Knoxville Medicine Magazine - Building for 2026 and Beyond
KNOXVILLE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE
ACADEMY OF MEDICINE
KNOXVILLEMEDICINE.ORG
Academy Officers
Greg Curtin, MD
PRESIDENT
Jeff Gilbert, MD
PRESIDENT ELECT
Greg Phelps, MD SECRETARY
Darinka Milusnic-Polcan, MD TREASURER
David Harris, MD
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Kimberly Weaver, PhD CEO
Board of Trustees
Carley Fowler, MD
Jordan Lakin, DO
Patrick McConville, MD
Matt Pittman, MD
Angela Meyer, MD
Niva Misra, MD
Ex- Officio Board Members
Richard Briggs, MD
Debbie Christiansen, MD
Randal Dabbs, MD
Brian Daley, MD
Mandy Halford, MD
Chassidy Sumler-Martin, DO
Vasilea Karageorge
Publisher Kim Weaver, PhD
Editor
Jonathan Weaver
Production/Advertising
David Caudill
ADVERTISING: For advertising information, call the Academy offices at (865) 531-2766. The magazine is published four times per year by the Knoxville Academy of Medicine (KAM). All rights reserved. This publication or any part thereof may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the KAM.
The appearance of advertising in KAM publications is not a KAM guarantee/endorsement of the product or the claims made for the product by the manufacturer.
The fact that an advertisement for a product, service, or company has appeared in a KAM publication shall not be referred to in collateral advertising. The KAM reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising in the publication.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Practicing Meaningful Medicine—Together
In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, the practice of medicine continues to grow in complexity. Physicians are navigating increasing administrative demands, shifting care models, and rising expectations while attempting to preserve the very reasons they chose medicine in the first place. In times like these, the role of organized medicine becomes more important than ever. The Knoxville Academy of Medicine exists to bring physicians together—providing connection, advocacy, and support when it is needed most.
This year, our work is centered around a unifying theme: Practicing Meaningful Medicine. At its core, this theme reflects a shared commitment to reconnect with purpose, strengthen professional identity, and rediscover the impact that first called us to this profession. Meaningful medicine is not only about clinical excellence—it is about sustaining the human connection, values, and sense of purpose that make our work both impactful and fulfilling.
As part of this commitment, we are expanding access to high-quality continuing medical education for our members. Throughout the year, KAM will offer quarterly CME programming at no cost, designed to be both relevant and practical. These sessions will focus on topics that matter most to today’s physicians— supporting well-being, preserving professional identity, and exploring sustainable approaches to practice. Our goal is to ensure that every physician has access to meaningful education that not only enhances clinical care, but also strengthens long-term professional fulfillment.
critical conversations that impact care delivery across our region. Programs such as Knoxville Area Project Access reflect the power of our collective efforts—coordinating care for thousands of uninsured patients and addressing the broader needs that influence health outcomes.
That impact continues to grow through initiatives like the KAPA Kitchen, which has distributed more than 150,000 pounds of donated food and hygiene products to nearly 10,000 individuals. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, 26,000 pounds were distributed. With the support of an expanding network of retail partners, this program is helping address food insecurity as a critical component of patient health— demonstrating that meaningful medicine extends beyond the clinic and into the everyday lives of those we serve.
Equally important is the sense of connection within our physician community. Through educational programs, events, and shared initiatives, KAM provides opportunities to engage with colleagues who understand the unique challenges and rewards of this profession. Medicine can be demanding, but it is not a journey meant to be taken alone. Together, we are stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to navigate the future of healthcare.
I encourage each of you to remain engaged—whether through participation in our CME offerings, involvement in advocacy efforts, or simply connecting with fellow physicians. Your voice and your presence matter.
At the same time, we remain steadfast in our advocacy efforts on behalf of both physicians and patients. Through ongoing engagement with legislators and state leaders, KAM continues to elevate the voice of medicine in
Together, we are not only practicing medicine—we are creating a more meaningful and sustainable future for our profession and the patients we serve.
