2025 Legislative Priorities for TMA/ Memphis Medical Society/MGMA
This year has already proven to be an interesting legislative year, as you will see below. One of the most interesting items from the medical perspective is what we are NOT proposing or battling - scope of practice (I’m almost scared to write that statement). The rest of the state legislative agenda for us represents a great lesson in advocacy. More times than not, we have to come to the table with a spirit of compromise and be content in making ANY progress on an initiative, even if the ultimate goal is not (yet) met. TMA, MMS, and MGMA already travelled to Nashville on March, 4, to advocate for better healthcare for Tennesseans and a better environment to practice medicine in our state.
Article on page 4
See more local news in Grand Rounds on page 5
Survival Rates on the Rise, New Therapies & Treatments Offer Hope
conversation with Dr. Sylvia Richey, Chief Medical Officer, West Cancer Center
By JAMES DOWD
As the overall death rate from cancer continues to decline in the United States, innovative therapies and treatments offer hope to patients whose conditions might once have been considered fatal. Statistics from the National Cancer Institute show that in 2024, about 2 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the U.S., with the most prevalent being breast, prostate, and colon cancers.
For women, breast, lung, and colorectal cancer accounted for 51 percent of all cancer diagnoses in 2024. For men, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers made up 48 percent of all cancer diagnoses. Overall cancer death rates have declined for the last three decades, and survival rates have increased. There are more than 18 million cancer survivors in the U.S. now, and that figure is projected to exceed 22 million within the next decade.
Researchers continue to make great
strides in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, including advances in immunotherapy and precision medicine, said Dr. Sylvia Richey, Chief Medical Officer of West Cancer Center.
Richey, who joined the center as a Hematology/Oncology specialist in 2005, led the development of the center’s Integrative Oncology program and now leads Clinical
Practice Quality initiatives. “Cancer is like a black box to anyone outside of it, but I think you have to understand that cancer is not simply one disease that you treat the same way in each person who gets it,” Richey said. “Cancer is many diseases and there are types within
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 5)
New Lipid Clinics Laser Focused on Prevention
Lipidologist Dharmesh S. Patel, MD, has national impact on prevention
By BECKY GILLETTE
Cholesterol levels are one of the strongest predictors of an adverse cardiovascular event, especially if a patient has already experienced a heart attack or stroke. Research has clearly shown that people with optimal levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol had the best survival rates. Unfortunately, only about three out of ten patients get cholesterol levels into the recommended range of LDL less than 55 mg/dL with established ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) as per 2022 cholesterol guidelines (ECDP 2022).
Dharmesh S. Patel, MD, FACC, a lipidologist with Stern Cardiovascular, opened lipid clinics at Stern’s Walnut Grove and Southaven campuses in mid-2024 because of his laser focus
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3)
Dharmesh S. Patel
New Lipid Clinics Laser,
on preventing cardiac events with better management of lipids.
Statins are an important medication for cholesterol management that have proven to be very safe. But some patients either just don’t want to take statins or cannot tolerate them.
“Some patients have high bad cholesterol, some have high triglycerides and some have low good cholesterol,” Patel said. “There are people who might be opposed to statin medications because of misinformation on social media. The information is highly inaccurate, but it changes perceptions. A lot of patients refuse to take statins even though they are well researched and proven over the past 30 years. Reducing cholesterol is very important.”
Patel said there are now innovations to address patients who can’t or won’t take statins. Injection therapy to lower LDL can be given biweekly or once every six months. There are new non-statin medications to reduce LDL. A therapy is coming out soon to reduce lipoprotein(a)—Lp(a)—a genetic cholesterol more likely to stick to arteries and lead to dangerous cardiovascular events.
Patel said one of the most important cardiovascular tests often overlooked is a coronary calcium scan which measures calcified deposits in the heart vessels.
“Calcium deposits have been shown to be the strongest predictors of cardiovascular events, even more so than blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and diabetes,” Patel said. “The $99 test that takes ten seconds generally should be done in patients over the age of 40 and repeated every five years. Once abnormal, generally it should not be repeated. It is useful for patients who do not have known ASCVD, i.e, heart attack, stroke, etc. The calcium score test is a cost effective, simple test. I save several people a week by detecting their high calcium scores. That is why you never judge a book by its cover.”
If your calcium score is not zero, depending on how high the calcium score is and factoring in your age and other cardiac risk factors, Patel recommends consulting a healthcare professional for possible medication management and more importantly, lifestyle improvements.
“The ‘power of zero’ means you have less than a one percent risk for the next 10 years for a cardiovascular event,” he said. “Generally speaking, a calcium score less than 100 is considered low risk, 101-399 is moderate risk and more than 400 is high risk. However, age also factors into it. A calcium score of 99 is high for a 42-year-old.”
Patel is particularly interested in helping with complex lipid cases including patients who are having recurrent events.
