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Report of the KAM Nominating Committee:
KAM Board of Trustees 2024
President Elect: Greg Curtin, MD
President: David Harris, MD
Immediate Past President: Brian Daley, MD
Continuing Trustees:
Secretary: Melissa Chiles, MD
Treasurer: Jeff Gilbert, MD
Matt Doppelt, DO
Carley Fowler, MD
Darinka Mileusnic-Polcan, MD
Greg Phelps, MD
Jordan Lakin, DO
Patrick McConville, MD
KAM FOUNDATION BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2024
President: Patrick McFarland, MD
Immediate Past President: Pat O'Brien, MD
Continuing Governors:
Matt Pittman, MD
Steven Massaro, MD
Stephen Wheless, MD
Corporate Secretary: Kim Weaver, PhD KAM CEO
Treasurer: Neil Barry, DO
Matt Mancini, MD
Neil Coleman, MD
ACADEMY
KAM
For almost 200 years, the Knoxville Academy of Medicine has represented the interests of East Tennessee Physicians while promoting the medical profession and supporting physicians as patient advocates. For the last 30 years, the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation, the 501(c)3, philanthropic arm of the KAM has advanced public wellness through programs designed to identify areas of medical need in our community and implement cutting-edge programs that will improve the overall health of East Tennessee and support the medical profession in achieving better health outcomes for our citizenry.
ADVOCACY
In 2024, the leadership of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine and the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation crafted the following vision statement, “We exist to lift up our community, so that every person has an opportunity for a healthy life.” We believe this statement fully describes the dream the leadership and physician members of KAM uphold to achieve a thriving community.
To support this vision, 2024 saw the development and continuation of many programs intended to further this realization of a healthy life for both our physician members, their families, and their patients.
Upholding the medical profession and the protection of the physician-patient relationship is always at the forefront of the mission of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine. We recognize that to protect the physician-patient relationship and maintain the practice of medicine, KAM members must engage and sustain relationships with our local, state, and national officials. To accomplish this task, the KAM hosts numerous annual events, established to foster important associations with lawmakers.
• Day on the Hill
Each year, the KAM in concert with the Tennessee Medical Association, sponsors a Day on the Hill when physicians come together from across the state and visit with members of the Tennessee General Assembly to discuss issues important to medicine. The KAM charters a bus for all physician members in our area to travel to Nashville and attend personal meetings with members of the East Tennessee Delegation. Also, attendees can participate in a social function honoring TN Representatives and Senators, or observe legislators in session addressing issues on the House and Senate floor
• Legislative Lattes
In 2024, the KAM launched a new series of events designed to further strengthen our members’ relationships with our local legislators. Legislative Lattes are held regularly throughout the year and offer the opportunity for physician members to meet one-on-one with both state and national congressional representatives in addition to non-elected government officials who can affect the practice of medicine. Attendees come together for a cup of Joe and robust conversation in this after work event held in the KAM Conference Center. This year, the KAM was pleased to host U.S. Congressman Mark Greene, Tennessee Commissioner of Health Ralph Alvardo, MD, Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, Senators Becky Duncan-Massey and Dr. Richard Briggs, and Representatives Justin Lafferty and Elaine Davis.
• An Evening with Your Legislators
This annual event is one of the most anticipated events held each year by the KAM. At this event, Region 7 physician medical society members and their spouses/partners meet with our area delegation of the TN General Assembly along with TMA lobbyists to discuss the upcoming legislative season and talk candidly about issues pertaining to patient care while enjoying delicious food and beverages.
• Pizza and Politics
Developing our resident physician members and medical students to continue the Knoxville Academy of Medicine mission is an important objective to KAM Leadership. Pizza and Politics is an annual event to cultivate relationships between young physicians and legislators. The event is educational in that tips are offered by lawmakers on methods to engage and effect change in the legislative process.
• TMA House of Delegates
Each Spring, the KAM and Region 7 participate in the TMA House of Delegates. Our delegation meets with other physician delegates from all over Tennessee to ensue in lively discussion to form the TMA Legislative Agenda for the next year.
