When cardiothoracic surgeon Jonathan Nitz, MD, moved to Memphis a couple years ago, he didn’t know anyone in the area, but was excited at the prospect of performing robotic thoracic surgeries and being mentored by a senior surgeon while growing as a junior attending and picking up new skills.
Nitz joined Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in the summer of 2024 and now performs most of his surgeries at Methodist University Hospital, while conducting many convergent procedures at Methodist Germantown Hospital.
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See more local news in Grand Rounds on page 9
2026 Legislative Priorities for TMA/ Memphis Medical Society/MGMA
By CLINT CUMMINS, CEO, Memphis Medical Society
I have been privileged to write this legislative article for Memphis Medical News for several years now. Last year, I expressed a theme of compromise in the spirit of making ANY progress. It’s a common approach to advocacy strategy. This year, I’m pleased to share that a more offensive strategy is in the works as Memphis Medical Society (MMS), Tennessee Medical Association (TMA), Mid-South MGMA (MSMGMA), and many others embark on an ambitious agenda aimed at tackling familiar challenges (insurance and payment reform) and emerging ones (artificial intelligence).
This article was written March 9, 2026, so the status of these could be changed by the time you read this. On March 3, MMS, MGMA, and TMA hosted yet another successful Day on the Hill. There is phenomenal
interest in the work we do, and I hope it translates into better healthcare for Mid-Southerners. A special thank you goes to our partners at University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Baptist University College of Medicine for contributing to the great turnout. It is a special experience to watch early career physicians take interest in healthcare advocacy, and even more special to watch them interact with and be mentored by their senior colleagues.
One Big Beautiful Insurance Bill SB2155/HB2619
Sen. Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro), Rep. Sabi Kumar (R-Springfield)
The bill makes comprehensive changes to various health insurance statutes to ensure companies fairly and transparently adjudicate claims. It also expands prior authorization approval for treatment of a chronic condition
ON PAGE 4)
The World of ENT Inspiring Innovations
ENT Scott Burge working to commercialize ear wax removal medical device
By BECKY GILLETTE
Scott D. Burge, MD, FAAOA, FAAP, is Board Certified with the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and pursued additional Fellowship training in Pediatric Otolaryngology in 2017. He then
ON PAGE 5)
Scott D. Burge
Clint Cummins, CEO, Memphis Medical Society
Cardiothoracic Surgeon Nitz Making Headway in Germantown
Convergent Plus is a plus for Afib patients
By JAMES DOWD
When cardiothoracic surgeon Jonathan Nitz, MD, moved to Memphis a couple years ago, he didn’t know anyone in the area, but was excited at the prospect of performing robotic thoracic surgeries and being mentored by a senior surgeon while growing as a junior attending and picking up new skills.
Nitz joined Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in the summer of 2024 and now performs most of his surgeries at Methodist University Hospital, while conducting many convergent procedures at Methodist Germantown Hospital.
Performing more than a dozen robotic Convergent Plus procedures since last year represents more than a technical milestone Nitz said. In his view, the procedure signals an opportunity to expand treatment options for local patients living with Atrial Fibrillation, many of whom have exhausted medications or prior interventions.
“In the Mid-South alone, there are likely more than 10,000 patients who could benefit from this procedure,” Nitz said. “My hope is that within the next few years we’ll see the volume grow substantially as referring physicians become more familiar with what it can offer.”
Although the convergent approach has existed in various forms for about two decades, Nitz believes broader adoption, particularly with robotic assistance, could significantly improve outcomes for patients with persistent or longstanding AFib. He currently averages about one per month, but his goal is to expand that number significantly.
“I’d love to see us doing one a week,” Nitz said.
Patients referred for the procedure often have already tried antiarrhythmic medications or catheter ablation. For many, the robotic convergent approach can produce rapid rhythm improvement and potentially reduce reliance on anticoagulation.
The work also carries historical resonance in Memphis. Cardiac surgeon James L. Cox, MD, performed the first surgical procedure for atrial fibrillation in the city in 1987, the same year Nitz was born.
“There’s a strong legacy of innovation in AFib surgery here,” Nitz said. “It’s exciting to contribute to the next chapter of that.”
Nitz’s path to Memphis and cardiovascular surgery began long before medical school.
Born and raised in Frankfort, Kentucky, he grew up in an academic household. His father, a neurobiologist and professor of physical therapy at the University of Kentucky, often brought his children along to conferences and academic events.
Those early experiences made the world of science and medicine feel tangible, Nitz said. But the defining moment occurred when his younger brother required open-heart surgery.
“I was 13 and it was the first time I really saw the medical profession as a potential career,” Nitz said. “I hadn’t really had a lot of exposure to surgery, but after that I saw it in a new way, and began to think of it as incredibly impressive.”
After high school, Nitz enrolled at Wheaton College, where he was initially drawn to two very different fields: human biology and archaeology. While he enjoyed both, the path toward medicine ultimately proved more compelling.