Patel has national stature in lipidology serving on the National Board for the American Society of Preventive Cardiology Board of Directors and on the National Southeast Board for the National Lipid Association. He is president of the Partnership for Advanced Cardiovascular Health (PACH), which highlights healthcare advocacy including by identifying and working to resolve barriers to treatment access.
“Everyone knows about patients having to go through prior authorization, and
all the tactics used by insurance companies to reduce costs without taking into account the clinical experience of healthcare professionals,” Patel said. “Another barrier is from pharmacy benefit managers who act as middlemen between insurance companies and pharmacies who essentially profit from the whole situation.
“Two of the top 6 six Fortune 500 companies in the USA are U.S. healthcare businesses. The only companies larger than health insurance companies are Google, Walmart, Amazon and Apple. That tells you how much money the healthcare insurance companies are making (United Healthcare, CVS Health). It is a vertical silo monopoly. Insurance companies will make it more difficult for healthcare providers to provide therapy. Some insurance companies deny FDA-approved therapy for no reason whatsoever.”
A recent report in the Wall Street Journal stated that insurance companies deny 850 million claims per year. The WSJ article highlights how difficult it is for patients to get the therapies that doctors have prescribed, and the amount of red tape and hoops doctors have to jump through.
Patel sees the insurance companies’ frequent denials as counterproductive as it has been shown that, generally speaking, every dollar spent on prevention reduces future healthcare costs by $3. An example is that by reducing LDL by 40 points, cardiovascular events are decreased approximately 20 percent.
As president of PACH, Patel’s patient advocacy includes lobbying on Capitol Hill.
“A lot of our patients are voiceless, so we try to be their voice in Congress,” Patel said. Patel also serves as the ACC Governor for Mississippi. “Some of the states with the highest rates of illness like Mississippi have some of the strictest restrictions on therapies in the U.S. People are not getting the therapy they need. It is something like malpractice, to be honest. Insurance companies, instead of doctors, dictate therapy for a patient’s disease. We are treating patients depending on their insurance, not the disease that they actually have. There are three people in the exam room – the patient, healthcare professional and the insurance company.
Patel anticipates positive developments coming out soon including the results of research trials on increasing HDL and possibly a vaccine for high cholesterol.
Another area of progress is trials with weight-loss drugs such as semiglutide (Brand name Ozempic) that have been shown to reduce cardiovascular events for people who are obese and have cardiovascular artery disease. Patel said obesity is a growing epidemic in the U.S. and important because obesity impacts about 70 other medical conditions, in addition to cardiovascular disease.
He also sees that artificial intelligence has great promise for being pivotal as cardiovascular science progresses. “I think there has been an amazing amount of progress in AI in a short few years,” he said.
Patel has great hopes for the future of CVD as he strongly believes cardiovascular disease is predominantly a preventable condition.
Set for Life
Complete These Tasks To Help Determine Your Life Insurance Needs
For many people, life insurance is a key component of a comprehensive financial plan. Determining how much you need is a crucial step in ensuring financial security for your loved ones in the event of your passing. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, completing these planning tasks can help you figure out the right amount of coverage for your needs.
Assess your financial obligations. Determining your life insurance needs starts with evaluating your current financial obligations. Consider your outstanding debts, such as mortgage payments, car loans, credit card balances, and student loans. Additionally, factor in future financial needs like college tuition for your children.
Calculate income replacement. Determine how much income your family would need to maintain their standard of living if you were no longer around. A good rule of thumb is to multiply your annual income by the number of years your dependents would require financial support. Individual circumstances will vary, depending on the current age(s) of your dependents. If you’re just starting a family, for example, you might want to consider 20-25 years multiplied by your annual income.
Consider your spouse or partner’s income. If your spouse or partner contributes to your household income, consider how their income would change in your absence. For example, they may need to reduce their working
hours to take care of children or other family matters during this transition period. Life insurance can help replace their lost income or provide financial assistance for childcare if needed.
Evaluate existing assets and savings. Take stock of any existing assets and savings that could be used to cover expenses in your absence. This includes savings accounts, investment portfolios, retirement accounts and any other liquid assets. Subtract these from your financial obligations to determine the additional coverage needed.
Account for inflation in future expenses. As the past few years have shown, the cost of living will increase over time due to inflation. Make sure to factor it in when you project future expenses such as college tuition, healthcare costs and other living expenses when calculating your life insurance needs.
Consider special circumstances. If you have dependents with special needs or unique circumstances, such as a disabled child or elderly parent, you may require additional coverage to ensure their ongoing care and support.
Review regularly. Life insurance needs can change over time because of factors like marriage, childbirth, career advancements or changes in financial obligations. Regularly review your coverage to ensure it aligns with your current circumstances and adjust as needed.
Informational Sources: Lifehappens.org: “5 Factors to Consider Before Choosing Life Insurance” (February 7, 2023; https://tinyurl.com/dt2a9ner); Forbes Advisor: “How
Chirag Chauhan, MBA, AIF®, CFP® is the managing partner of Bluff City Advisory Group in Memphis, Tennessee For more info, please visit bluffcityadvisory com.
