Drs. Josh and Dianna Puhr
Drs. Josh and Dianna Puhr were named the 2016 Distinguished Alumni for the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics during Homecoming 2016.
“I cannot begin to express how proud I am of these two individuals whom I had the privilege to know and teach as undergraduates,” said Dr. Robert West, professor of biology at Lee. “Just to see how they took their talents, commitment to one another, and God’s ‘open doors’ to accomplish such amazing goals is inspirational. Then to use that training to make such a difference in the lives of those who fall within the sphere of influence of their medical careers and personal lives is wonderful.”
The Puhrs both attended Lee and graduated summa cum laude from the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in 1998. They went on a summer medical missions trip together to Ecuador while students, and they married in 1999.
Josh Puhr began medical school at The University of Florida, while Dianna Puhr began work on her doctorate in biomedical sciences. They both transferred to East Tennessee State University in 2002 when Dianna was accepted into the medical school there. After Josh graduated, he took a residency in emergency and internal medicine at East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine hospital in North Carolina. Dianna transferred there and after graduating took up a residency in pediatrics.
In 2011, the Puhrs returned to Johnson City, Tenn., and were both given faculty positions at ETSU Quillen College of Medicine. Josh serves as a clinical assistant professor of internal medicine and president of the Appalachian Emergency Physicians, while Dianna is a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics and director of the Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrics Program and resident rotation.
The Puhrs reside in Johnson City with their two sons, Jacoby and Mathias.
Drs. Josh and Dianna Puhr at the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics breakfast receiving the Distinguished Alumni award from Dr. Robert West, right, during Homecoming 2016.