Social Events
KAM holds a number of social events each year to promote collegiality and strengthen the medical family. Past events have included the popular KAM Day at the Smokies, the family-friendly KAM/KAMA Family Picnic, in addition to an extensive list of events sponsored by the KAM Vitality Physicians Initiative (VIP) held to build relationships.
RESIDENT/STUDENT ACTIVITIES
As previously mentioned, much effort is expended to develop the next generation of physicians for our area. In 2024, KAM members and staff participated in UT Resident Orientation, LMU-DCOM Oesto-blast Days, and LMU Medical Student Orientations. KAM also hosted the popular Tacos and Tequila Event and launched a series of Speed Dating with Your Specialty, in which practicing physician members of all specialties met with students for short intervals on a Saturday morning, affording students with the opportunity to garner information about multiple specialties during one event. The leadership and staff of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine continues to evaluate programs and events for our association to ensure value of membership. For more information on KAM programs and events, contact Kimberly Weaver, PhD, KAM CEO at kweaver@ knoxvillemedicine.org or Margaret Maddox, Executive Director of Physician Engagement at mmaddox@knoxvillemedicine.org.
ACADEMY
Academy Officers
ACADEMY NEWS
VBrian Daley, MD
PRESIDENT
David Harris, MD
PRESIDENT ELECT
Melissa Chiles, MD
SECRETARY
Patient Satisfaction
Daniel Bustamante, MD
TREASURER
Jeff Ollis, MD
Knoxville Academy of Medicine’s Initiative Project
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
KNOXVILLE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE
Kimberly Weaver, PhD CEO
Board of Trustees
Greg Curtin, MD
Matt Doppelt, DO
I just filled out my umpteenth survey this month on a recent store purchase. We get asked about everything these days from hotel stays, plane flights, to how our restaurant meal was. In academia, this is the new research tool that is easy, convenient, and low-cost. We all have a feeling that we are affecting a beneficial change when we respond, and having our voices heard. IS this really the case?
With physician burnout on the rise, the KAMF’s VIP program is designed to help our physicians manage the rigors of work life balance, long before the stressors impact their ability to practice medicine. This program focuses on education, social engagement, and anonymous physician counseling. This program fosters a more resilient health care community which benefits the entire population of not only medical professionals but the communities they serve. By strengthening almost 2000 area Physicians and their families through social engagement, supportive services, and educational opportunities, the KAMF VIP program aims to restore the joy in practicing medicine and extend the longevity of the practicing physician.
Carley Fowler, MD
Jeff Gilbert, MD
Patrick McConville, MD
Darinka Mileusnic-Polchan, MD
In 2024, the VIP program supported 1943 physicians from Knox, Blount, Monroe, Roane, Anderson, Morgan, Loudon, Campbell, and Scott counties. A KAM Physician Crisis Hotline is available for anonymous counseling services. Our KAM Care Coach program also offers totally anonymous, non-reportable sessions for physicians.
Ex- Officio Board Members
Mark Browne, MD
Richard Briggs, MD
Debbie Christiansen, MD
As part of the educational offerings of the VIP, the KAMF annually hosts a VIP Dinner for Physicians and spouses/guests to promote awareness and collegial comradery. Past speakers have included nationally recognized leaders on physician resiliency such as Dr. Wayne Sotile and Mukta Panda, MD.
Randal Dabbs, MD
Richard DePersio, MD
Keith Gray, MD
Robert Page, MD
Donna Brunson -KAMA
Publisher
Kim Weaver, PhD
Editor
Jonathan Weaver
Everyone should read the Viewpoint in the December 13th issue of JAMA about Patient Satisfaction Instruments. (JAMA 328(22): 2209-10). In brief, it spells out the exact reasons such surveys are not only not efficacious in determining or improving care but detrimental to physicians. Quoting Edward Demming himself – such ratings “build fear, demolishes teamwork and nourishes rivalry and politics “(ibid).