Chirag Chauhan, AIF® CFP®
2025 Legislative Priorities for TMA/ Memphis Medical Society/MGMA
By CLINT CUMMINS CEO and Executive Vice-President, Memphis Medical Society
This year has already proven to be an interesting legislative year, as you will see below. One of the most interesting items from the medical perspective is what we are NOT proposing or battling - scope of practice (I’m almost scared to write that statement). The rest of the state legislative agenda for us represents a great lesson in advocacy. More times than not, we have to come to the table with a spirit of compromise and be content in making ANY progress on an initiative, even if the ultimate goal is not (yet) met. TMA, MMS, and MGMA already travelled to Nashville on March, 4, to advocate for better healthcare for Tennesseans and a better environment to practice medicine in our state. Still, calls to action will be submitted to our stakeholders to impact bills that affect our profession (and one at the federal level right now). This article was written March, 10 so the status of these could be changed by the time you read this. Before I get into legislation, I want to take a moment to celebrate one of the best TMA Day on the Hill events we have ever had. Our turnout from Memphis was historical – we had too many registrants for one single bus! Our goal is to take two buses next year! A special thank you goes to our partners at University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Baptist University College of Medicine, and Mid-South MGMA for contributing to the great turnout.
Prior Authorization Notice (SB1063/HB1074)
If you’ve worked for three seconds in healthcare, or you have been a patient who has had to wait for a drug, treatment, or surgery that you needed, then you have been impacted by prior authorization. In the clinic setting, we are beyond administratively and financially burdened by having multiple full-time employees dedicated to managing prior authorization.
These bills seek to remove the requirement of healthcare providers to contact the patient when the insurance carrier needs additional information to make a decision. This creates unnecessary additional administrative burden on the provider, particularly when it is the insurance company requesting the additional information (not the provider).
As of the writing of this article, these bills have been sent to the Senate Calendar Committee (to be voted on by full Senate) and to House Insurance Committee on March 12.
TennCare Provider Remedy Plan (SB1372/HB651)
Once again, if you’ve worked in healthcare for three seconds, you know the challenges of accepting any form of government payment. TennCare is no exception.
These bills establish a study committee to analyze TennCare provider rates for purposes maintaining network adequacy and patient accessibility standards.
As of the writing of this article, these bills have been referred to the Senate Labor and Commerce and to House Insurance Subcommittee. They should both be heard this week.
In addition to the study committee, TMA is asking for an additional $100 million in the 2025-2026 fiscal year to help cover provider losses related to TennCare reimbursement.
Exceptions For Lethal Fetal Anomalies (SB1425/HB1241)
Reproductive rights is one of the most polarizing topics we discuss in healthcare. TMA and Memphis Medical Society have members with many unique opinions on the topic, much like broader society. We also know where our state legislature stands on the matter. So, this issue is one of the textbook examples of where we have to compromise. Our request for these exceptions is focused on the practice of medicine and protecting those who must exercise life-saving
judgement without fear of prosecution.
Specifically, these bills clarify the medical necessity of the Human Life Protection Act to make clear that physicians may terminate a pregnancy to prevent death or serious risk or substantial or irreversible impairment of major bodily function of the pregnant woman. It further provides exceptions to the offense of criminal abortion if a lethal fetal anomaly is diagnosed prior to the 24th gestational week. Finally, it defines lethal fetal anomaly as “a fetus incompatible with life outside the womb where medical intervention would be futile, and death would occur imminently thereafter.”
As of the writing of this article, these bills have been referred to Senate Judiciary Committee and House Population Health Subcommittee.
Medicare Patient Access and Stabilization Act (FEDERAL H.R. 879)
Our attention toward federal legislation is growing, partly due to the desperate reimbursement environment and partly due to the changing policies of the new presidential administration.
H.R. 879 seeks to stop the financial bleeding of providers from the Medicare
program. This legislation, if passed, would, effective April,1, prospectively cancel the 2.83 percent payment cut that went into effect on January 1, while also providing a 2.0 percent payment update, helping to stabilize physician practices and protect patients’ access to care. The American Medical Association has a great website titled Fix Medicare Now, which has all the relevant resources to learn more and take action. I encourage everyone to go to that website and fill out their form to contact your local representative. For what my opinion is worth, Memphis congressional leaders have been very receptive to this message previously. They need to hear more from us!
Finally, I would like to give a special shoutout to the local leaders who volunteer their time to advocate on behalf of these issues. Several board members from Memphis Medical Society and Mid-South MGMA were present at TMA’s Day on the Hill, and it is their presence and leadership which continues to move the needle on these important issues.
And to the rest of you – I encourage you to get involved via these organizations or on your own as a constituent. Change starts with you!
Survival Rates on the Rise,
types. We now know that even patients in advanced stages of cancer or those who may not be as fit because of other diseases or treatments are being effectively treated with immunotherapy and targeted therapy.”