Greg Curtin, MD President
President: Greg Curtin, MD
Secretary: Greg Phelps, MD
Treasurer: Darinka
Carley Fowler, MD
Jordan Lakin, DO
Patrick McConville, MD
Niva Misra, MD Trustees:
Matt Pittman, MD
Angela Meyer, MD
Milusnic-Polcan, MD
New Members
A big welcome to our newest members! We are excited that you have decided to
BRITTANY CLAYTON, MD PHLEBOLOGY East TN Vein Clinic
STUART DEADERICK, MD RADIOLOGY Vista Radiology
RACHEL MATHIS, MD
GENERAL SURGERY/BARIATRIC University Surgeons Associates
MARK REDDINGTON, DO EMERGENCY MEDICINE UT Medical Center
First Column: Brittany Clayton, MD; Stuart Deaderick, MD; Rachel Mathis, MD.
Second Column:Mark Reddington, DO; Yeshaswini Reddy, MD; Lindsey Shipley, MD.
Third Column: Peter Szpakowski, MD; Joanna Krause, MD.
YESHASWINI REDDY, MD
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Gastrointestinal Associates
LINDSEY SHIPLEY, MD
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Gastrointestinal Associates
PETER SZPAKOWSKI, MD
RADIOLOGY
Vista Radiology
JOANNA KRAUSE, MD
RADIOLOGY
Vista Radiology
Calendar of Events
SUSTAINING MEANING AND THE PHYSICIAN’S WHY
September Sessions:
Rediscovering Why: Sustaining Meaning and Influence in Your Professional Life
Sustaining Empathy: Protecting the Physician-Patient Connection
SATURDAY CME BLITZ
DECEMBER 5, 2026
AUTONOMY, PRACTICE MODELS, AND PROFESSIONAL SUSTAINABILITY
FEATURED SESSIONS
Physician Autonomy in an Employed Environment Panel Discussion
Exploring Practice Models for Autonomy From Purpose to Legacy
The Enduring Impact of a Physician’s Career Panel Discussion
FROM THE CEO
Reflecting on 2025. Building for 2026 and the Future of Medicine
A look back at the milestones, service, and advocacy that shaped 2025 — and the work guiding our medical community into the future.
As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2025, we are reminded that the strength of our medical community is found not only in clinical excellence, but also in service, advocacy, leadership, and compassion. This issue of Knoxville Medicine highlights many of the milestones and collaborative efforts that shaped the past year—from physician advocacy and community outreach to programs supporting patient care and physician well-being.
While this edition offers an opportunity to look back, it also reflects the important work already underway as we build for 2026 and the future of medicine. Healthcare continues to evolve rapidly, bringing both new challenges and new opportunities to strengthen our profession and the communities we serve.
The Knoxville Academy of Medicine remains committed to supporting physicians, advancing meaningful medicine, and fostering partnerships that improve health across East Tennessee. We are grateful for the dedication of our members, volunteers, healthcare partners, and community leaders whose efforts continue to make a lasting impact.
Thank you for being part of this important work and for helping shape the future of medicine.
Kimberly Weaver, PhD CEO, Knoxville Academy of Medicine
2025 in Review: A Year of Service, Advocacy, and Impact
Throughout the year, the Knoxville Academy of Medicine hosts a diverse portfolio of programs designed to foster collegiality among physicians, advance continuing medical education, support advocacy efforts on behalf of the profession and its patients, and strengthen the broader medical community.
In 2025, KAM physicians and partners engaged in a wide range of impactful events, including Day on the Hill, the KAM Doctors’ Day Luncheon, the VIPs at Sea CME Cruise, KAM Day at the Smokies, the KAPA Boot Scootin’ Ball Fundraiser, the KAPA Kitchens’ Biggest Yard Sale Ever Fundraiser, and An Evening with Your Legislators—each reflecting our shared commitment to meaningful medicine and community engagement.
