Joseph Dodds
Joseph J. Dodds, MD, passed away at his home on November 18, 2019.
Joseph was born in Farrell, Pennsylvania on February 9, 1929. He was a member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church where he taught Sunday School and served as a Deacon.
Dr. Dodds, a general surgeon, received his medical training at the University of Pittsburg and the Mayo Clinic and practiced medicine in the Chattanooga area for 42 years. During his professional life, he was a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force. He practiced sports medicine and served as team physician for several local schools including UTC, Chattanooga City High School, Red Bank High School, Signal Mountain Middle School. Dr. Dodds was medical director of Walden’s Ridge Emergency Service for 15 years. He also served on the board of National Institutes of Health, served as Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois, University of Kentucky, and Emory University. In addition, he taught Basic and Cardiac Life Support for the American Heart Association. He authored numerous articles that appeared in The Journal of Tennessee Medical Association, The America Surgeon and The FAH Review Magazine. In addition to his professional career, he served in many other capacities in the health care industry. For eight years, he was a member of the Advisory Committee to the Director of the National Institutes of Health, board member and Chairman of the of the Georgia/Tennessee Regional Health Commission, board member and Chairman of the Tennessee Statewide Planning Commission. Dr. Dodds also served as the president of the Federation of American Hospitals. He Held numerous offices up to and including President and Chairman of the Board in that organization. This organization was active in formulating national policy in areas such as National Health Insurance, Quality of American Health Care, and Physician Reimbursement.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Vina Elder Dodds.
Those left to cherish include his two daughters, Lynn Dodds (David) Penton and Sandra Dodds (Martin) Harrelson and two grandsons, Bailey Penton and Sam Harrelson.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Lane Funeral Home. A graveside service will immediately follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The University of Pittsburgh, Class of ’55 Endowment or to Research and Education at Mayo Clinic at mayoclinic.org.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for all the support given to them by friends and family during this difficult time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, 423 877-3524, www.lanefh.com.