“I loved archaeology and still enjoy going arrowhead hunting with my dad when I’m back in Kentucky, but medicine attracted me because I saw it as a worthwhile endeavor to help people in what can be the darkest period of their lives,” Nitz said. “I wanted to help bring a bit of healing and light into peoples’ lives.”
Nitz subsequently conducted Alzheimer’s research at the University of Kentucky before entering medical school at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. From early in his medical training, he was drawn to surgery. That inclination was reinforced during surgical training, where he discovered a particular affinity for the operating room.
“My personality fit the idea of actively doing something with my hands rather than primarily managing medications,” Nitz said. “I’ve never been operating and felt tired. There’s so much excitement in surgery; you see things with fresh eyes every day.”
After medical school, Nitz completed a general surgery residency in Peoria, Illinois, where he was mentored by thoracic surgeon Richard Anderson, MD. During residency, Nitz gained extensive experience performing robotic procedures, eventually pursuing a dedicated robotics
fellowship at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.
That training proved pivotal.
“Because I already had a strong robotic foundation, my attendings were comfortable giving me a lot of responsibility,” Nitz said. “That experience really shaped how I approach surgery.”
Nitz later joined Tufts Medical Center in Boston, where an unexpected rotation shifted his trajectory again.
“I expected thoracic surgery to be my career, but during my first week rotating on cardiac surgery, I completely fell in love with it,” Nitz said. “It was exciting and detail-oriented and precise and fantastic. I fought the urge to stick with what I knew and made the decision to pursue cardiac surgery, and I’ve loved it ever since.”
At Tufts, Nitz worked within one of the busiest heart transplant programs in New England, gaining experience in complex cardiac care while refining his surgical precision.
Still, he found himself particularly interested in areas where cardiac surgery intersected with other specialties, especially electrophysiology. One of those intersections is the convergent procedure used to treat persistent AFib.
The technique combines epicardial surgical ablation, often performed minimally invasively with endocardial catheter ablation performed by an electrophysiologist. The goal is to more comprehensively isolate arrhythmogenic pathways than either approach alone.
Despite its potential, Nitz notes that adoption has historically been limited.
“It’s a bit of a Catch-22,” Nitz said. “If surgeons and electrophysiologists haven’t performed the procedure, they’re less likely to refer patients for it. And without referrals, it’s difficult to build experience.”
For Nitz, the transition to roboticassisted convergent surgery was natural.
“Because of my background in robotic surgery, the learning curve wasn’t nearly as steep,” he said.
Outside the hospital, Nitz’s life is equally full. He and his wife have six children, with five currently in school and the youngest preparing to start next year. Much of their time revolves around sports schedules, including club soccer and volleyball.
“We stay busy, but it’s a great life” he said. “It’s been fantastic getting
“In the Mid-South alone, there are likely more than 10,000 patients who could benefit from this procedure. My hope is that within the next few years we’ll see the volume grow substantially as referring physicians become more familiar with what it can offer.”
—Jonathan Nitz
plugged into the community and meeting so many wonderful people in Memphis and the Mid-South.”
Despite the demands of a surgical career, Nitz values the balance. After spending nearly two decades immersed in medical school, research, residency and fellowship, he says the opportunity to build a practice is deeply rewarding.
“To finally reach this point after all those years of training is incredibly satisfying,” Nitz said. “Being able to talk with patients, develop a plan, and help them get better is a privilege that I get to do every day.”
2026 Legislative Priorities,
from 6 months to 12 months. Finally (and possibly most important), it prohibits a health insurance entity from automatically downcoding a claim submitted by a provider unless there is first a review of the patient’s medical record.
As of March 9, 2026, this bill has been referred to the House Insurance Committee and the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee will hear it on March 10, 2026.
Medical Necessity SB1753/ HB1770
Sen. Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), Rep. Brock Martin (R-Huntingdon)
The bill adds three new medical specialties (medical virtualist, clinical informatics, lifestyle medicine) to the list of providers engaged in the practice of medicine. The bill clarifies that both medical doctors and osteopathic physicians may determine the appropriateness of treatments or procedures for patient conditions and that all doctors making medical necessity decisions be governed by their respective medical boards.
As of March 9, 2026, this bill has passed the Senate and is currently expected to be heard by the House Health Subcommittee on March 11, 2026.
Tenncare Provider Rate Increases SB2080/HB2046
Sen. Bo Watson (R-Hixson), Rep. Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville)
This bill increases reimbursement rates to Medicare levels in three service areas: primary care and behavioral health, maternal care, anesthesia.
TennCare’s reimbursement rates to physicians, physician assistants, and advance practice registered nurses remain significantly below those of Medicare and commercial payers, creating a persistent payment gap that threatens access to care across Tennessee. In rural regions, where healthcare provider shortages
are most acute, low reimbursement rates make it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain clinicians. Rural providers operate on thin margins, and TennCare’s rates often fall short of covering the actual cost of care delivery. Without targeted rate increases, these communities risk losing access to critical services, forcing patients to travel long distances or not seek care at all.
