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As 2025 comes to a close, we physicians continue to marvel at our good fortune to be allowed to care for our fellow human beings. Life itself is our business, and we are committed to both the preservation of human life and improvement of the human condition. Taking on these responsibilities is a daunting task, and I believe meeting and interacting with our colleagues locally through the Knoxville Academy of Medicine helps us stay strong in the face of stress, and focused on the job ahead, by reinforcing the fact that we are not alone.
Our careers are not smooth cruises: while we excitedly prepare to apply extraordinary scientific advances to our patients’ care, we are buffeted by repeated and potentially devastating challenges to our patients’ health and our ability to serve them. Thus, wars, pandemics, drug resistance, increased costs, decreased physician reimbursement, lack of insurance coverage, and loss of physician autonomy threaten our patients and us constantly. We take these things in stride and soldier on in this great field of medicine.
KAM
scientists and pseudoscientists into leadership roles, and then by the firing and resignations of the legitimate faculties of those institutions. I am truly fearful for the future of medical science, and science in general, in our nation. The longer it goes on, the more permanent is the damage.
So we are accustomed to threats to the practice of medicine from government, usually in the form of laws that allow inadequately trained people to practice medicine, reduction in payment for our services, or the addition of burdensome paperwork. And we are accustomed to assaults on the science of medicine from those who stand to profit from bogus treatments and the use of fear to block access to appropriate treatments, taking advantage of the average citizen’s lack of knowledge of how science works, even at its most basic level. What is new, and we are not accustomed to fighting it, is the current assault on the science of medicine by the government itself.
The two biggest arenas where this assault is being perpetrated are in the stifling and misdirection of research for political reasons, and in the destruction of our greatest government health institutions, first by installation of non-
I can only guess at the best way out of this mess. Obviously, better outcomes will be achieved the sooner the institutional destruction is stopped, but that may not be possible during the current administration. I am hopeful it can be stopped by the next administration, even if the political party doesn’t change. Improved science education in schools could, over the long term, produce a citizenry which is less science-blind, superstitious, and gullible, but that could take decades. Industry could provide increased research funding that would keep some of the best scientific minds here in the United States, but that solution would inevitably increase corporate control of medicine, which has its own set of problems. For now maybe the best we can do is be personal science supporters, visible to our patients, who mostly trust us. We need to emphasize to them that science is not political, and show that physicians who are Democrats and Republicans can unite in our support of science. Ultimately, our children and grandchildren may judge us on whether or not we stepped up at this point in our nation’s history to save our noble profession and the science that supports it.
- David Harris, MD KAM President 2024 - 2025
This article is an editorial and views expressed should not be construed as an official position for the Knoxville Academy of Medicine or it’s Membership at large. It is intended to advance patient well-being advocacy only. Any comments or additional thoughts regarding this and any other editorial appearing in Knoxville Medicine are always welcome from our Membership. Please send any remarks to info@ knoxvillemedicine.org
ACADEMY NEWS
Volunteer Opportunities!
Looking for a way to give back to the community? St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, which partners with Knoxville Area Project Access (KAPA) to serve the uninsured, is in need of volunteer physicians who would like to travel around the region in their mobile clinic. Volunteers can sign up for as little as a day (9.5 hours) or as many days as they like each month! This is a great opportunity for retired physicians that still want to help patients in need. For more information, contact Sister Gianna Marie Savage, MD at medicaldirector@smlcares.com or visit their website at https://www. smlcares.com/
Have a heart for street medicine? Each Tuesday afternoon, KAM Foundation sends volunteer physicians to the Mission District to do medical triage for the unhoused and homeless in Knox County. Volunteer shifts are just a couple of hours and can be as many Tuesdays as you would like to participate. For more information, contact Rob Patrick, KAM Foundation Executive Director at (865) 531-2766, ext. 2500.
Other opportunities exist to serve the homeless through Knox Street Medicine Outreach. Various dates and shifts for volunteer physicians. For more information, contact Dr. Danielle Darter at danielledater@knoxstreetmedicineoutreach.org.
