Senator Richard Briggs, MD receives the AMA Award for Outstanding Government Service
ACADEMY NEWS
KAM and KAMA Celebrate Emeritus Members at Annual Doctor’s Day Luncheon
Area Emeritus members were honored at the annual Doctors Day Luncheon by KAM and KAMA. This annual event is a time that we can thank our area physicians for all that they have done for organized medicine and to support their community. KAMA members Robin Hutchins and Ellen Evancho, once again served as KAMA’s organizers of the event insuring that all felt welcomed. The luncheon was held at the KAM Conference Center on Wednesday, March 26th. This event has become a favorite for the emeritus members to gather and enjoy time socializing and seeing old friends. In addition to the lively conversations, TMA Past President Edward Capparelli, MD who is currently representing the Senior Section for the AMA, spoke to the group of how we can develop better community as retired physicians in our area.
Doctors' Day on the Hill
On March 5, 2025, physicians from East Tennessee joined physicians from across the state to participate in TMA’s Doctor’s Day on the Hill. The Knoxville Academy of Medicine chartered a motor coach filled with physician members, KAMA members, and practice managers to meet with our legislators and discuss issues important to medicine and patient advocacy. This year, prior authorization to reduce the administrative burden placed on practices was front and center. Additionally, clarification to the Human Life Protection Act was discussed as an effort to further define situations in which terminations of pregnancies are medically necessary, such as in cases where the fetus is not viable outside the womb or the mother’s life is at risk. The KAM will also host a group in the 2026 legislative session, so be sure and keep a watch for future dates.
Academy Officers
ACADEMY NEWS
Brian Daley, MD
PRESIDENT
David Harris, MD
PRESIDENT ELECT
Patient Satisfaction
KAMF Expands Homeless Medical Outreach
Melissa Chiles, MD
SECRETARY
Daniel Bustamante, MD
TREASURER
Jeff Ollis, MD
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Kimberly Weaver, PhD CEO
Board of Trustees
Darinka Mileusnic-Polchan, MD
- Officio Board Members
Richard DePersio, MD
KAPA Kitchen Update
Keith Gray, MD
Robert Page, MD
Donna Brunson -KAMA
Publisher Kim Weaver, PhD
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?
pitals and the government. Such ratings, folks who use the ratings, are not face with the patient. The surveys are not they are often used to decide remuneration. feel powerless because many of the impact our patients, and their responses, system-related and beyond ability to change.
Each Tuesday afternoon, the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation participates in the Mission District Medical Outreach Project that serves the homeless “under the bridge” in downtown Knoxville. The program which began last fall, provides wound care, basic health services, HIV Testing, and resources such as Narcan, disposable sharps containers, bus passes to clinics, clothing, food and even a cup of coffee to this grateful group of underserved Knoxvillians. In addition to KAM physician members, KAM Medical Student Members, and KAM staff, the Knox County Health Department, Knoxville Fire Department, American Medical Response (AMR) and the Metro Drug Coalition, are also onsite to help this vulnerable population. Recently, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon joined our group one afternoon to get a first-hand look at the project (Mayor Kincannon is pictured below with Drs. Pat O’Brien and Megan Edwards). If you would like to volunteer one or more Tuesdays, contact Rob Patrick at (865) 531-2766, extension 2500 or via email at rpatrick@ knoxvillemedicine.org. The KAM Foundation “exists to lift up our community so that every person has an opportunity for a healthy life!”
Everyone should read the Viewpoint in the December 13th issue of JAMA about Pa tient Satisfaction Instruments. (JAMA 328(22): 2209-10). In brief, it spells out the exact reasons such sur veys are not only not efficacious in determining or improving care but detrimental to physicians. Quoting Edward Demming himself – such rat ings “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-
The KAPA Kitchen continues to provide food, hygiene and household products to our food insecure patients. In the first quarter of 2025, we helped 179 families with food and household products. This is a 200% increase over the same period in 2024. In addition to services for KAPA patients and TCRN referrals, the KAPA Kitchen is now beginning to provide resources to many of our community partner agencies. In order to sustain this growth, we have added additional shopping hours and volunteer opportunities.