As of March 9, 2026, this bill has been referred to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee and House Insurance Committee.
Expanding Non-Physician Scope Of Practice
A variety of bills have been introduced with the intent of expanding the scope of practice for several non-physician clinicians. Memphis Medical Society and TMA maintain the positions that physician-led, team-based care is the best solution for the citizens of our state in order to maintain the safest and highest quality healthcare our citizens deserve. Other groups argue that expanding
G. Coble Caperton
scope of practice for their profession will increase access to care and allow their practitioners to maximize their training.
Optometrists Performing Surgery SB2076/HB1952
Psychologists Prescribing SB0911/HB0996
Independent Practice for APRNs and PAs SB2245/ HB2554 and SB2243/HB2555
Test and Treat for Pharmacists SB2242/HB2557
Rural Health Funding
It can be argued that that all state and federal healthcare legislation affects rural citizens’ healthcare. Now, more than ever, there is an obvious concerted effort from state and federal governments to increase funding to impact rural citizens. I encourage each of you to monitor the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) funding that will soon see Tennessee
release Requests for Funding
Proposals for the investment of its $206,888,882 annual funding for the next five years. Furthermore, the Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence (where I’m honored to serve on the Steering Committee) will administer $7,000,000 in planning and implementation grants to address rural health concerns across the state. While there is no specific legislation to monitor, these two investments will likely spur future legislation.
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!
Kevin Vaughn (center), Congressional representative District 95 covering part of Shelby County, meets with a group of Memphis physicians.
The World of ENT,
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began his career as an assistant professor for two years at Texas Children’s Hospital until 2019 when he and his family moved to Memphis to be closer to their relatives. Since arriving in Memphis and then expanding his clinic to Mid-South ENT in Arlington, Burge has been welcomed for his expertise in caring for ENT and allergic conditions for both adults and children.
Burge manages common ENT issues including adult tonsillectomies, which he aims to perform in the most pain-free way possible. Adult tonsillectomies are sometimes required because of obstructive sleep apnea related to obesity, but now GLP-1 weight loss drugs have become a possible alternative to surgery.
“GLP-1s are a hot topic,” Burge said. “I actually prescribe the weight loss medicines now for moderate to severe sleep apnea and also obesity. That is a medical treatment we are finding that really helps patients, not just from a vanity or self-esteem standpoint, but for quality of life. That is exciting! Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to heart and lung problems, and it is such an underdiagnosed problem. It is very significant to see these developments. If more insurance would cover the weight loss drugs, it could help reduce the cost of healthcare in the future.”
That is just the beginning of what he considers many exciting developments in the field of ENT. One he has personally been involved in, is developing an ear cleaning device. When wax builds up in the ears, it can be difficult to remove. Burge has invented and patented a device to safely and effectively clean ears. He is working with a medical device company on this, and has also become one of their official medical consultants to help bring this and other cuttingedge technologies to the market.
“What I’ve seen out there is either not the safest or most effective way to clean ears,” Burge said. “A lot of times saline irrigation is used to clear an ear. Sometimes that is effective, but I have seen patients come to me because it created a hole in the eardrum when the water pressure was too high. I’m not a fan of Q-tips either, as these tend to sometimes push wax deeper into the ear canal. With this invention, however, I hope
to address both of these issues. It is close to being completed with manufacturing, and eventually we will be taking this to primary care docs who can use it in their clinics if they choose.”
This time of year, physicians see patients with sinus drainage and spring allergies, as well. Burge often starts them on a nasal steroid spray and an OTC antihistamine spray. Sometimes patients even find that eating local honey can help.
“Most of the time those things are going to control the symptoms,” Burge said. “People do that for three to four weeks and, if it is insufficient and has progressed to chronic sinus problems, as surgeons we have other ways we can then help.”
Helping patients with allergies is an integral part of what they do at Mid-South ENT, where they do allergy testing and provide shots in the office. If chronic sinus problems persist, surgery might be necessary.
“Having an extra tool in the toolbelt helps give comprehensive treatment to patients,” Burge said.
Some cutting-edge technologies and yet non-invasive solutions include RhinAer that is performed in the office with only local anesthesia and has long-lasting results addressing the underlying causes of chronic rhinitis providing relief from runny nose, post-nasal drip and congestion. There is minimal downtime after treatment.
“This might be particularly good for older patients who have comorbidities,” Burge said. “The VivAer (R) by Aerin medical company is another newer technology where you treat the inside of the nose when the nostrils have collapsed by recontouring the nasal cartilage without changing the outer appearance. Another problem we can address is eustachian tube dysfunction by guiding a eustachian tube balloon to dilate the tube. All of these can be done in the clinic and avoid a trip to the operating room.”
