time for people to show appreciation to the doctors who care for them or their loved ones. This year’s observance also salutes the 600 physicians who have volunteered to care for low-income uninsured residents of our community through Project Access,” said Mrs. Bond.
“These excerpts from nomination letters indicate some of the things that make physicians special,” said Mrs. Bond.
Dr. David Alvarez, Associates in Internal Medicine—“He has been more than just a caring family physician, he has been a friend. He knows his patients and he spends time talking with you and giving you complete thorough care. He even made it possible for me to continue receiving my medication after I lost my job and insurance.” – Angelia Ralls
Dr. Roger Catlin, Chattanooga Center for Pain Management—“He deserves this recognition as he always takes the time to explain things using visual aides even drawing pictures himself if needed and, if he comes across a new treatment that might help, he will even pick up the phone and call you himself.” - Patient
Dr. Sabrina Collins, Chattanooga Center for Women—“Dr. Collins deserves to be recognized for her dedication and commitment to her patients. She spent Valentine’s Day in the hospital with me while I was in labor when she should have been home with her family. She made the birth of my first child the most smooth and pleasurable experience.” - Genevie Wallace (Dr. Collins is a Project Access volunteer physician.)
Dr. Samuel Currin, Chattanooga Urology Associates —“He is a physician who is compassionate and who is dedicated to his patients and their families in providing the best medical care. He also provides indigent care for many Chattanooga residents. He is very intelligent and well educated while still being patient, kind and most of all humble.”- Staff at Chattanooga Urology Associates (Dr. Currin is a Project Access volunteer physician.)
Dr. Jim Davis, Memorial North Shore Health Center—“Dr. Davis is without a doubt the best doctor in the world. He does not mind seeing the most difficult patients. He listens and is not judgmental. He is ready and willing to help those who will help themselves and those who cannot help themselves. He goes beyond the limit in caring.” - Staff at Memorial North Shore (Dr. Davis is a Project Access volunteer physician.)
Dr. Michael Greer, University Surgical Associates — “Last April Dr. Greer had to amputate my leg and he was very good at explaining why he couldn’t save the leg. He keeps a check on me in regard to my prosthesis and physical therapy. I have been able to return to work and to continue raising my three grandchildren thanks to Dr. Greer.” - Mary Harper (Dr. Greer is a Project Access volunteer physician.)
Dr. Ronald Jarl, Soddy Daisy Medical Center—“I dreaded the need for medication and … Dr. Jarl suggested we try diet and exercise to see if we could handle my case without it. “Wow” here was a Doctor who didn’t automatically throw medication at a problem but came up with a plan that was best suited to me as an individual.” - Nadene Sloan
Dr. Darrell Johnson, Chattanooga Oncology & Hematology—“He was such a blessing to me and my family at such a difficult time. He has this wonderful sense of humor that can make even someone with cancer smile. He always takes the time to listen to his patients as if they are the only person he has to see all day. I knew he was the doctor for me when … he handed me a prescription for 1 Bo Derek wig. [He] has mastered the best medicine of all—laughter and love.” - Kammy Chitwood (Dr. Johnson is a Project Access volunteer physician.)
Dr. Phyllis Miller, Women's Institute for Specialized Health —“She is very grounded and has kept close to her hometown roots. She is kind, thoughtful and generous. She is intelligent, fair, fun and humorous. She listens to her patients with a very caring heart and gives them the best she has to offer. We love her and her patients love her!” – WISH Staff (Dr. Miller is a Project Access volunteer physician.)
Dr. Richard Pesce, Memorial Health Care System — “There are too many words to describe Dr. Pesce but some of them include dedication, compassion, devotion, intelligence, commitment, reverence and excellence. He is our superman. And he is 200% devoted to the patients and their families.” - Entire Critical Care Staff at Memorial (Dr. Pesce is a Project Access volunteer physician.)
Nominees also included: Charles R. Adcock, MD; Richard Alvarez, MD*; Daniel Black, MD; Calvin P. Bryan, MD; Marc Cromie, MD*; David De Lorenzo, MD*; John Dorizas, MD; Siobhan Duff, MD; David Elias, MD; Denis Ford, MD; Donald W. Hartsfield, MD; Jeanie Jung, MD; Gary Meredith, MD*; James M. Osborn, MD; Atul Patel, MD; Richard Peters, MD; Robert Peterson, MD; Virginia Rodgers, MD*; Noel Scidmore, MD*; Mahmood A. Siddiqui, MD; Steven B. Stubblefield, MD*; and Vincent A. Viscomi, MD*. Names with an asterisks (*) are Project Access Volunteers.
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