Editor
Jonathan Weaver
The KAPA Kitchen has benefited from over 100 volunteer hours in just the first quarter of 2025. There are various options for volunteers in the pantry including unload- ing and stocking items donated, organiz- ing, and the favorite, hosting a patient through their shopping experience in the pantry.
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 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 we’re seen in that moment by that patient. need to act to make changes at the level and ask “How’m I doin’?
- Brian J. Daley, MD, MBA,
Production/Advertising
The best part of shopping with a patient is listening to their story, making sure each person feels seen and valued. This photo is with Karen, a faithful volunteer, shop- ping with Jackie. Prior to losing his livelihood, Jackie was a chef at a high-end restaurant. As he shared his story, his eyes lit up as he told of famous people he had met during his career. Jackie left that day with both a full heart and a full cart of healthy food!
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.
In February, Faith Promise Church generously donated a new double door commercial refrigerator and standup freezer allowing us to provide more fresh produce, dairy products and frozen meats for our patients.
Like sending your rug to the Spa!
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.
Thank you to the many partners who have donated both services and products recently such as Helping Mamas, LMU medi- cal students, Grassy Valley Baptist, Living Hope Community Church, TriS- tar Church, Likewise Coffee and the FISH Pantry. We are also grateful to have received numerous financial and in-kind support from various individuals excited to support the KAPA Kitchen vision.
To donate or volunteer for the KAPA Kitchen, contact Kandice Baker at kbaker@knoxvillemedicine.org.
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The 2025 VIPs at Sea Cruise was held in late April and once again, the event did not disappoint! Physicians, spouses, and their guests attended the 4-day cruise to the Bahamas aboard Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas. Attendees had an opportunity to earn up to 16 CMEs on a variety of subjects of interest to physicians and their spouses. The sessions were lively and informative however, just as in years past, attendees said they enjoyed the camaraderie with their colleagues the most. In addition to the great lineup of speakers, attendees also participated in ice-breaking exercises such as salsa dancing, group games, and private cocktail receptions compliments of Wealth Benefits Group. Each night, there was also a group dinner and fantastic shows and entertainment which were enjoyed by all! Thank you to all who participated in this special event! It was certain to create memories that will last a lifetime!
at Sea
VIPs at Sea
Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Newest Ship Utopia of the Seas
ACADEMY NEWS
KAPA has been serving East Tennesseans for nearly 20 years. This program has been successful because our medical community knows the impact and importance of helping our neighbors in need. Below are some of the highlights from KAPA throughout the years that would not be possible without your support.
If you would like more information on KAPA or how to become involved, contact Danielle Sims at dsims@knoxvillemedicine.org.
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.
TCRN has made and continues to make many updates to the platform to enhance the user experience. In the last few months, a report for the PRAPARE, a standardized social determinants of health (SDOH) assessment tool, has been created, as well as adding the scoring. A report has also been created for the Admit, Discharge, Transfer Data feed that TCRN is receiving from etHIN. Both of these reports will allow TCRN to show how impactful the platform is and how it may benefit clients and end users. TCRN will also be adding two new screeners, the DAST-10 and the Audit-C which should be available for use within the next month. TCRN is also working with etHIN on an integration that will allow PRAPARE screeners completed in TCRN to be viewed in etHIN’s clinical viewer.
TCRN’s Community Health Workers continue to make great improvements in their clients’ lives via the TCRN Community Care Hub. One client story: TCRN received a referral for a client who had just had a stroke, was living in a tent and had also just lost their SNAP benefits and primary care provider. The patient visited the KAPA Kitchen food pantry and met their Community Health Worker (CHW). The CHW has helped transform their life by establishing them with a new PCP and coordinating transitional housing, which has led to permanent housing. The client is very encouraged about their future now and is budgeting to save up for a vehicle. They expressed how good it is to finally have a safe place to live and sleep and the positive impact it is having on their overall well-being.
TCRN
Tennessee Community Resource Network
A Program of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation
If your organization is interested in a license to TCRN or utilizing TCRN’s Community Care Hub, please contact Danielle Sims or Michelle McCrory at tcrn@knoxvillemedicine.org.
KAMA
By: Maria Jernigan, KAMA President
Here are highlights from recent events and information about what's coming up for KAMA.