Because cancer is not a singular disease, but a collection of distinct diseases, each with unique subtypes and treatment challenges, Richey said treatment plans for patients have become much more diversified and individual during the last 20 years. For example, whereas traditional chemotherapy was for years the mainstay of treatment, targeting the cell cycle indiscriminately often led to significant side effects. However, modern advancements in oncology have paved the way for more targeted therapies that enhance treatment efficacy while reducing toxicity.
Immunotherapy represents a change in basic assumptions in cancer treatment, Richey explained, leveraging the patient’s own immune system to recognize and attack malignant cells. By enhancing the body’s natural defenses, immunotherapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy, particularly in cancers that were once considered untreatable. Combination strategies, such as using immunotherapy alongside chemotherapy, offer greater variability in treatment response, and allows some patients with metastatic cancers to achieve long-term remission.
“In many cases, what was once considered a terminal diagnosis is now being managed as a chronic condition,” Richey said. “Research and treatment advances make it possible to offer patients significantly extended survival and improved quality of life. We are seeing metastatic cancers that were once considered incurable now being in long-term remission. We are now able to give many patients years of life they would not have had before.”
A notable case illustrating the success of immunotherapy, Richey offered, is that of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who was successfully treated for metastatic melanoma. His case underscores the potential of immunotherapy as a standard of care in select patient populations.
“When he was diagnosed, the metastatic melanoma had spread to his brain and liver and particularly at his age, the outlook didn’t appear promising,” Richey said. “However, after immunotherapy and radiation therapy, he was eventually considered cancer-free.”
Targeted therapy has further revolutionized oncology, Richey said, by focusing on tumor-specific genetic mutations rather than broadly affecting healthy cells. Molecular profiling of tumors allows for personalized treatment strategies, identifying mutations within tumor DNA and matching them with targeted medications.
Many of the treatments are oral, providing a more convenient and tolerable alternative to intravenous chemotherapy. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which attacks both healthy and malignant cells, targeted therapies hone-in on cancerspecific mutations, improving efficacy and reducing adverse effects.
Looking ahead, Richey said that harnessing the immune system remains one
Cancer is like a black box to anyone outside of it, but I think you have to understand that cancer is not simply one disease that you treat the same way in each person who gets it.
–Sylvia Richey
of the most promising avenues in cancer treatment. Emerging therapies, such as bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTE therapy), are at the forefront of research, with ongoing clinical trials exploring their potential in solid tumors.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is another groundbreaking approach, involving the genetic modification of a patient’s T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. This highly personalized treatment involves extracting T cells, engineering them in a laboratory to target tumor antigens, and reinfusing them into the patient. While currently limited due to the complexity and cost of production, CAR-T therapy is demonstrating curative potential in refractory cases. As research progresses, it is expected to be introduced earlier in treatment regimens and expanded to additional cancer types.
With all cancer patients, but particularly for those in later stages of the disease, managing expectations and providing as many options as possible remain key.
“One of most important things in an advanced patient population and those with end-of-life issues, is taking into consideration the whole patient and having shared decision-making with the patient,” Richey said. “We treat the whole patient – mind, body and spirit – and take a multidisciplinary approach that includes nutrition, exercise and mental health, to offer the best quality of life possible.”
GrandRounds
Memphis Pediatrician Retires After 58-year Career
Dr. Ethelyn J. Williams-Neal, a pediatrician who has practiced medicine for 58 years, retired March 1, 2025. Williams- Neal is a West Tennessee native who co-founded Comprehensive Medical Associates in Memphis, Tennessee. She also serves as an assistant clinical professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Collierville. The new 30,000-squarefoot facility replaces the practice former Collierville location which served patients for 24 years.
Williams-Neal earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago and did her medical internship and became the first black intern at the City of Memphis Hospital system. She completed her residency at the University of Oregon Medical School Hospital.
Since opening a private pediatric practice in 1977 in Memphis and then co-founding Comprehensive Medical Associates, Williams-Neal has treated several generations of patients.
“Our new Collierville clinic offers a myriad of cutting-edge features that will benefit our valued patients,” said Daniel Shumate, CEO of Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics. “Our sixteen exam rooms and expanded radiology services offer greater space and comfort, plus our larger gym includes an outdoor turf area for sports rehab, providing top-notch physical therapy offerings.”
Additionally, Campbell Clinic has intentionally set aside room to grow in their new facility as the surrounding Collierville community continues to thrive.
She has chosen Dr. Stella Nwokeji to succeed her. Dr. Nwokeji will take over as chief operating officer and president of Comprehensive Medical Associates. She holds a Juris Doctorate, a Master of Science from the University of Memphis and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Nwokeji is a fellow of leadership education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) and a scholar of Dr. Ambrose Paul Preventative Medicine.
Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic Adds New Physician
“All of our Collierville providers and staff are now operating out of the new facility and we’re actively adding new team members to continually provide superior service to patients,” said Campbell Clinic Chief of Staff, Dr. Frederick Azar. “This new Collierville facility is critical to our overarching effectiveness as a world-class provider of orthopaedic care. With nine clinic locations and two surgery centers strategically located throughout the greater Memphis area, we’re wellpositioned to serve patients across the Mid-South region.”
Campbell Clinic’s new Collierville location is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Walkins are welcome.
The Shea Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic is pleased to announce the addition of K. Asif Ahmed, MD, to its team of physicians. After completing residency at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Ahmed spent 17 years in private practice at the Jackson Clinic in Jackson, Tenn. Dr. Ahmed is a general otolaryngologist with a particular interest in nasal and sinus diseases and pediatric ENT.
Campbell Clinic Opens New Collierville Location
Campbell Clinic, an industry leader in orthopaedics with 90+ providers and more than 900 employees, has opened its newest location at 1900 West Poplar Avenue (northwest corner of Bailey Station and Poplar) in
For more information on Campbell Clinic’s new Collierville location or to schedule an appointment, visit https:// www.campbellclinic.com/locationsand-hours/collierville-location/ or call 901-759-3111.
Pro Health to Open New Location
Pro Health opened its sixth location in the Memphis area last month (in Arlington at 5584 Airline Road). It will be the organization’s largest clinic, with more than 1,900 square feet of space and the ability to accommodate 500 patients a week. Pro Health combines urgent and preventive care under one roof. They were the first IV specialists in Memphis, offering a variety of customized IV hydration therapy options. Additional services include weight-loss treatment, testosterone replacement therapy, sick visits, B12 injections and more.
continued on page 6 >
Ethelyn WilliamsNeal
Stella Nwokeji
Asif Ahmed
GrandRounds
Two New Semmes Murphey Appointments
Semmes Murphey Clinic has made two new appointments.
Regional One Health Cancer Care Earns Prestigious Accreditation
Dr. Kevin Foley, chairman and director of complex spine surgery of Semmes Murphey Clinic, was recently appointed as Chief Medical Officer to True Digital Surgery. As Chief Medical Officer, he will provide clinical counsel to TDS’ digital surgical exoscope platform to improve critical workflow process issues in the operating room.
Foley practices surgery full time at Semmes Murphey, where he is involved in minimally invasive spine surgery research, disc regeneration, image-guided spinal surgery, robotics, spinal biomechanics and neurosurgical outcomes. He serves as a professor of neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery and biomedical engineering at the University of Tennessee Department of Neurosurgery.
The Regional One Health Cancer Care program marked a major achievement and milestone by earning accreditation as an Academic Comprehensive Cancer Program from the Commission on Cancer (CoC). The CoC is a national organization created to recognize oncology programs that meet the highest standards of patient care.
Leslie Stroud, oncology program accreditation manager, and Martin Fleming, MD, surgical oncologist with Regional One Health Cancer Care and University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Surgical Oncology Division Chief, led the initiative.
education, and rehabilitation services for males aged 14 to 18 who have been committed to state custody for various offenses by the Juvenile Courts.
At Wilder, two members of the College of Nursing faculty each provide primary care four hours per week on site, in collaboration with licensed practical nurses on the Wilder staff. The College of Nursing will also provide telehealth services to Wilder residents through its Nursing Mobile Health Unit.
College of Nursing Dean Wendy Likes, PhD, DNSc, APRN-BC, FAAN, FAANP, said,
grading the severity of uveitis.
“Our AI-driven approach to experimental uveitis represents a transformative step forward, enabling more precise and uniform quantification of disease severity,” Yousefi said. “This project will enhance the accuracy, consistency, and speed of uveitis research, paving the way for novel treatments and drug discovery.”
Semmes Murphey Adds New Personnel
Semmes Murphey Clinic, Memphis-based brain and spine care provider, recently added three members to its team: Kristen Hughes, Dr. Phillip Green and Dr. Leland Berkwits. Please see their info below and
Dr. Madison Michael, neurosurgeon at Semmes Murphey. was recently named President of the North American Skull Base Society. This prestigious honor highlights his expertise. leadership and dedication to advancing the field of skull base neurosurgery, one of the most intricate and specialized areas of medicine.
“Accreditation is very important for our cancer program,” said Dr. Fleming. “It demonstrates excellence in cancer care and shows that we offer state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary care for our patients. It puts us on the map nationally as a place that’s doing it right.”
Regional One Health Names Vice President of Post-Acute Services
Stroud and Dr. Fleming convened a Cancer Care Committee to meet quarterly to oversee progress on achieving accreditation standards. The committee includes surgical and medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, nursing leaders, nurse practitioners, social workers, patient navigators, pharmacists and others.
“When Wilder Youth Development Center reached out regarding this collaboration, it was apparent this aligns with our mission, particularly around caring for the most vulnerable and atrisk individuals in our communities.”
Assistant Professor Lisa Beasley, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, AFN-C, director of the Center for Community and Global Partnerships, and instructor Rebecca Burrow, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CNE, RN-OB, are the faculty members who serve at Wilder.