Burge grew up in the Texas Panhandle and was the son of school teachers. He started dating his wife in high school, and her family sparked his interest in medicine. He was inspired by her father,
Artificial Intelligence Best Practices
How to effectively and securely use AI tools
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science focused on creating systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, understanding language, and recognizing patterns. By using algorithms and large datasets to simulate cognitive functions, AI can adapt to new information and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI can be used to power and automate endless different technologies when used effectively. Large Language Models (LLMs), a subset of artificial intelligence, are transforming industries by enabling machines to understand and generate human-like language at scale, making it easier than ever for everyday people to utilize and harness AI’s capabilities. But it’s not just as simple as asking AI to complete a task, providing AI tools with clear direction and instruction is key, whilst also avoiding any inclusion of sensitive information.
To effectively leverage AI tools, it is important to have a foundational understanding of how AI works, including its risks and limitations. These technologies can provide valuable insights and efficiencies, but they also come with potential pitfalls.
How Can I Be Most Effective with AI
When using AI, especially Large Language Models (LLMs), it can be challenging to get the exact answer you're looking for with general or vague questions. It's important to remember that AI is not all-knowing; they rely on the clarity and specificity of your input to generate useful responses. To get the best results, start by providing context. For example, if you want a cybersecurity perspective, prompt the AI to "act as a senior cybersecurity analyst." This helps guide the model’s reasoning. Next, be clear about the format you want—whether it’s a bulleted list, a summary, or a step-by-step explanation you can direct the AI the specificity of your desired response. One of the strengths of LLMs is their ability to retain context throughout a conversation, allowing you to refine and iterate on responses until they meet your needs. After your initial prompt, you can always reference back to your previous inputs to the AI to guide and remind it of your specifications.
While AI is an extremely effective tool, it is not always a replacement. Large language models’ responses are based solely on the data it is trained on, meaning it’s not necessarily specialized. While AI can be viewed as a multi-tool, it is not necessarily equipped with the sharpened expertise that a professional in a
specific field holds. General LLMs like ChatGPT, MS-Copilot, Claude, etc, do not have expert information and should only be used as a resource: not a definitive answer. When using answers from AI, always be sure to verify the information provided is accurate. Sometimes, AI can give you a false response with false references and citations, this is called a hallucination. To avoid hallucinations, you can use multiple LLMs to cross-examine the responses and achieve the most accurate result. Be sure to also do your own research apart from AI to confirm the validity of the information.
Practices to Avoid When Using AI
Be extremely vigilant about the data you share with any AI tool, only share the minimum amount of information necessary to achieve your desired outcome. Over sharing can increase the risk of data breaches and misuse.
• Don’t Over-rely on AI: Since AI or LLMs are not always accurate, it is best not to over rely on its responses. Always do additional research to verify its responses.
• Do not input personal or sensitive information: AI models are trained on data input and human feedback given to the system. This means that the information users provide can resurface if prompted by the right questions. This poses a huge concern for any protected and confidential information. AI should not be used for sensitive inf ormation as this could lead to unintentional exposure of the data.
• Don’t use AI for legal advice: While AI can provide resourceful information, it should not be used for legal advice. Please reach out to a human expert for more accurate and reliable information.
• Do not make decisions solely based on AI: AI is a very useful tool but it is limited to the information it is trained on. In order to make proper decisions, do not just listen to AI’s recommendations but also consider other details.
In Summary:
While AI offers significant productivity benefits, users should be mindful of its limitations, verify its responses, and avoid over-reliance, especially for sensitive information or legal advice. Use AI as a complimentary tool to enhance, not replace, human expertise. Utilize AI to increase your productivity while being mindful of how much data you input into AI tools. Always strive to input the minimum amount of data necessary to complete your desired task and only avoid inputting sensitive data.
Chirag Chauhan, MBA, AIF®, CFP® is the managing partner of Bluff City Advisory Group in Memphis, Tennessee For more
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Chirag Chauhan, AIF® CFP®
The World of ENT,
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Russell Burns, MD, a cardiologist, and her mother, Cathy Burns, who is a PA.
He earned his MD from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Early on, he set his sights on a surgical subspecialty because he enjoyed working with his hands. However, it was his mentor, Christopher McMains, MD, a rhinologist instructor at UT, who helped him develop his interest in ENT. They worked on a project and developed a provisional patent for a model to teach residents sinus surgery. Burge found the subspecialty fascinating.
“I thought that was so cool working on something new and innovative, and seeing how complex ENT is really interested me,” Burge said. “It was only in the 1980’s that endoscopic cameras were introduced to the U.S. to use for sinus surgery. It has progressed to a point where patients now can get a CT scan prior to surgery, and those very images are used to navigate complex anatomy the orbits and brain where you do not want to have complications.”