Our fundraising efforts are so successful, thanks to the tireless efforts of each chairman, member volunteers, and our physician families who support these events.
- -Lorraine Johnson and Alyson Cutrer (Patron Fund Campaign) benefiting the KAMA Philanthropic Fund)
--Virginia Bieber and Cynthia Gash (Holiday Sharing Card) benefiting our endowed scholarships. KAMA remains committed to promoting health in Tennessee by providing medical and nursing education scholarships. This year's card featured original artwork from Suzanne Stelling, artist, and author of The Woodbine Chronicles (2023) and The Way of the Telescope (2024), and owner of a neighborhood subscription bakery, Olive Street Rising. Suzanne is the daughter of Dr. Gene and Lyn Overholt.
Our Legacy Fundraiser, Doc Rock, was a tremendous success! The Mill and Mine's downtown location helped increase ticket sales. Doctor Zoster and The Pox, and St Mary's Mobile Clinic were voted top band and charity. Thank you to co-chairs Kirstin Kropilak and Mary Weiss and Sponsor Liaisons Donna Brunson and Susan Brown for
their year-long commitment to all attendees, bands, sponsors, and volunteers. Stay tuned for the upcoming announcement of the 2026 date.
Monthly meetings are on the first Thursday feature fantastic health topics that enlighten and inspire us and, most importantly, encourage friendships among members.
In March, we held an overnight retreat led by President-elect Liz Ellington at the Windy Hill Farm and Preserve and Farm in Loudon County.
Lakeshore Park and Conservancy was the location for the April meeting. My year will conclude in May with the Installation of the 2025-26 Officers. Thank you, First Vice-Presidents Carolyn Cates and Nancy Sewell, for your energy and planning, which made our meeting arrangements go smoothly.
The KAMA Book, Hiking and Lunch Clubs remain active with monthly events, and we serve Ronald McDonald House guests with a meal once a month through May.
Don't hesitate to contact me at 865-300-8193 or kamalliance@ gmail.com with questions about our meetings, events, or joining our membership. We welcome all physician spouses and urge you to share our information with yours!
Corner
ACADEMY NEWS
New Members
A big welcome to our newest members! We are excited that you have decided to join KAM.
REBECCA ASKEA, MD
RADIOLOGY
Abercrombie Radiology
BLAINE BLAIR, MD
ANESTHESIOLOGY
Covenant Anesthesia Group
JACOB DEPOLO, MD
INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
Vista Radiology
ROBERT GASSERT, MD
ANESTHESIOLOGY
University Anesthesiologists
JOSH HAMILTON, MD
GENERAL SURGERY
Premier Surgical Associates
DAVID KEREKES, MD
PLASTIC SURGERY
Premier Surgical Associates
RAYMOND KRAUSE, MD
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY
Vista Radiology
KYLE LANGE, MD
GENERAL SURGERY
University Trauma & Acute Care Surgeons
GREY LEONARD, MD
GENERAL SURGERY
Premier Surgical Associates
WILLIAM MONACO, MD
RHEUMATOLOGY
Rheumatology Consultants
PHILLIP NICHOLS II, MD
PULMONOLOGY
Interfaith Health Center
TRACY PERSUT, MD
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
Tennessee Orthopedic Clinic
MARY SARVER, DO
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Summit Healthcare
JENNIFER SAVAGE, MD
NEUROGURGERY
Neurosurgical Associates
JORDON STROUD, DO PEDIATRICS
Summit Healthcare
ALINA WERTZ, MD
FAMILY MEDICINE
Summit Healthcare
First Column: Rebecca Askea, MD; Blaine Blair, MD; Jacob Depolo, MD; Robert Gassert, MD; Josh Hamilton, MD; David Kerekes, MD.
Second Column: Raymond Krause, MD; Kyle Lange, MD; Grey Leonard, MD; William Monaco, MD; Phillip Nichols II, MD.
Third Column: Tracy Persut, MD; Mary Sarver, DO; Jennifer Savage, MD; Jordan Stroud, DO; Alina Wertz, MD.