KAPA Kitchen Acquires Refrigerated Vehicle to Expand Food Rescue and Community Support
This fall, an urgent appeal was made to the membership of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine (KAM), along with several valued financial partners, to support a critical need at the KAPA Kitchen: the acquisition of a refrigerated vehicle. The vehicle was essential to safely rescue surplus food from local grocery partners and to deliver nutritious food to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout our community
The timing of this need coincided with the federal government shutdown in November, which left many individuals without access to previously reliable food sources. As a result, food insecurity increased significantly across the region. Although several grocery stores were willing to donate surplus perishable items, the lack of refrigerated transportation limited the KAPA Kitchen’s ability to accept and safely distribute these donations while maintaining proper food temperature standards.
We are pleased to announce that, in response to this call for help, more than $35,000 was raised in just a few weeks. These generous contributions fully funded the purchase of the refrigerated vehicle and also provided additional resources to purchase food for individuals and families affected by disruptions in SNAP benefits. This rapid and overwhelming response highlights the compassion and commitment of our medical community and its partners.
In addition, through a grant from Wellpoint Insurance Company, the KAPA Kitchen was able to provide Thanksgiving meals to 600 families, ensuring that many of our neighbors were able to celebrate the holiday with dignity and nourishment.
With Sincere Gratitude
The KAPA Kitchen extends heartfelt thanks to the following individuals and organizations who donated during the month of November to support our neighbors in need:
• TN Representative Jason Zachary
• Drs. Laura Powers and John Burkhart
• Dr. Greg Curtin
• Dr. Matthew Doppelt
• Dr. Jeff and Amy Gilbert
• Dr. Pat O’Brien
• Dr. Patrick McFarland
• Dr. Matt Mancini
• Dr. Mandy Halford
• Dr. Berta Bergia
• Dr. Brian Daley
• Dr. Clif Tennison
• Dr. Neil Coleman
• Dr. Roy King
• Dr. James McLoughlin
• Dr. Jonathan DeLong
• Dr. Juli Williams
• Kimberly Weaver, PhD, and David Caudill
• Danielle Sims
• Jonathan Weaver
• Michelle McCrory
• Rob and Jennifer Patrick
• His Security and Technology
• Home Choice
• Faith Promise Church
• Amy Boles
Continuing the Mission
In December, the KAPA Kitchen will once again provide holiday meals to families experiencing food insecurity who are enrolled in the KAPA or TCRN programs. Additionally, a special meal delivery is planned for residents of the Second Creek Housing Project, serving members of the unhoused community.
Those wishing to support the ongoing efforts of the KAPA Kitchen may make tax-deductible donations online at KAPATN.org. To be counted for the 2025 tax year, donations must be received by midnight on December 31
Through collaboration, generosity, and service, the KAPA Kitchen continues to address food insecurity and improve the health and well-being of our community—one meal at a time.
KAPA Update
KAPA’s provider network and KAPA staff have been working extremely hard over the last year. We have hit a record number of encounters and appointments while still keeping 99% appointment kept rate. We still continue to see the need for KAPA and the services being provided through our provider network, care coordination, or visits to the KAPA Kitchen food pantry. Below are some highlights from the last year.
If you are interested in becoming a KAPA provider or would like to learn more, please reach out to Danielle Sims at dsims@knoxvillemedicine.org or 865-531.2766 ext. 2430.
ACADEMY NEWS
New Members
A big welcome to our newest members! We are excited that you have decided to join KAM.