The contract with Wilder represents an expansion of the college’s commitment to both community outreach and clinical practice by faculty.
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Nicole Lowe has been named vice president of post-acute services for Regional One Health. In this new role, Lowe will oversee the Subacute Care Unit, Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital and outpatient rehabilitation on Regional One Health’s main and east campuses.
Lowe joined Regional One Health in 2016 to help establish the Subacute Care Unit. Under her leadership, this skilled nursing facility has helped decrease the average length of stay in Regional One Health’s acute care hospital and reduced return-to-hospital rates while delivering optimal patient care. Her commitment to patient safety and effective patient care has led the facility to earn the elite High Performing status in the annual U.S. News and World Report Best Nursing Home list for multiple years.
Lowe’s early career focused on social work and later rehabilitation before progressing to leadership roles in skilled nursing facilities.
In order to receive designation as an Academic Comprehensive Cancer program designation, a hospital‘s cancer care program must work with a medical university and train residents and fellows as part of the cancer team. Regional One Health Cancer meets this standard through its partnership with UTHSC.
The accreditation process has helped Regional One Health build a premier oncology service, and Stroud and Dr. Fleming said accreditation will lead to additional improvements in patient care.
“Accreditation means you’re going to a facility that offers state-ofthe-art care,” Dr. Fleming said. “You’ll have physicians who understand and implement multidisciplinary care and can take care of you from the time you’re diagnosed until your follow-up appointments years later.”
College of Nursing’s New Contract with Wilder Youth Development Center Expands Commitment to Clinical Faculty Practice
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing recently signed a three-year contract to provide primary care for residents at the Wilder Youth Development Center in Somerville. Wilder is a secure residential facility that provides long-term treatment,
Twenty-nine members of the college’s 63 full-time faculty are involved in faculty practice, which means they practice as nurses or nurse practitioners one day per week – or 20 percent of their workload.
National Eye Institute Awards $423,500 for Innovative Eye Disease Research Using AI
The National Eye Institute has awarded a $423,500 grant to support groundbreaking research aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of a serious eye condition known as uveitis. Siamak Yousefi, PhD, associate professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and fellow of the Association for Research in Vision and Opthalmology (ARVO), will lead this innovative project titled “A Generalizable Deep Learning Platform for Unifying Quantification of Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis.”
Yousefi’s research will use a disease model called Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis (EAU), which mirrors essential characteristics of human uveitis. EAU is crucial for studying the mechanisms of uveitis and testing new treatments. However, current methods of assessing EAU are inconsistent, making it difficult to accurately determine the severity of the disease and evaluate potential therapies.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning, has shown promise in the field of eye health. Dr. Yousefi’s team aims to develop AI tools that can enhance the accuracy and consistency of diagnosing and
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attached headshots to include in your next column. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. Thanks!
• Kristen Hughes is a physician assistant who specializes in brain and spine care. She has over 15 years of experience working in health care and has worked at leading institutions such as Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Northwestern Medicine and Montefiore Health System. Kristen earned her master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Western Michigan University, where she also earned a bachelor’s degree in music and biomedical science. She is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is an active member of the Spine Intervention Society and a senior member of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Bhupesh Singla, PhD,
Secures $2.8 Million NIH Grant to Study Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis
Bhupesh Singla, PhD, a vascular biologist in the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, was awarded a $2.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the development of occlusive arterial disorders, including atherosclerosis and intimal hyperplasia.
cells in secreting RSPO2 and its effect on lymphatic vessel density, function, and development of atherosclerosis. The research will involve advanced mouse models, gene therapy (mouse), pharmacological inhibitors, and single-cell RNA sequencing. Further, the team will evaluate whether blocking this pathway in mice with established atherosclerosis can reduce the severity of the disease.
Health Sciences Park Under New Ownership, Renamed Medical District Park
with anchor institutions - major medical and educational entities - to strengthen the connections, communities, and campuses in the Memphis Medical District. Visit memphismedicaldistrict.org.
West Cancer Foundation Expands Board of Directors
West Cancer Foundation, a Memphis-based nonprofit that provides free cancer services to those in need and funds research to improve cancer care, has announced the addition of Jarvis Greer, Wendy Likes and Tish Towns to its Board of Directors. These new members bring a wealth of expertise and passion to West Cancer Foundation, further enhancing its ability to deliver free cancer services to cancer patients.
• Dr. Phillip Green is an interventional pain management specialist. With nearly 40 years of experience, he strives to provide effective care through the use of non-surgical pain management treatments. He attended medical school at the University of Arkansas where he also completed his residency in anesthesiology. He worked as an emergency room physician before he began practicing in pain management. Dr. Green is board certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine. He is an active member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Academy of Pain Medicine and the International Spinal Injection Society.
Despite available lipid-lowering drugs and ongoing research identifying novel therapeutic targets and effective treatments, atherosclerosis remains a significant unmet medical issue.