ACADEMY
KNOXVILLE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE FOUNDATION
KAPA
Knoxville Area Project Access serves low-income, uninsured individuals who do not qualify for either an employersponsored or government-sponsored health plan in 23 different counties in our area KAPA offers a full continuum of care including primary care, specialty care, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, diagnostic testing, and behavioral health care
KAPA KITCHEN
KAPA Kitchen is an on site food pantry to help our KAPA patients with items to meet their needs with healthy choices for food and personal hygiene products This project will include classes with certified counselors to better educate on health conditions such as diabetes in addition to general life skills
EVEN Confused by Medicare?
Tal k to a local expert.
We help you understand your options and find the plan that’s right for you.
KAPA Spring Fling Event
Wine Tasting Fundraiser
KAPA Boot Scootin’ Ball
Senior Financial Group is a team of licensed Medicare advisors in Knoxville, here to guide you, not sell to you. We’ll review your coverage, explain your choices, and make sure you feel confident about your Medicare plan. Our help is always at no cost to you.
Mission District Medical Outre
All is Bright Christmas Gift Dis
KLF Flenniken Landing Chris
KAPA Legal Aid Day
Pellissippi Resource Fair
VITALITY INITIATIVE PROGRAM
The KAM Vitality Initiative Project (VIP) supports physician well-being by helping physicians reconnect with purpose, resilience, and meaning in medicine Through education, peer connection, and resources focused on burnout prevention and professional fulfillment, VIP promotes healthier physicians, stronger practices, and better patient care throughout our community
The Tennessee Community Resource Network is a statewide web-based referral platform which connects individuals to medical, social services, and behavioral health to improve overall health and well-being of Tennesseans It is a partnership between the KAMF and the East Tennessee Health Information Network (etHIN), our regional Health Information Exchange TCRN
Market Square Farmer's Market
Licensed Local Trusted
CAC Fall Festival and Resource Fair
Scott County Health Fair
InterFaith Day of Gratitude
One Stop Re-Entry Shop
KAPA 2025
Knoxville Area Project Access currently serves lowincome, uninsured individuals who do not qualify for either an employer-sponsored or government-sponsored health plan in 23 different counties in our area. KAPA offers a full continuum of care including primary care, specialty care, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, diagnostic testing, and behavioral health care.
Coordinated $475 million in donated care since 2005
12,659 Appointments
Scheduled in 2025 60%
Over 3,000 physicians, physician extenders, and local hospitals in network
24%
Over 155,000 encounters coordinated in 2025. Nearly 40% of all Project Access encounters across TN
30% of patients “graduate” and are able to get enrolled in employer or other insurance.
PATIENT STORIES
After being referred to KAPA with a suspected kidney cancer diagnosis, the patient quickly received specialty urology care and surgery to remove a mass from the right kidney. Following surgery, the patient learned they were cancer free and has since returned to normal life.
Through KAPA, the patient received eardrum repair surgery, a knee replacement, and physical therapy. These services helped improve the patient’s health and mobility, allowing a successful return to work. The patient remains deeply grateful for the care received through KAPA.
The patient came to KAPA suffering from severe gastro intestinal issues and feeling hopeless. After being conn ected with a specialist, the pat ient began infusion treatments that greatly improved health and quality of life. The patient now regularly shares gratitude for the care received through KAPA.
TCRN is a state-wide, web-based referrals platform, developed and managed by the KAMF, to connect community-based organizations, traditional health care providers, behavioral health, and other health impacting entities to enhance the health and well-being of Tennesseans.
