UT Health Science Center College of Medicine-Chattanooga

At the beginning of the month, more than 400 community members, leaders, patients, colleagues, partners, family, and friends gathered to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Dr. R. Phillip Burns and the lasting impact he has made over the past 50 years on our region, college, learners, community, and partners

The Burns Legacy Gala was not only an evening of reflection and gratitude, but also an opportunity to advance a shared vision for the future. Together, we continue to raise support for the R. Phillip Burns Endowed Chair in Surgery, an investment that will strengthen surgical education, push innovation, and enhance patient care throughout the region for generations to come.

Thank you to our donors, sponsors, partners, and everyone who has contributed to this effort. With more than $1 million raised towards our $1.5 million goal, we are making meaningful progress towards honoring Dr. Burns’ legacy and empowering the next generation of surgeons.

While this milestone is worth celebrating, our work continues, and we welcome others to join us in advancing the future of surgery in our region. Please visit the link in our bio to learn more and give.

May is Stroke Awareness Month.🧠

In a recent interview with "Let's Chatt," Dr. James Fleming, an affiliated professor with the College of Medicine, shares the common signs to recognize a stroke and why remembering to B.E. F.A.S.T. can save lives.

Learn the signs and share the message - you could save a life.

Erlanger - Stroke Awareness Month Dr. James Fleming with Erlanger shares the common signs to recognize a stroke during Stroke Awareness Month. Always remember to B.E. F.A.S.T.

From Chattanooga to Washington, D.C. — Dr. Curtis Cary had the opportunity to join a group of College of Medicine faculty and leadership to represent UT Health Sciences at American College of Physicians Leadership Day, advocating for the future of healthcare and physician leadership.

“I chose OBGYN as my career because it is such a unique and gratifying experience to walk with my patients through the most significant moments of their lives.”

This week we recognize Women’s Health Week and the importance of advocacy, education, and compassionate care for women everywhere. 🩷

OBGYN resident, Dr. Althea Campbell, shares her journey into Obstetrics and Gynecology and why women’s health is so important to her.

“There is no other specialty that offers the same level of connection and opportunity for advocacy. In just one day, I can counsel a teenager through her changing body, help a mother welcome her new baby into the world, and hold the hand of my patients struggling through their health journey.”

Her passion for women’s health is rooted in empowering patients and ensuring they feel supported throughout their care journey.

“Women can often be overlooked and unsupported in the medical field and as a hopeful future gynecologic oncologist, I find it extremely important to listen to your patients’ stories.”

“I want women to feel empowered by learning about their bodies and having access to the care they need.”

A wonderful honor for Dr. Cofer! Congratulations 🎉

Medicine is defined not only by clinical excellence, but by compassion, humility, and service to others.

This morning, we were honored to recognize the nominees and recipient of the Alper Humanitarian Award 🎖️— individuals who lead with empathy and embody the values at the heart of patient care.

Congratulations to each nominee and this year’s winner, pediatrics resident Dr. Faith Blackmon, for the meaningful impact you make on our patients, colleagues, and community every day.

"I'm someone who wants to make a physical impact in the lives of my patients. Surgery residency will have its challenges, but I am eager to learn new techniques from mentors and build relationships with my co-residents and people of the community who have entrusted me with their care."

For UTHSC College of Medicine Isaac Hembree, that commitment to community took root early. Volunteering at Erlanger in Chattanooga during high school and at UT Medical in Knoxville during undergrad, he began to understand what becoming a physician could really mean.

"I feel like those experiences strengthened my interest in becoming a physician by seeing how impactful I could become."

Now a graduating medical student at UT Health Sciences College of Medicine-Chattanooga, Hembree matched into a surgery residency in Chattanooga, the same city where his interest in medicine first began.

"I now get to achieve my goal in a place that is so important to me."

For Hembree, UT Health Sciences offered something few medical schools could: the chance to train across the state he wants to serve. Preclinical years in Memphis, clinical years back home in Chattanooga.

"It really encompasses how we are a statewide campus that offers so many learning opportunities across Tennessee. It was the perfect medical school for what I wanted to achieve, and I'm very grateful for my time as a student here."

What an exciting time of the year!

This week, we have had the joy of welcoming our new medical students to Chattanooga! 📚

Meet the leaders behind the training! 🩺

Dr. Amar Singh is doing more than practicing medicine - he’s shaping the future of it. In his dual role as Professor and Chair in Urology with UT Health Sciences and as a practicing physician at Erlanger, he - and all our affiliated professors - play an active role in strengthening the future of health care throughout Greater Chattanooga.

“Serving as both a urologist and educator allows me to connect clinical excellence with innovation, research, and service - while always prioritizing compassionate care for our community. By bringing advanced technologies like robotic surgery to a broad patient population and training future physicians to lead with precision and purpose, we’re not only improving outcomes of today, but helping shape a strong pathway for health care across our region for tomorrow.”

Happy 4️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ day Chattanooga!!

This past Friday some of our students had a fun night out watching the Lookouts during opening week at the new Erlanger Park! Lots of fun and exciting things going on in Chatt 💙