NEW Resident Members
Mohammed Alwahaidy, MD
Robert Freeman, DO
Glenna Gaines, MD
Jasneet Gill, MD
Kwone Ingram, MD
Nayaab Kalavant, DO
Jacklyn Locklear, MD
Eric McDonald, MD
Glenna McKinney, MD
Helen Oletu, MD
Oluwafemifola Oyedeji, MD
Jared Reed, MD
Tinsley Roberson, MD
Brent Ross, MD
Uyonne Ugwuoke, MBBS
NEW Student Members
Tiitilayo Adeniyan
Syeda Ali
Emanuel Arias
Robert Atkinson
Olivia Austin
Ava Azizi
Bradi Baker
Alexis Bell
Hart Bordelon
Alexia Bowden
Abigail Brower
Sarah Burleson
Danielle Burrafato
Christian Carlton
Mary Carrasco
Aishwariya Chockalingam
Chad Clark
Michael Craycraft
Sandra Daniel
MaKenna DeYoung
Thomas Donnelly
Allison Eberwein
Mikayla Eggleston
Kayley Elmblad
Lucus Evans
Mykenzie Fox
Reeba George
Alexis Gladden
Casey Grady
Nadine Hadad
Jaqulynn Haines
Ifrah Hassan
Olivia Hebert
Kylie Hendershot
Makenna Hoover
Samiha Hossain
Alexander Huss
Paul Hutcherson
Mohamed Ibrahim
Bridgette Joslin
Svea Kaller
Graham Kloek
Nicholas Kratholm
Amalie Kugajevsky
Abhinay Kusumanchi
Samuel LeFave
Hannah Lindenman
Kayla Lindland
Isabell Loy
Lauren Isabelle
Manuel
Wolfgang Mattke
Gabriella Merced
Deannh Mihalke
Ashley Miller
Hannah Miller
Brooklynn Moody
Rithvik Nalla
Dharshini Neelama -
gam
Thienphuc Nguyen
Aiza Nisar
Daniel Norrod
Nicolette Overton
Divya Palaniappan
Gregory Partin
Aavi Patel
Ayushi Patel
Dharti Patel
Shivam Patel
Jacob Paul
Emily Phillips
Erika Pulver
Aditya Raj
Alexander Ratliff
Monica Rizk
Danielle Robusto
Marina Roshdy
Tiana Ross
Marco Said
Austin Sapp
Anne Schlichting
Alexander Schultz
Sarah Schweiter
Logan Scott
Nicolette Sejas
Nezar Shakra
Jonah Silverman
Valarie Slusher
Youstina Soliman
Max Spitzer
Jasmyne Thomas
Adrian Thorton II
Lyndsey Wall
Alex Webster
Daioosha Williams
Hannah Wilton
Meadow Wistner
Brandon Woods
Mackenzie Wyman
Seth Young
Natalie Zielinski
The Knoxville Academy of Medicine mourns the recent loss of the following members:
Thomas Miale, MD Passed away on 1/2/2025
Phillip Perkins, MD Passed away on 2/18/2025
Theodore Haase, MD Passed away on 3/6/2025
Hugh Hyatt, MD Passed away on 3/20/2025
Donald Jones, MD Passed away on 3/25/2025
William Laing, MD Passed away on 4/1/2025
Raymond Price, MD Passed away on 4/17/2025
BLOUNT COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY UPDATE
Greetings!
As president of the Blount Count Medical Society, it is one of my goals to keep all of you informed and engaged. Here is an update on some of the things we have been working towards.
We are currently exploring a relationship with Knoxville Area Project Access (KAPA). KAPA is one of the largest Project Access in the US and we hope to assist in the expansion of services to Blount County residents. KAPA facilitates donated medical care to underserved members in 23 counties and offers access to other services including the KAPA Kitchen, which is a food bank that serves KAPA patients in need of assistance. KAPA’s Navigational Specialists and Case Management staff are of great value as they assist with appointments, follow-ups and ensure comprehension as well as the importance of treatment plans. I will be happy to update you on this exciting project as it develops.
Greater Knoxville’s Premier Otolaryngology Center
We are planning several social events in the coming months. These are excellent ways to build our medical community, get to know new members, connect with old friends and have a lot of fun. Dr. Winbigler is actively working behind the scenes on these!