DAVID N. ALJADIR, MD
ONCOLOGY
Tennessee Cancer Specialists
REID ANDREWS, MD
RADIOLOGY
UT Radiology
JACOB BERMUDEZ, MD
RADIOLOGY
Vista Radiology
PAUL CARTER, MD
ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
The Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center
NICHOLAS CLINE, MD
ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
The Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center
JOHNSON CONGLETON, MD
UROLOGY
Tennessee Urology
TYLER COOMBES, MD
CARDIOLOGY
University Cardiology
VICTORIA SCOTLAND COX, DO
PEDIATRICS
Boys & Girls Pediatrics
BENJAMIN DAVIS, MD
RADIOLOGY
Abercrombie Radiology
KAVI DAYARAM, DO
INTERNAL MEDICINE
UT Hospitalists
ELISSA FALCONER, MD
SURGERY
Premier Surgical Associates
ERIK HANDBERG, MD
FORENSIC PATHOLOGY
Knox County Regional Forensic Center
DAVID HARRISON, DPM
SURGERY
Premier Surgical
RAYNA HOWSE, MD
RADIOLOGY
Vista Radiology
BRANDON LANCASTER, MD
FAMILY PRACTICE
Summit Medical Concord Medical
JOHN MADIGAN, MD
ANESTHESIA
University Anesthesiologists
JAE MAENG, MD
PEDIATRICS
Knoxville Pediatric Associates
MATTHEW MASCIOLI, DO
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Summit Medical Group Sleep Services
PAUL MILLER, MD
PSYCHIATRY
UT Internal Medicine Psychiatry Clinic
DANIEL RAMSEY, MD
RADIOLOGY
Vista Radiology
First Column: David N. Aljadir, MD; Reid Andrews, MD; Jacob Bermudez, MD; Paul Carter, MD; Nicholas Cline, MD; Johnson Congleton, MD; Tyler Coombes, MD.
Second Column: Victoria Scotland Cox, DO; Benjamin Davis, MD; Kavi Dayaram, DO; Elissa Falconer, MD; Erik Handberg, MD; David Harrison, DPM; Rayna Howse, MD.
Third Column: Brandon Lancaster, MD; John Madigan, MD; Jae Maeng, MD; Jae Maeng, MD; Matthew Mascioli, DO; Paul Miller, MD; Daniel Ramsey, MD.
New Members Continued KAM
First Column: Craig Robinson, MD.
Second Column: Vincent Ventrano, MD.
Third Column: Felicia Wheeler, MD.
CRAIG ROBINSON, MD RADIOLOGY
Vista Radiology
VINCENT VENTRANO, MD RADIOLOGY
Vista Radiology
FELICIA WHEELER, MD ONCOLOGY
Tennessee Cancer Specialists
*a correction from previous issue, specialty: NICHOLAS KOLINSKY, DO ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
Allergy Asthma and Immunology Center
Celebrating Leadership and Service: Rob Patrick Named Coalition Member of the Year
The KAM Foundation proudly celebrates Executive Director Rob Patrick, who has been honored with the Metro Drug Coalition (MDC) Award for Coalition Member of the Year—a well-deserved recognition of his quiet leadership, unwavering commitment, and extraordinary impact on the community.
In his nomination, Rob was affectionately described as the “underrated Yes Man” of the Community Coalition. It’s a title that speaks volumes. Known for his willingness to step forward whenever help is needed, Rob consistently transforms ideas into action, often behind the scenes and without expectation of recognition.
One of Rob’s most
notable contributions this year was his instrumental role in the implementation of Thrive Fest, a community-wide family engagement fair designed to bring people together in a spirit of connection, prevention, and support. Rob led efforts to raise critical donations that helped underwrite both the venue and food, ensuring the event was accessible and welcoming to families across the community. Beyond fundraising, he also encouraged and energized fellow Coalition members to actively participate, strengthening collaboration and shared ownership of the event’s success.
Metro Drug Coalition praised Rob for “setting the gold standard for the Community Coalition,” a testament to his leadership style— one rooted in service, collaboration, and genuine care for community well-being. His work reflects the very best of what coalition efforts can achieve when guided by integrity and vision.
The KAM Foundation membership proudly joins together in paying tribute to one of our own. Rob Patrick’s leadership not only represents KAM with the highest standard, but also serves as an example of how dedication and humility can create lasting community impact.
Congratulations, Rob, on this well-earned honor—and thank you for continuing to lead by example.