It’s not so much the asking patients for their opinions, but rather the way it is asked, and more importantly, the way it is used by our hos-
VIPs at Sea, is one of the extraordinary events offered through KAMF VIP program. Now being offered to physicians on a national level, it provides opportunities for social engagement and continuing education regarding physician well-being while onboard a cruise ship. The 2025 event has now been expanded to include the state mandated 2-hour Prescribing Practices CME. This signature program of KAMF VIP has been nominated for a national award through American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE) as a program of excellence.
Production/Advertising
David Caudill
Partnering with area medical schools, KAMF VIP proactively addresses workplace demands to reduce the likelihood of future professional fatigue. We are currently supporting 742 medical students from UT Medical School, and both LMU-DCOM campuses at Harrogate and Knoxville
pitals and the government. Such ratings, folks who use the ratings, are not face with the patient. The surveys are not timely, they are often used to decide remuneration. feel powerless because many of the things impact our patients, and their responses, system-related and beyond ability to change. We all agree communication is the key and could be by all practitioners. mayor of New York Koch, was known for the streets and asking “How’m doin’?” It was personal, able, and very much care. It encourages communica tion and conversation at the person the sake of our patients, and for our not worry about the surveys, but rather we’re seen in that moment by that patient. need to act to make changes at the individual level and ask “How’m I doin’?
- Brian J. Daley, MD, MBA,
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 VIP program is now supporting 224 residents through the three resident physician training programs including the UT Graduate School of Medicine and recent programs offered through Covenant and Tennova hospitals.
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.
For more information regarding VIP services, please contact Margaret Maddox at (865) 531-2766 ext. 2200.
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.
When ordinary just won't do.
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KNOXVILLE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE FOUNDATION
KAPA
Knoxville Area Project Access serves low-income, 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
KAMF
Overview and events
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
RESTORATIVE HEALTH
The Restorative Health Program addresses Opioid Use Disorder for patients RHP will be a behavioral health network that expands and coordinates access to low or no cost OUD treatment and recovery support services for patients Outcomes will be to increase access to care, treatment completion rates and to improve health and well-being
TCRN
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
EVENTS KAMF SUPPORTED IN 2024
KAPA Spring Fling Event
Wine Tasting Fundraiser
KAPA Boot Scootin’ Ball
Mission District Medical Outreach
All is Bright Christmas Gift Distribution
KLF Flenniken Landing Christmas Event
KAPA Legal Aid Day
Pellissippi Resource Fair
Market Square Farmer's Market
CAC Fall Festival and Resource Fair
Scott County Health Fair
InterFaith Day of Gratitude
One Stop Re-Entry Shop
Nourish Knoxville Farmer’s Market
CAC Christmas Event
Care Cuts Resource Fair
TN Charitable Care Network Meeting
TCCN Community Health Worker Event
KAPA 2024
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.
kapa
Coordinated $450 million in donated care since 2005
Over 2,900 physicians, physician extenders, and local hospitals in network
Over 100,000 encounters coordinated in 2024
10,115 Appointments Scheduled in 2024
1,100 + pieces of medical education distributed in 2024
PATIENT GRATITUDE
Words cannot express how much your assistance has meant Thank you for your kindness and generosity via this wonderful program. I will support KAPA for as long as I can, which will be forever.
I am so thankful to have been in your hands. When I was hopeless, you gave me hope. When I was sick, doctors did their part to help me to feel better KAPA people were warm-hearted and patient with me. The staff became a friend that cares. Thank you all.
I wanted to reach out to you all and personally thank your organization and staff for helping me find the critical care I so desperately needed during those difficult times in my life! The passion and caring you display to your patients is clearly evident.
KAPA KITCHEN
In November 2023 KAMF launched the KAPA Kitchen food pantry In November 2023 KAMF launched the KAPA Kitchen food pantry in response to in response to 1 1 iin n 5 5 KAPA patients being KAPA patients being food insecure. food insecure. The The food pantry operates on-site to provide immediate food assistance food pantry operates on-site to provide immediate food assistance for clients experiencing food insecurity. for clients experiencing food insecurity The KAPA Kitchen is in The KAPA Kitchen is in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank
kapa kitchen and rhp
44,000 lbs of groceries donated 3,000 patients served
$30,000 of hygiene products donated
After Hurricane Helene, KAPA Kitchen gathered food, household, and hygiene items and sent them to North Carolina.