Dr. Singla’s laboratory utilizes innovative tools ranging from in vitro cell-based assays, ex vivo experiments, and molecular biology techniques with multiple genetically engineered mouse models with lineage-tracing capabilities and in vivo gene transfer. The current focus of his lab is to explore how a family of proteins, matricellular proteins, influence the development of cardiometabolic diseases.
Health Sciences Park, located in the heart of the Memphis Medical District, is now owned by Medical District Park, LLC., a subsidiary of the Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC). The 10-acre park, to be renamed Medical District Park, is a centerpiece of this vital district where thousands of healthcare workers are making life-changing impacts on a daily basis.
“We’re eager to collaborate with our key stakeholders and partners to make this a vibrant space for employees, students, residents and visitors to the Medical District,” said Medical District Park, LLC and MMDC President Rory Thomas.
The Memphis Medical District Collaborative is a 501(C)(3) community development organization working
• Dr. Leland Berkwits is a fellowship-trained interventional spine and pain specialist. With over 15 years of experience, he excels in non-surgical methods to treat spinal conditions. He attended the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago and completed a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. He received his fellowship in interventional spine and pain management from Orthopedic and Spine Specialists in Pennsylvania. Dr. Berkwits received his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering
Most research so far has focused on the mechanisms driving the deposition of lipids and immune cells in the blood vessel wall, while largely overlooking how these substances/ cells can be effectively drained from the vessel wall. Lymphatic vessels in the outer layer of arterial walls are pivotal for removing cholesterol and immune cells from atherosclerotic vessels. Enhancing lymphatic function has been shown to reverse atherosclerosis, which may be a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention for this vascular disease.
Singla’s team will study the role of a matricellular protein, R-spondin 2 (RSPO2), whose levels are elevated in diseased arteries compared to healthy ones. Previously, Singla and colleagues demonstrated that applying RSPO2’s decoy receptor to the outer layer of blood vessels in atheroprone genetically modified mice reduces atherosclerosis and promotes drainage of cholesterol from arteries to lymph nodes via lymphatics. Importantly, they found increased arterial lymphatic vessel density in treated mice, suggesting the therapeutic potential of modulating this pathway.
With the new funding, Dr. Singla’s research group will examine the specific role of vascular smooth muscle
Greer, a cancer survivor, is a Memphis sports icon who spent more than 43 years as an Emmy-winning sports reporter, anchor and director with WMC Action News 5. He is a former University of Memphis football standout and currently serves as a member of the University of Memphis Tigers football broadcasting team. In 2022,
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Ste rn C ardiovascular Foundation is re cognize d as among th e largest m e dic al research facilities in th e countr y and provides state - of-th e -ar t diagnostic s and treatme nt of all aspec t s of c ardiovascular disease , including arrhy thmia , hype r te nsion , coronar y ar te r y disease , congestive h ear t failure and c ardiac valve disorde rs
Ste rn C ardiovascular Foundation is whe re you ’ll f ind th e best C ardiologist s in th e M id -S outh Re peate dly recognize d by loc al state and national age ncies as expe r t s in c ardiovascular c are Ste rn’s 45 board ce r tif ie d physicians treat th eir patie nt s with compassion , commitme nt, and responsibilit y. For ove r 1 0 0 years , th e Ste rn C ardiovascular Foundation has delive re d on it s mission of E xcelle nce in C ardiovascular M e dicine , Research , and Patie nt C are
Kristen Hughes
Phillip Green
Leland Berkwits
Jarvis Greer
GrandRounds
Greer was inducted into the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame.
Likes, PhD, DNSc, APRN-BC, FAAN, FAANP, is Dean of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing where she leads academic programs and advances nursing research. She is an internationally recognized expert in the prevention, recognition and treatment of HPV-related cancers. Likes leads the POWER for Nursing Program at the UT College of Nursing which aims to advance oncology nursing education and address the need for skilled oncology nurses. The program is made possible by a grant from West Cancer Foundation.
Towns has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare leadership and is currently Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for Regional One Health. She is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)
and a previous member of that organization’s Management Series Editorial Board, a past Delegate for the American Hospital Association (AHA) Regional Policy Board, and a member of Memphis Rotary. Prior to beginning her career in healthcare, Towns worked in state government with the Tennessee Departments of Human Services and Health.
Research
Team Receives $1.5
Million to Study Neurological Disorders Linked to Long COVID
The National Institute of Mental Health has awarded a significant grant of $1.5 million to Jianyang Du, PhD, of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, for a research study aimed at uncovering the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to neurological disorders caused by long COVID-19.
Dr. Du is an associate professor at the College of Medicine in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology. Colleen Jonsson, PhD, director of the UT Health Science Center Regional Biocontainment Laboratory and professor in the Department of Microbiology, is coinvestigator on the grant, and Kun Li, PhD, assistant professor at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute, is a consultant.