2025 TCRN Platform Acheivements
O U T R E A C H
55 New User Licenses
113 New Programs Added
435 listings in resource directory
144 Network Partners
Attended over 50 partner events
E N H A N C E M E N T S
Multi Factor Authentication implemented for all end users
PRAPARE, DAST 10, and Audit C screeners made available
PRAPARE screener integration within etHIN’s Clinical Viewer in newly developed SDoH tab
2025 TCRN Platform Statistics
5,300
T C R N C L I E N T S
Top Referral Zip Codes
TENNESSEE COMMUNITY RESOURCE NETWORK
Current TCRN Projects
FAMILIES FIRST INITIATIVE:
Program aimed at assisting low income families on the path to self sufficiency by goal pl anning and connecting to resources
Over 100 participants enrolled in 2025
Hired a third Resource Coordinator
Participants have experienced a 57% improvement in medical risk
Participants have experienced a 38% improvement in social risk
F O R T S A N D E R S P R O J E C T :
2025 TCRN Program Achievements 3
TCRN was awarded a Team Achievement Award for Clinical and Operational Excellence at the 2025 Covenant Heath President’s Excellence Awards for their pilot with Ft. Sanders Regional!
Program focused on reducing ED visits for high utilizers
Resigned for another year-current cycle: Nov. 6, 2025-Nov. 5, 2026
56% decrease in ED visits for all patients (11 months)
Cost savings totaling $106,630 (11 months)
Starting similar project with Parkwest Medical Center in February 2026
TCRN Community Health Worker, Pennie, received her certificate for completing the Community Health Worker Apprenticeship Program!
Representatives from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Vanderbilt, Tennessee Community Health Worker Association, and the Rural Health Association gathered at the KAM conference center to celebrate Pennie!
PATIENT SUCCESSES
Client had multiple fl at tires within one week, which was causing difficulty getting their children to their healthcare appointments and having a negative impact on their already limited finances. Their TCRN Resource Coordinator was able to refer them to a TCRN partner, Wesley House, who was then able to connect them to an organization that offers vehicle services. The client was approved and within one month, they received a full vehicle inspection, four new tires, new brakes, and new rotors The access to this resource has made away for this family to be safer on the roads and allowed the client to get their children to their important medical appointments. Their TCRN Resource Coordinator is also aiding the client in applying for utility assistance and finding diapers/pull-ups for some of their children. TCRN also received toys at Christmas to handout to families and because of this, the client and her children were able to visit the office and pick out toys! We have attached a picture of the family receiving their items!
Client was referred to TCRN Families First program by ETCH. They had recently become a single parent household and had to take on the burden of caring for their child and their finances alone. The client and their child’s disability income had been covering their rent, but their partner was responsible for all other bills and had not been paying them. This caused the client to be behind on all bills since their partner left the household Their TCRN Resource Coordinator referred her to a TCRN partner, Community Action Committee, and their program Ticket to Work which helps people who are receiving disability benefits find employment.
In early January, the client had an interview, was offered the position with KAT, and will be starting a new job in February Their TCRN Resource Coordinator also referred the client to Volunteer Ministry Center, another TCRN partner, who was able to assist the client with the entire amount of their past-due rent now that the client has a sustainable pl an to keep up with their current housing Last week, the client received their utility bill and was behind almost $600. They had a pending payment of $370 from LIHEAP, but had no means to pay the rest. VMC had a donor come in that wanted to help a single parent who was struggling. VMC provided the donor with the client's information and while the client was waiting for a call, the donor made a $500 payment to the client's utility bill leaving only $77, which would be taken care of by LIHEAP. This client is now caught up on her utility bill for the first time in months!
ACADEMY NEWS
The KAPA Kitchen: More Than a Food Pantry Physicians and Community Partners Respond to Growing Food Insecurity Across East Tennessee
What began as a simple effort to help patients facing food insecurity has rapidly grown into one of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation’s most impactful community initiatives. Today, the KAPA Kitchen is doing far more than distributing groceries—it is providing hope, dignity, and support to individuals and families across East Tennessee.
As volunteers walk patients through the pantry, helping them select food for their families, they are also listening, encouraging, and offering compassion during difficult times. One mother recently left the pantry in tears after receiving fresh produce, meat, milk, eggs, and shelf-stable food for her children after the family had gone without food the day before. Stories like hers continue to remind us that food insecurity remains one of the most urgent health challenges facing many patients in our region.