After completing his ENT residency at Oklahoma University College of Medicine in 2016, he trained at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston and stayed on as faculty for two years. He had the opportunity to train new residents in all kinds of ENT surgery, and he really enjoyed seeing their growth as they progressed year over year.
In fact, relationships have always been important to him. Now that he is in private practice, Burge credits his staff with the growth of his practice.
“I really have great staff and great relationships with them,” he said. “They do a wonderful job. They have been the main reason we’ve been able to grow as much as we have. Since I have been in private practice in Memphis, one of the reasons I have enjoyed the business side of medicine is because I get to be a part of supporting entire families as we work toward a common goal. Relationships are why I do the things I do. It’s all about the people.”
Burge and his wife, Lauren, a pediatrician, have two kids. He considers himself “very fortunate to have both an amazing ‘home’ family and amazing ‘work’ family.”
Predictions for U.S. Healthcare Through 2026
By Richard E. Anderson, MD, FACP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Doctors Company and TDC Group
Medical professionals continue to uphold their commitment to delivering high-quality patient care, despite navigating a healthcare environment characterized by rapid digital innovation, pervasive misinformation, escalating costs, and persistent fragmentation. Burnout remains a critical concern: The majority of physicians would not recommend a medical career to their children, reflecting the sustained pressures of modern practice.
Hospitals face mounting financial challenges as the convergence of increasing medical malpractice losses and reimbursement difficulties drives ongoing facility closures, exacerbating gaps in patient access. Currently, approximately 11 percent of Americans report being unable to access or afford care—a figure likely to rise as health insurance premiums increase in 2026, intensifying burdens on both patients and clinicians.
Some access gaps are being addressed through the expansion of distributed care models, with advanced practice clinicians (APCs)—including nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs)—working in close collaboration with physicians. These teams rely on well-defined roles and advanced teamwork to optimize care delivery.
The exponential growth of medical knowledge presents a significant challenge for clinicians. AI, with advanced capabilities in information synthesis and pattern recognition, offers the potential to help clinicians manage knowledge overload and streamline administrative tasks such as scheduling, billing, and prior authorization. The field is rapidly evolving from generative AI to agentic AI, introducing new horizons for autonomous technologies.However, rapid AI adoption introduces complex malpractice and liability issues, underscoring the need for clear standards, informed consent, and adaptive legal frameworks.
AI Integration and Clinical Trust: AI will permeate all aspects of healthcare, but its impact on care will depend on the degree of clinical trust in the technology.
AI is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery and operations, from diagnosis and treatment planning to documentation, staffing, and billing. More than 1,000 health-related AI tools have received FDA authorization, and two-thirds of physicians report using AI in some aspect of practice, according to the American Medical Association
(AMA). The most recent innovation is the launch of OpenAI for Healthcare, a set of HIPAA-compliant AI products designed specifically for healthcare organizations.
“There are leading institutions already moving quickly,” says Deepika Srivastava, Chief Operating Officer, The Doctors Company and TDC Group Shared Services.
“Mayo Clinic has more than 200 active AI projects, and Cleveland Clinic has launched a dedicated center for diagnostics and predictive analytics.”
Despite the proliferation of AI tools, Ms. Srivastava stresses that “clinical judgment remains central to patient care.” There is a distinction between access to AI and genuine trust in its recommendations, particularly in patient-facing scenarios, where transparency is paramount.
In a presentation for TDC Group’s 2025 Executive Advisory Board Meeting, physician leader Robert M. Wachter, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Medicine, the University of California, San Francisco, made the case that companies developing AI tools for healthcare need to prove themselves with a first use of the tool that is achievable, not aspirational, to recruit medical professionals’ confidence. This will help gain clinician support for further AI implementation.
Early uses can include ambient listening and automated documentation, before progressing to higher-stakes areas like clinical decision support, where errors carry significant consequences.
The future divide in healthcare will not be between users and non-users of AI, but between organizations that effectively integrate innovation, clinical insight, and regulatory compliance and those that don’t. AI implementation should begin with rigorous readiness assessments and systems evaluation. Trusted AI can enhance workflows and outcomes, but untrusted or poorly integrated AI risks backlash, litigation, and regulatory intervention.
Digital Transformation: A $1 trillion migration toward digitalfirst healthcare will generate both significant advancements and costly missteps.
Healthcare is undergoing a monumental shift toward digital-first models, with an estimated $1 trillion in spending transitioning from traditional facilities to personalized, technology-enabled care. AI-enabled intake and workflow solutions are poised to alleviate administrative burdens and allow clinicians to focus on direct patient care.
Efforts to embed virtual care access points in public spaces—such as airport kiosks—have met mixed results,
further emphasizing that patient expectations extend beyond convenience to encompass accountability and continuity. Sustainable innovations are those that integrate seamlessly with existing healthcare systems and maintain a strong connection between patients and healthcare professionals. Examples like Amazon Pharmacy’s prescription kiosks demonstrate the value of linking technology with professional oversight.
