ETSU Department of Internal Medicine

07/31/2026

When you have the right team by your side, navigating your health feels a little easier.

Our physicians and care teams provide expert, compassionate adult care with a team-based approach designed to help patients feel supported every step of the way.

We are proud of the expertise, teamwork, and compassion that define our department.

To schedule an appointment with ETSU Health Internal Medicine, call:
📞 Internal Medicine Kingsport: (423) 246-7931
📞 Internal Medicine Johnson City: (423) 439-7280

When health gets complicated, it matters who you trust.At ETSU He...

07/23/2026

We are excited to recognize Dr. Zhi Q. Yao, Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, for an outstanding research achievement!

Dr. Yao has received continued NIH support for his team’s innovative work exploring new approaches to eliminating Hepatitis B infection. This achievement highlights the progress of his research, with his team being the only group among the 2024 Phase I award recipients to advance to the next stage of this initiative.

Through dedication, collaboration, and scientific innovation, Dr. Yao continues to lead research that has the potential to make a lasting impact on patients in Appalachia and beyond.

Read more here:

An ETSU researcher is leading the nation's only NIH-funded R33 project to advance to a second phase of research aimed at developing a cure for Hepatitis B.

07/16/2026

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Phil Dougherty to ETSU Health Quillen College of Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine!

We are excited to welcome Dr. Dougherty to our Hospitalist team in Johnson City and Kingsport. His experience and commitment to patient care will be a valuable addition to our department, and we look forward to the positive impact he will make as part of the ETSU Health Quillen team.

Welcome, Dr. Dougherty! We are glad to have you with us.

07/10/2026

We're excited to announce that Dr. Taif Khattak and Dr. Katie Masters have been appointed Quality Improvement Advisors for our Internal Medicine Residency Program!

Dr. Khattak and Dr. Masters bring a strong commitment to resident education, mentorship, and advancing a culture of continuous improvement. We look forward to the leadership and insight they will bring as they support the growth and development of our residency program.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Khattak and Dr. Masters on their new roles!

07/08/2026

We're excited to announce that Dr. Dan Frechtling has been appointed Clerkship Director for Internal Medicine!

Dr. Frechtling brings a passion for medical education and a strong commitment to teaching and mentorship. We look forward to his leadership as he continues to enhance the educational experience for our learners.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Frechtling on this well-deserved appointment! 🎉

07/07/2026

We're excited to announce that Dr. Suzanne Moore has been appointed Vice Chair for Faculty Development in the Department of Internal Medicine!

Dr. Moore is passionate about mentoring faculty, fostering professional growth, and advancing excellence in education, scholarship, leadership, and clinical care. We look forward to the positive impact her leadership will have on our faculty and department.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Moore on her new role! 🎉

06/01/2026

https://www.wjhl.com/daytime-tri-cities/sponsored-content/sponsored-content-a-conversation-about-stroke-awareness-with-etsu-health/

Doctor Katie Masters and Dr. Alora Ricker with ETSU Health, shared some vitally important information on recognizing the symptoms of Stroke and some of the best ways to help reduce stroke risk. Ple…

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day! Today we celebrate and honor the incredible mothers across our Internal Medicine community, including our residents, faculty, and staff. Thank you for your compassion, strength, and dedication in all that you do. The care you give, both at work and at home, makes a difference every single day.

05/08/2026

This past week, Internal Medicine residents Dr. Hamza Altal and Dr. Saba Daher attended the 2026 Digestive Disease Week in Chicago, Illinois to present their research. These research projects were completed with GI fellows Dr. Mohammad Darweesh and Dr. Usama Abu-Heija, as well as faculty members Dr. Chakradhar Reddy, Dr. Puneet Goenka, Dr. Mark Young, and Dr. Michael McKinney. One of the posters that Dr. Daher presented, “Structured Exclusion of Whole-Food Diets for Induction of Remission in Chrohn’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials” is currently in consideration for inclusion in Cornerstone Health’s International Best of DDW in IBD program! Congratulations to our researchers! 💙💛