Since launching in 2023, the KAPA Kitchen has experienced extraordinary growth. As of April 2026, KAPA Kitchen has served more than 10,000 individuals, distributed nearly 150,000 pounds of donated groceries, and provided over $50,000 in essential hygiene products not covered by EBT assistance.
That growth has accelerated even further over the past year as the KAPA Kitchen continues to expand partnerships with retail food rescue programs throughout East Tennessee. Each week, the pantry’s shelves, refrigerators, and freezers are filled with fresh produce, meat, milk, eggs, breads, and other grocery items collected from an expanding network of retail partners. Yet despite the growing supply, the demand within the community continues to rise just as quickly. Food is often distributed almost as soon as it arrives.
The addition of the KAPA Kitchen refrigerated van has significantly expanded the organization’s ability to respond to this need. The van remains constantly on the road collecting food donations and rescue items from retail partners to help keep pace with the overwhelming community demand. Partnerships with organizations such as Walmart, Dollar General, Best Bagel, Bimbo Bakeries, Pepperidge Farm, and
the Randy Davis Milk Fund continue to strengthen the pantry’s ability to provide nutritious food options to patients and families.
At the same time, the physician community’s commitment to addressing food insecurity is attracting growing support from faith-based organizations, social service agencies, businesses, and volunteers throughout East Tennessee. More organizations are reaching out to partner with the KAPA Kitchen after hearing about the impact local physicians are making beyond the walls of traditional healthcare.
Community food drives have also expanded dramatically. Businesses, churches, and civic groups are increasingly requesting KAPA Kitchen donation barrels to conduct their own food drives in support of the pantry. These partnerships have become a meaningful way for the broader community to join physicians in addressing the health-related social needs impacting patients every day.
Volunteer engagement has also surged, with medical students, community organizations, churches, businesses, and civic leaders stepping forward to support the mission. The KAPA Kitchen has become a unique example of how healthcare providers and community partners can work together to improve not only health outcomes, but quality of life for vulnerable populations across the region.
As the needs of the community continue to grow, so does the commitment of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation, its physician members, donors, volunteers, and community partners. Together, they are proving that meaningful medicine extends far beyond the exam room—and that sometimes one of the most important prescriptions a patient can receive is simply food, compassion, and hope.
If you would like additional information about the KAPA Kitchen or would like to support this growing initiative through donations, food drives, or volunteer opportunities, please contact:
Kandice
Baker
Director of Family Services, KAM Foundation kbaker@knoxvillemedicine.org
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM KAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
KAM is pleased to announce the development of an important new fund-raising initiative that will be introduced to KAM Donors very soon. This planned giving program utilizes the sale of Senior life insurance policies owned by KAM Senior Donors that may no longer be needed / wanted - with the subsequent donation all or part of the cash proceeds to KAM.
You may have seen part of this concept, described in recent and ongoing television advertising, which talks about the ability for US Seniors to sell their life policies. The life policy sales concept is now going mainstream, meaning that is becoming commonplace for US Seniors to be able to sell life insurance policies that they no longer need or want.
KAM is able to facilitate this life policy transaction by working with LifeStar Advisors. LifeStar is an experienced market leader in what is referred to as the US Secondary Market for Life Insurance. LifeStar Advisors is chaired by long-serving KAM Member Bill Burkhart. You may not be aware that US Seniors have been able to sell their life insurance policies since 2001. LifeStar begin working in this market around 2000, so they have been effectively helping seniors and charitable organizations with life insurance policy sales for over 25 years. LifeStar is also the very first company in the US to develop the Life Insurance Secondary Market into a dynamic vehicle for philanthropy.
Here are some additional facts about the LifeStar Senior Life Policy Donation Program and how it could potentially benefit KAM and our Senior Donors:
1. The LifeStar Senior Policy Donation Program is limited, as the program name implies, to US Life Policyholders age 65 years and older.