Ultimately, the success of digitalfirst strategies will depend on clinician involvement and careful risk management. Many digital health companies underestimate the legal liabilities inherent in patient interactions.
“From a risk standpoint, the challenge is that the brilliant innovators driving healthcare technology often don’t understand that the ultimate endpoint of every patient interaction is liability,” says Peter A. Kolbert, JD, Senior Vice President, Complex Claims Counsel, Healthcare Risk Advisors, part of TDC Group. “Without clinical and legal oversight, even the smartest tools can expose both patients and providers to significant risk.”
The trillion-dollar transformation will yield both breakthroughs and costly lessons, underscoring the importance of aligning technology adoption with medical and legal best practices.
Liability and Legal Volatility:
Social inflation, large verdicts, and AI-related evidence will make the courtroom a focal point for unpredictable liability, with legal precedents lagging behind technological advancements.
Recently, Utah saw its highest-ever medical malpractice plaintiff award: A judge granted $951 million to a family whose child was left disabled due to alleged negligent delivery care. These so-called nuclear verdicts, defined as plaintiff awards exceeding $10 million, are increasing in both frequency and magnitude. The average of the top 50 medical malpractice verdicts rose from $32 million in 2022 to $48 million in 2023 and to $56 million in 2024.
Plaintiffs’ attorneys leverage dynamics during jury selection, often examining prospective jurors’ social media to assess potential biases. Strategies such as “reptile theory” are deployed to invoke primal fear and elicit strong emotional responses, framing defendant physicians as ongoing threats to society. The erosion of trust in healthcare overall increases the effectiveness of such tactics, making medical practice more challenging for clinicians.
Another common strategy is “anchoring,” in which attorneys suggest a large damages figure to the jury, influencing their frame of reference.
Even experienced legal professionals are susceptible to anchoring, which has become a significant factor in escalating award sizes.
The result is a series of unprecedented awards: A $70.8 million verdict in Florida after a missed stroke diagnosis and a $29 million verdict in Wisconsin involving delayed escalation of care in obstetrics. These awards deviate from the original intent of the malpractice system—to fairly compensate injured parties—and instead threaten patient access to care, particularly for underserved populations.
Historically, juries differentiated between large, impersonal hospital systems and individual physicians, often showing empathy toward the latter.
These perceptions are shifting, however, according to Brittnie E. Hayes, JD, Vice President, Claims, The Doctors Company, part of TDC Group: “As physician groups have increased in size and thereby recoverable asset potential, plaintiffs’ attorneys are not focused on keeping just the hospitals in the case due to their deep pockets. They now see each physician as a deep pocket.”
The integration of AI into clinical practice further complicates liability. Physicians now face exposure whether they follow or disregard algorithmic recommendations. As Ms. Srivastava told Medical Economics: “Not using AI could be seen as negligent, while today, relying on it too heavily may be considered careless. It’s a balancing act.” Recent research led by Brown University found that jurors were more likely to find a physician negligent when overriding AI recommendations highlighting abnormalities.
Medical malpractice litigation is now incorporating evidence from AI-powered clinical decision support systems, administrative logs, and AI-derived content from EHRs.
This evolving landscape has led some experts to describe the adoption of AI tools as a “no-win” scenario: Clinicians must make judgment calls without always having enough information about the AI’s reliability, risking liability whether they rely on or deviate from recommendations of the tool.
Consequently, the standard of “reasonable care” is shifting. Whereas it was once benchmarked against peer practice, it may soon be measured by what an AI system could have detected or prevented, or what a jury believes should have been possible in a technologically advanced healthcare environment.
Widening
Access
Gaps:
Liability-related costs, workforce shortages, and reimbursement pressures will force additional hospital closures, further widening disparities in care access.
From 2013 to 2023, the American court system saw a roughly 67 percent increase in the number of medical
malpractice verdicts of $10 million or more. Litigation-related costs are destabilizing hospitals and healthcare systems, especially those already under financial pressure. “We are very quickly approaching an acute care crisis,” says Robert E. White Jr., President, The Doctors Company and TDC Group.
The pace of hospital closures is accelerating, particularly in rural areas. Rising litigation costs, layered on top of workforce shortages, reimbursement challenges, and inflation, will contribute to increasing care deserts.
In addition to hospital closures or conversions to nonacute care, many hospitals have closed particular service areas: Nearly 60 percent of U.S. rural hospitals now lack labor and delivery services. These changes are not limited to rural areas. New research suggests that in 60 percent of U.S. counties, a majority of residents lack adequate access to more than one form of critical healthcare.
And when multiple hospitals close, whole regions can lose access to healthcare.
Physicians and patients alike will feel the consequences: Patients will experience delayed diagnosis and treatment. Physicians will experience more burnout and career dissatisfaction as they find it harder to practice good medicine.