$60,000 in donated pantry items
Regular donations provided by:
Dollar General- food, household, and hygiene products
Pepperidge Farm- variety of bread products
Randy Davis Milk Fundfresh milk
During Thanksgiving, KAPA Kitchen supplied over 150 food insecure individuals with turkeys and special holiday meals
KAPA/KAPA Kitchen began working as a partner with the Mission District Medical Outreach Team to assist services to the homeless population KAPA Kitchen assists by serving over 100 homeless individuals each week by providing fruit, snacks, and coffee.
RESTORATIVE HEALTH PROGRAM
With the ever-increasing rise in the number of people and families in our community being impacted by the Opioid epidemic, the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation (KAMF) at the beginning of 2024 begin planning to establish its next program, the Restorative Health Program (RHP). This new program will focus on providing resources for the well-being of patients struggling with addiction and anxiety.
Recap of 2024:
Formed Restorative Health Committee in January of 2024 The committee is comprised of KAMF staff and community partners.
Awarded ARC INSPIRE grant and attended Awards Ceremony Attended ARC INSPIRE Grant Awards Ceremony September 18th.
Awarded TCCN Opioid Abatement Grant for developing and implementing an Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Screening Tool.
TENNESSEE COMMUNITY RESOURCE NETWORK
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
2024 TCRN Acheivements
Multi factor
Authentication for all end users
PRAPARE risk scoring and reporting available
ADT Reporting available New custom reporting platform implemented
Custom Notes available Development of online training
85 New User Licenses
50 New Programs added Hired full time Director of Community Resources
Increased involvement in local health councils
321 listings in resource directory
100 network partners
TCRN Platform Statistics
Families First-DHS
Hired and trained 2 Community Health Workers Development marketing collateral such as Goal Planner
Ft. Sanders Pilot Started November 2024 Enrolled 25 patients Focus on medical and social barriers
KAMF vision
TCRN Community Care Hub
TCRN is continuing to experience growth each year. We see additional opportunities arising by utilizing TCRN’s Community Care Hub with a no wrong door approach. The TCRN Community Care Hub will be charged with screening community members to determine the best program or programs they may be eligible for within the community. Depending on their insurance status, they will be assigned to an appropriate department which specializes in care for them whether they are uninsured (KAPA), have Medicaid or Medicare. Each department aims to provide patient navigation, interventions, chronic disease self-management, and social service coordination to multiple populations. The utilization of the TCRN hub model increases synergy, streamlines services, and improves community outcomes between all KAMF program offerings
KAMF Vision
We exist to lift up our community, so that every person has an opportunity for a healthy life.
KAMF FUTURE GROWTH
KAPA will move towards the TCRN Community Care Hub Model by: Increasing Case Management capacity
PROGRAM GROWTH
Increasing Navigation Services capacity
Streamlining services offered to the community Implementing a No Wrong Door approach
To accomplish these goals KAPA will perform necessary integrations with the TCRN platform.
KAPA Kitchen will be offering more services to the community by: Adding a Family Services Director who is focused on leading and growing the KAPA Kitchen.
Developing new outreach programs to improve community health.
Increasing volunteers with LMU-DCOM medical students and opportunities for UT Medical Students
Expanding partners and partner support
For 2025 KAMF is looking to have a fully developed program model to launch the Restorative Health Program (RHP). What we need to do to accomplish the RHP Vision for 2025: Developing standardized Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Screening Tool integrated with TCRN referral process Onboarding new community partners for resources and as well as maintain existing partnerships.
Working with existing recovery and rehab partners like Metro Drug Coalition, Helen Ross McNabb, and church partners who provide Celebrate Recovery Groups.