TCRN Recognized with a Covenant Health President’s Excellence Award
The Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation proudly congratulates the staff of its Tennessee Community Resource Network (TCRN) program on receiving a Covenant Health President’s Excellence Award. This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding contributions that advance quality, innovation, and excellence across the Covenant Health system.
TCRN was awarded the Team Achievement Award for Clinical and Operational Excellence for its collaborative project with Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, an initiative designed to improve community health outcomes by addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH) affecting patients across East Tennessee. Through coordinated screening, referral, and resource connection, the project has strengthened the continuum of care by addressing non-medical factors that significantly influence health and wellness.
Executive Officer of Covenant Health, who commended the team’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care. The recognition reflects the effectiveness of partnerships that bridge clinical care and community resources to meet patients’ broader needs.
The award was presented by Jim VanderSteeg, President and Chief
This achievement highlights the mission-driven work of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation and underscores the vital role physicians and community partners play in advancing population health. By leading initiatives that integrate healthcare delivery with social support services, TCRN exemplifies how collaborative efforts can create lasting improvements in health outcomes.
The physicians of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine can take great pride in this accomplishment, which reflects their continued leadership in community health initiatives that help the residents of East Tennessee live healthier, more resilient lives.
ACADEMY NEWS
TCRN Update
The Tennessee Community Resource Network (TCRN) is a program of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation and is a partnership with the East Tennessee Health Information Network (etHIN). TCRN is a web based, closed loop referral platform which connects clients to necessary services in the medical, behavioral, and social service domains.
In November of 2024, TCRN started a pilot in partnership with Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center to address Social Determinants of Health
(SDoH) and decrease unnecessary emergency department usage for up to 50 patients. TCRN is also in its second year of a Families First grant where they are working with families to complete goal planning, coordinate SDoH needs, and guide them toward the path to self-sufficiency.
Below are some of the great outcomes that TCRN has achieved with both programs. If you are interested in learning more about TCRN, please contact Danielle Sims or Michelle McCrory at tcrn@knoxvillemedicine.org.
In Memoriam
Greater Knoxville’s Premier Otolaryngology Center
It is with profound sadness that the Knoxville Academy of Medicine marks the passing of one of its most distinguished and devoted members, David George Gerkin, MD, who died on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the age of 88.
Dr. Gerkin lived a life defined by service—to his country, his profession, his community, and his family. His impact on organized medicine was extraordinary and enduring. Over the course of his career, he served as President of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine in 1985, President of the Tennessee Medical Association in 1998, and as an American Medical Association Delegate representing Tennessee for many years. His contributions to KAM, TMA, and the AMA are immeasurable and continue to shape the profession today.
Professor of Ophthalmology. For 21 years, he served as Editor of Tennessee Medicine, the State Medical Journal.
Dr. Gerkin’s military service was equally distinguished. He served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1971, retiring as a Colonel. He later served as Brigadier General of the Tennessee State Guard and as State Surgeon from 2001 to the present, in addition to serving as Waiver Authority for the United States Army for 15 years.
A compassionate and deeply committed physician, Dr. Gerkin earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana State University and his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at Brooke Army Medical Center. He was a founding member of University Eye Specialists, where he practiced for 29 years, and served as Medical Director of Tennessee Valley Eye Center from its inception until 2024. His leadership extended across the state and region, including roles as President of the Southeastern Eye Bank Association of America, Chief of Staff of UT Medical Center, and Associate Clinical
A tireless volunteer, Dr. Gerkin devoted countless hours to community service, particularly through Interfaith Health Center, where he served on the Board for 21 years and as Board Chair. He generously shared his expertise as an active participant in Remote Area Medical and was a member of the 2010 class of Leadership Knoxville. He was also a devoted member of Lake Hills Presbyterian Church, where one of his greatest joys was singing in the choir.
Dr. Gerkin is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sharon Gerkin; his daughters, Deborah Gerkin, Rebecca Doody, and Melanie Best Burgess; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
GKENT_Card_June2017.indd 1 6/19/17
His leadership, generosity, and presence will be deeply missed by the Knoxville Academy of Medicine, the Tennessee Medical Association, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.