Medical Liability Reform:
Tort reform will become a national priority as courts grapple with evolving theories of liability.
Excessive jury awards, including thermonuclear verdicts exceeding $100 million, represent a critical threat to healthcare access, extending far beyond insurance implications.
While true medical negligence cases do occur, most malpractice lawsuits against physicians arise from unfavorable patient outcomes rather than actual substandard care. According to data from the AMA and the MPL Association, nearly one-third of physicians—and almost half of those age 55 and older—have faced litigation. Importantly, between 2016 and 2018, 65 percent of closed claims were abandoned, dismissed, or withdrawn, and only 6 percent proceeded to trial, where physicians prevailed in approximately 90 percent of cases. This underscores the pervasive nature of litigation in medicine, often unrelated to clinical error.
Comprehensive medical liability reform is essential for preserving healthcare access, and legislative intervention is increasingly necessary. “More than 30 states have enacted medical liability reform laws to promote access to healthcare; however, these laws are constantly under attack,” says Elizabeth Y. Healy, Vice President, Government and Community Relations, The Doctors Company, part of TDC Group.
The loss of critical healthcare services—including obstetrics, trauma, and rural emergency care—combined with rising average wait times (now approximately 31 days for a physician appointment), will intensify pressure on policymakers at both state and federal levels to act on liability reform.
Lack of transparency in TPLF can prolong medical malpractice cases and inflate
Ultimately, liability reform does not absolve medical professionals of responsibility; rather, it seeks to restore balance—ensuring fair compensation for genuine medical negligence while safeguarding the integrity and sustainability of healthcare delivery.
In the absence of meaningful reform, the prevalence of nuclear verdicts jeopardizes the stability of healthcare systems. Robust medical liability reform enables physicians and institutions to deliver care without the constant threat of catastrophic financial exposure.
Reproductive Healthcare Risks:
Ongoing uncertainty and liability surrounding reproductive healthcare will continue to disrupt established standards and require innovative insurance solutions.
In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade,
clinicians continue to face significant barriers to delivering evidence-based reproductive care in states enforcing bans on such services. These restrictions have resulted in delays in care and increased risk of adverse patient outcomes. Legal uncertainty persists regarding the permissibility of specific medical interventions, particularly in emergent reproductive scenarios that require immediate action.
This ambiguity inhibits providers from practicing within established standards, fostering clinical hesitancy and jeopardizing patient safety. Within an already resource-constrained healthcare system, these unintended consequences can exacerbate preventable morbidity and mortality.
“The dilemma of requiring clinicians to choose between violating their professional oath or withholding critical interventions in the absence of legal clarity is becoming increasingly common,” says Robert Kauffman, President, TDC Specialty Underwriters and Healthcare Risk Advisors, part of TDC Group. “Beyond the 26 states enforcing reproductive healthcare bans, additional regulatory and statutory complexities can similarly hinder just and timely resolution of care decisions.”
Practitioners are increasingly caught between potential violations of
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Predictions for U.S. Healthcare,
the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)—which mandates emergency care regardless of legal status—and exposure to civil or criminal liability for interventions that may be prohibited by state law.
Despite heightened legal risk, recent analyses show no broad migration of OB/GYNS away from states with restrictive reproductive health laws. In fact, a cohort study of over 60,000 OB/ GYNS found an 8.3 percent increase in their numbers in states with bans after the Dobbs decision, with similar growth observed elsewhere, irrespective of the local regulatory climate.
Considering these evolving risks, insurers must adapt by developing innovative coverage solutions—such as enhanced defense limits and protection against both civil and criminal claims—to support clinicians specializing in reproductive health.
Care at Home: More care will move to patients’ homes, with teams using defined roles to deliver high-quality care.
The evolving care landscape is shifting away from the traditional hospital-centric model toward a distributed network of healthcare professionals—physicians, NPs, PAs, and nurses—leveraging digital platforms to deliver care directly to patients in their homes. For many, the primary point of healthcare access is transitioning from the hospital to the home environment.
This migration toward home-based care is driven by ongoing hospital closures, reductions in inpatient capacity, and rapid advances in remote care capabilities. Hospital at Home (HaH) models are gaining significant momentum nationwide, with leading institutions such as Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins demonstrating that acute care can be administered safely and effectively outside of conventional hospital settings. As of summer 2025, data from the American Hospital Association indicates that 400 hospitals, spanning more than 140 healthcare systems and nearly 40 states, have received approval for HaH initiatives. CMS has facilitated this shift by authorizing waivers to reimburse select HaH services, indicating a move toward mainstream adoption, although the pace may be affected by legislative uncertainties. Many healthcare organizations remain cautious about investing in HaH infrastructure without long-term reimbursement assurances from Congress.