TCRN will be enhancing the platform and offering more services to its end users by:
Integrating assessments performed in TCRN into etHIN’s clinical viewer funded by The Physician’s Foundation.
Adding more screeners to the platform, including the DAST-10 and the Audit-C
Further promoting TCRN Revenue Sharing with the creation of a new flyer.
Continuing to onboard new partners and users to increase community data and outcomes.
Increasing community outreach to engage more potential clients.
KAM/KAMF STAFF
Kimberly Weaver, PhD Chief Executive Officer
Danielle Sims KAMF COO
Samantha McMillan KAMF CFO
Rob Patrick KAMF Executive Director
Margaret Maddox Executive Director of Physician Engagement
Michelle McCrory Executive Director of TCRN
Jonathan Weaver Sr. Director of Communications
David Caudill Senior Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Ashley Robeson KAPA Senior Program Director
Kandice Baker KAMF Director of Family Services
Andrea Brown Administrative Director
Brooke Snyder KAPA Director of Navigation Services
Lynnette Taschner TCRN Director of Community Outreach
Deborah Patterson KAMF Director of Development
Abigail Gann TCRN Director of Hub Services
Shawn Kelly TCRN Community Health Worker Director
Scarlet Walker Sr. Case Manager
Amy Thompson Bilingual Patient Navigator
Jennifer Patrick KAPA Case Manager
Holly Shumaker KAPA Case Manager
Viridiana Guerrero Bilingual Patient Navigator
Pennie Wyrick TCRN Community Health Worker
150 Locations
YOU’LL ALWAYS FIND AN OPEN DOOR TO CARE
With the most locations across East Tennessee, Covenant Health ensures care is always nearby. And our 13,000 dedicated experts who see 700,000 patients each year gives you an unmatched combination of strength and convenience. Let Our Strength Be Yours.
ACADEMY NEWS
We are excited that KAM’s member video podcast, Doc Talk is continuing to grow in popularity! Overall, Doc Talk has garnered over 150,000 online hits since its inception a few years ago. In 2025, we plan to add more videos to the KAM digital library, covering a variety of medical procedures and topics. Not only is it an excellent way to keep our community informed about current healthcare options in Knoxville, but it promotes our member practices! The inclusion of podcasts covering a wide range of topics is a valuable resource to our community, as it provides flexibility for individuals to gather information in different formats. This is a benefit of membership as only active KAM members can participate as show guests. Additionally, all guests are welcome to use their show on their practice website or play it in your waiting room as a service to your patients. If you have or have not yet appeared as a Doc Talk guest, we are currently scheduling for 2025! Contact David Caudill @ DocTalk 865-5312766 EXT 2280.
KAM Conference
Center is Ready for Your Event
Did you know that the KAM now has a conference facility that can accommodate groups from 10-100+? Our new conference center is now accepting bookings for events and has many of the same amenities commercial event centers offer but at a fraction of the price. And, of course, KAM Members always receive special rental rates! We are equipped for dinners, cocktail receptions, board meetings and classroom events. Bring your own catering and save money while using our catering kitchen. For more information on availability and pricing, contact Andrea Brown at (865) 531-2766, ext. 2330.
BEHIND EVERY GREAT DOCTOR IS GREAT DOCTOR.
When it comes to complex diagnosis and advancing scientific breakthroughs, more minds are better. As an academic medical center, our doctors trust, collaborate with and confide in each other for new perspectives and new ideas. It’s a true comprehensive approach to your care, so you can live a better life. And that’s what wisdom can do for you.
Giving to the KAMF Means
You are committing to support area residents and the healthcare providers that treat them in our community
You recognize the importance of maintaining premium healthcare in our area. It goes far beyond caring for the sick and decreasing illness and death
You understand that when our community is healthy: productivity increases, businesses are attracted by our strong workforce, and more income generating jobs are created. The local economy is stimulated and our community flourishes
Supporting KAMF programs is a healthy choice for you, for them, and for our community!
our community contact Margaret Maddox at (865) 531-2766 ext. 2200 or at mmaddox@knoxvillemedicine.org