2. LifeStar Advisors provides a transparent life policy marketing
and sales process, also providing an important and robust competitive bidding environment for your policy sale, ensuring the optimal price paid to you.
3. The Decision: TO SELL OR NOT TO SELL LIFE POLICIES - is literally being discussed today in millions of US Senior households, particularly in view of whether or not the need for life insurance justifies the high cost of future premiums. LifeStar offers THE LEGACY INSURANCE REVIEW to all LifeStar clients and their Senior Donors, ensuring a superior decision support system that ensures a successful policy sales process.
4. In most cases, LifeStar has been able offer Senior significant savings - with some client able to experience savings of over $1.0 Million Dollars or more via a combination of policy sales proceeds and the avoidance of future policy premiums once the policy is sold.
IN CONCLUSION: You will be receiving information from KAM soon regarding this important potential channel of giving to KAM.
WORKING CLOSELY WITH KAM, LIFESTAR IS READY TO HELP and we look forward to talking with you soon.
For more information, contact Bill Burkhart, MD at wburkhart55@ icloud.com or call Rob Patrick, KAMF Executive Director at (865) 531-2766, ext 2500.
Building for the Future, Investing in the Future of Community Health
By Rob Patrick, Executive Director, KAM Foundation
Over the past several years, the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation has experienced remarkable growth—not only in the scope of our programs, but in the growing needs of the communities we serve. What began as a commitment to improving access to healthcare has evolved into a broad network of programs addressing medical care, food insecurity, behavioral health, care coordination, and the social determinants that directly impact health outcomes across East Tennessee.
Today, Knoxville Area Project Access (KAPA) continues to expand its reach across 23 counties, coordinating care for thousands of uninsured patients each year through the generosity of physicians, hospitals, and healthcare partners. At the same time, the Tennessee Community Resource Network (TCRN) has emerged as an innovative statewide model for connecting healthcare systems and social service organizations through coordinated referral platforms and patient navigation.
Perhaps no program better reflects the growing needs of our community than the KAPA Kitchen Food Pantry. What began as a small initiative has experienced extraordinary growth in a very short period of time. Through partnerships, volunteers, food rescue programs, and community support, the pantry now serves thousands of individuals and families facing food insecurity while continuing to expand both services and outreach efforts.
As these programs continue to grow, so does the need to evaluate the future space and infrastructure requirements of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine and KAM Foundation. To help guide that process, an ad hoc Capital Campaign Committee has been established and is currently working alongside the KAM Board of Trustees and the KAM Foundation Board of Governors to conduct a feasibility study regarding the organization’s future building and operational needs.
This evaluation is about more than buildings. It is about preparing the organization to meet the future needs of physicians, patients, and the broader community. The Knoxville Academy of Medicine continues to expand its role in supporting physicians through continuing medical education, physician well-being initiatives, collegiality, advocacy, and leadership development. At the same time, the Foundation’s programs continue to experience unprecedented growth and increasing demand for services.
The Capital Campaign Committee, chaired by Dr. Bill Burkhart, includes both physician and community leaders committed to helping shape a sustainable future for the organization. As the feasibility study progresses, the committee will evaluate the level of philanthropic support necessary to accommodate future growth and long-term community impact.
The committee’s first fundraising initiative will take place on September 12 with a unique Vol Navy Experience fundraiser aboard a large event boat accommodating up to 100 guests. Attendees will enjoy a gourmet dinner, drinks, fellowship, and the opportunity to watch the University of Tennessee take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in a memorable game-day atmosphere on the water.
Please see the advertisement on the following page for additional details about the Vol Navy Experience fundraiser. Tickets may be purchased at KnoxvilleMedicine.org.
We are excited about the future of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation and grateful for the physicians, donors, volunteers, and community partners who continue to believe in this mission. Together, we are not only responding to today’s needs—we are building the future of community health in East Tennessee. To contact Rob Patrick email rpatrick@ knoxvillemedicine.org or call (865) 531-2766 ext. 2500.