As the world grapples with the ramifications of the COVID pandemic, there is increasing concern about the long-term health impacts of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID, particularly among those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Understanding how the virus affects the brain is vital for addressing the burdens of long COVID, which can severely impact quality of life.
Dr. Du’s team has developed a mouse model that mimics SARSCoV-2 infection, allowing researchers to observe changes in behavior two weeks after infection. Remarkably, they found the virus’s genetic material
in the brain just four days after infection, indicating direct effects on brain function. They also detected viral components specifically in neurons, alongside signs of immune system activation in the brain.
This research aims to provide insights into how the COVID virus alters neuronal activity, which could pave the way for new treatments to alleviate the suffering associated with long COVID and reduce health disparities linked to the pandemic. The study will focus on three key areas:
• Investigating whether the infection model leads to increased neuronal activity in mice.
• Understanding how the infection activates microglia, the brain’s immune cells, through interactions with neurons.
• Assessing how activated microglia influence surrounding neurons in response to the infection. By shedding light on these complex interactions, this research could lead to effective therapeutic strategies to combat the neurological challenges posed by COVID.
A Fresh Perspective on Leading with Purpose, Passion, and Renewed Energy
By CHARLES LATHRAM, III, FACMPE
Fellow, American College of Medical Practice Executives
Ping. Buzz. Click. Another day in healthcare leadership unfolds in a symphony of digital notifications and endless tasks, where the ping of your email inbox has replaced the beating of your passionate heart. Harsh? Perhaps. But remember the day you first stepped into leadership? That fire in your belly, that vision of transformation, that unwavering sense of purpose? Fast forward to today: between the cascade of emails, budgets, new CMS fee schedules, and back-to-back meetings, something vital has shifted.
We’re facing a critical moment of truth: Are we still those passionate healthcare leaders who set out to change the world, or have we become mere custodians of the status quo? We’re either evolving as leaders or slowly becoming sophisticated task managers.
The Great Leadership Reset
Let’s be honest – somewhere between the endless Zoom calls and staffing meetings, many of us lost that spark that first drew us to healthcare leadership. You remember that spark, don’t you? That burning conviction that we could make a real difference in healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and team satisfaction. Remember when leading felt like a privilege rather than a burden? When each morning brought excitement rather than exhaustion? That feeling hasn’t disappeared—it’s just waiting to be rediscov-
ered, and the exciting truth is that 2025 isn’t just another year; it’s our opportunity for a complete leadership reboot. And the transformation begins with a simple mindset shift!
From Autopilot to Authentic Leadership
Think about it: We don’t “got to” lead healthcare organizations—we “get to” be part of one of the most meaningful sectors in society. We get to make decisions that improve patient care. We get to mentor the next generation of healthcare leaders. We get to innovate and evolve the very framework of healthcare delivery.
So how do we get there? How do we reignite that spark that first burned bright and led us to choose this path we follow? Let’s take a look at our 2025 Leadership Playbook.
1. Rediscover Your Leadership Joy
• Start each day by identifying one aspect of leadership that excites you
• Create a “Leadership Victory Journal” to document wins, both big and small
• Schedule regular “inspiration walks” through your facilities to reconnect with your purpose
2. Amplify Team Energy
• Instead of just managing performance, let’s cultivate enthusiasm. Here’s how:
• Institute “Celebration”Rounds”— weekly recognition of team achievements
• Create “Innovation Hours” where teams can brainstorm improvements without constraints
• Establish “Connection”Corners”— designated spaces for informal team interactions
3. Transform Administrative Tasks into Leadership Opportunities
Every mundane task can become a moment of meaningful leadership:
• Turn budget reviews into visioncasting sessions
• Convert staff meetings into inspiration huddles
• Reshape policy updates into opportunities for team engagement The Power of Purposeful Presence Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about creating spaces where every voice can be heard. In 2025, let’s commit to:
• Being fully present in team interactions
• Leading with curiosity instead of assumptions
• Creating environments where innovation thrives
Your Leadership Revolution Starts Now
Here’s your challenge: Don’t wait. Start your leadership revolution today:
• This Hour: Write down one leadership habit you’ll transform
• Today: Connect with one team member on a human level
• This Week: Launch one initiative that excites both you and your team Healthcare leadership isn’t just about managing resources and meeting metrics. It’s about inspiring hope, fostering innovation, and creating environments where both patients and providers thrive. In 2025, let’s not just lead—let’s lead with purpose, passion, and renewed energy.
Your Call to Action
The healthcare landscape needs leaders who are energized, inspired, and ready to make a difference. Will you be one of them? Will you join the revolution of leaders who are trading burnout for breakthrough, exhaustion for enthusiasm, and management for meaningful leadership?
The choice is yours. The time is now. And the opportunity? It’s nothing short of transformational.
Remember: You’re not just leading a department, clinic, or hospital. You’re shaping the future of healthcare itself. And that future starts with your next decision.
Are you ready to hit refresh on your leadership journey? The revolution begins with you.