We are pleased to announce several new members to the Blount County Medical Society! Thank you also to the Women’s Care Group for investing in your physicians as our newest all-in group member! The Blount County Medical Society recognizes the following all-in groups for their commitment to invest in the community and their physicians:
Blount Memorial Hospital Knoxville Pediatric Associates
Summit Medical Group Women’s Care Group
Please feel free to reach out to me if you would like more information on upcoming BCMS events or membership!
James Bradley Ray, MD - BCMS President
New BCMS Members
First
JONATHAN ALLRED, MD NEUROSURGERY
East Tennessee Medical Group
LALITHA BATTINENI, MD NEUROLOGY
East Tennessee Medical Group
AMBER HAMPTON, MD INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MGT
East Tennessee Medical Group
NEVINE HANNA, MD RADIATION ONCOLOGY
Blount Memorial Cancer Center
ANNALYSA JOHNSON, DO OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY
Women's Care Group
BRANDON MAHARREY, MD PULMONARY MEDICINE
Blount Memorial Hospital
PATRICK MORGAN, MD OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY
Women's Care Group
AARON ROMANS, DO HOSPITALIST
Blount Memorial Hospital
JULIE TURNER, MD OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY
Women's Care Group
DENNY ZIMMERMAN, DO CRITICAL CARENEUROLOGY
Blount Memorial Hospital
Row: Jonathan Allred, MD; Lalitha Battineni, MD; Amber Hampton, MD; Nevine Hanna, MD; Annalysa Johnson, DO.
Second Row: Brandon Maharrey, MD; Patrick Morgan, MD; Aaron Romans, DO; Julie Turner, MD; Denny Zimmerman, DO.
BCBS Settlement Fund for Healthcare Providers
Eliza Jones and Dale Amburn - London & Amburn, PC
Tennessee medical professionals who started practicing after March 18, 2008, should consider submitting a monetary claim as part of a settlement pending in the class action lawsuit In re: Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation. Medical practice groups and healthcare facilities should also consider submitting claims.
The Litigation
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association defendants are alleged to have violated the Sherman Antitrust Act, as well as certain state laws, by illegally agreeing not to compete with each other within certain geographic areas and engaging in price fixing. There are thirty-two primary defendants in the litigation, including BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., Highmark Inc., Wellmark, Inc., and others. The defendants have agreed to a settlement, which is currently pending, allowing time for providers to submit claims.
Included Providers
All U.S. healthcare providers who provided healthcare services, equipment, and supplies to patients insured by the settling defendants from July 24, 2008, through October 4, 2024 (the Claim Period), may file claims, with certain exceptions. One exception excludes providers who were licensed prior to March 18, 2008, because a court has ruled that their claims were released in a prior settlement. However, medical groups employing a mix of providers who started practicing both prior to and following March 18, 2008, are still encouraged to file claims related to providers licensed after March 18, 2008.
Filing a Claim
Individual providers and groups that charge for professional services will file a Professional Claim. Healthcare entities that charge
facility fees will file a Facility Claim. Claims may be mailed or submitted using an online portal. Claimants must select a range of allowed amounts for each provider during the Claim Period and be prepared to support their selection, if asked. The claim submission deadline is July 29, 2025.
Proposed Settlement Amount
The current proposed settlement amount for Professional Claims is 8% of the net settlement amount, or an estimated $160 Million (if the maximum amount of legal fees and costs are awarded). This amount could be increased depending on the proportion of claimants that fall into the Professional and Facility Categories. The remaining 92% is currently available for Facility Claims.
The amounts paid out for Professional Claims will be determined by assigning points to the individuals and groups who file claims (based on their allowed amounts) and then dividing the available funds proportionally. The more points assigned, the higher the payment amount. Claimants within certain geographic locations will have their points adjusted from baseline using a “harm coefficient” of 1, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, or 5.3 to address disproportionate harm based on location. Professionals within Tennessee will receive the benefit of a larger “harm coefficient” of 4.5.
Additional information is available at the BlueCross BlueShield website https://www.bcbsprovidersettlement.com/ or by contacting the authors at the email addresses below.
Eliza Jones and Dale Amburn are healthcare attorneys who practice at London & Amburn, P.C. They may be reached at ejones@londonamburn.com or damburn@londonamburn.com respectively.