Well-defined patient eligibility criteria are critical to success for such programs, which can enhance both safety and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional inpatient care. Evidence suggests HaH programs are associated with lower mortality and readmission rates, decreased post-discharge expenditures, and reduced incidence of hospital-acquired infections and falls. Patient and caregiver satisfaction with
HaH is high, particularly after initial adoption barriers are overcome.
APCs—notably NPs and PAs—will play a pivotal role in supporting the national transition toward HaH. These clinicians are already integral to cardiac teams and other high-acuity care settings. In areas experiencing significant hospital closures or specialist shortages, often exacerbated by clinician retirements, APCs are essential for ensuring continued access to care.
“Physicians will remain essential, but will increasingly supervise, consult, and specialize in complex cases,” says Julie Ritzman, MBA, CPHRM, Senior Vice President, Patient Safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company, part of TDC Group. “As responsibility is shared across diverse teams, taking extreme care with questions of oversight and delegation—as well as remaining vigilant about handoff conversations and documentation—will be essential to mitigating liability concerns.”
Agentic AI and Responsibility: Advanced AI will redefine clinical decision making and accountability.
Currently, most AI systems in healthcare serve an assistive function. However, the emergence of agentic AI introduces a paradigm shift: These systems are designed to operate autonomously, undertaking tasks such as ordering diagnostic tests, scheduling follow-up appointments, adjusting medication regimens, and initiating patient outreach—without direct human initiation.
Agentic AI represents a substantial technological advancement over previous AI iterations. Unlike traditional generative AI, which progresses incrementally through linear, conditional logic (if-then decision trees), agentic AI begins with a defined clinical objective and independently determines the necessary actions to achieve it. This goal-oriented approach inverts the conventional problem-solving sequence found in current AI models.
At present, agentic AI is primarily being adopted for administrative applications within healthcare organizations, mirroring the initial deployment trajectory of generative AI. Nevertheless, as agentic AI transitions from passive to active roles, its influence is poised to fundamentally reshape clinical workflows. For patients, this could translate into more seamless, anticipatory care— systems that proactively identify gaps, anticipate needs, and take initiative.
For clinicians, however, this raises critical questions regarding accountability, particularly in scenarios where autonomous AI actions result in adverse events.
Healthcare organizations must proactively assess the risk of inaccuracies inherent in AI, including confabulation, algorithmic bias, and data errors. The principle of “garbage in, garbage
out” remains highly relevant. Guidance from regulatory bodies such as the Joint Commission and the Coalition for Health AI underscores the risks of unforeseen system interactions, which could precipitate misdiagnoses, inappropriate treatment plans, and subsequent patient harm.
Despite these risks, the potential benefits of agentic AI—improved patient safety, expanded access to care, and enhanced efficiency—are substantial. In primary care, where physician shortages are acute, agentic AI may enable providers to manage larger patient panels with reduced visit frequency. While this could be controversial in specialties where longitudinal patient relationships are paramount, it may offer welcome support for overextended practitioners.
The autonomous nature of agentic AI introduces new risk vectors, such as medication errors, which must be weighed against the baseline risk inherent in human-run systems. For context, Pharmacy Times reports that 1 in 30 patients currently experiences medication-related harm. As AI integration becomes standard practice, it is critical to compare the relative risks and develop robust safeguards.
Legal and regulatory frameworks are still evolving to address the autonomy of nonhuman actors in clinical practice.
Malpractice claims may arise in instances where errors originate from AI agents, rather than direct clinician action.
This shift will require clinicians to assume oversight roles, ensuring appropriate governance and intervening when necessary.
Information Complexity: The proliferation of chatbots, influencers, and direct-to-consumer advertising will both complicate and simplify evidence-based practice; clinicians will remain central to maintaining trust and sound medical judgment.
Patients are increasingly seeking health information and advice from social media influencers, their digital networks, and AI-powered platforms such as ChatGPT. This trend is further accelerated by pharmaceutical companies, which are leveraging directto-consumer (DTC) marketing and sales strategies that circumvent traditional physician oversight, thereby driving demand based more on promotional messaging than on scientific evidence and medical guidance.
Regulatory oversight and enforcement mechanisms have not kept pace with these developments. Following the FDA’s relaxation of advertising restrictions in 1997, pharmaceutical advertising expenditures rose nearly 800 percent. Whereas the FDA issued hundreds of enforcement letters annually for misleading advertisements in the late
1990s, in 2023 only one such letter was sent, and none in 2024. Notably, DTC advertising has contributed to approximately 31 percent of the increase in U.S. drug spending since 1997. This proliferation of health-related messaging poses substantive risks to the integrity of clinical care. Patients often present to clinical encounters with expectations shaped by advertising, social media discourse, or AI-generated explanations. In specialties such as pain management, DTC marketing and sensationalized claims from online sources can further elevate patient expectations, undermining education efforts and complicating shared decision making. Clinicians are increasingly challenged by patients who demand interventions
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not supported by clinical evidence, while simultaneously fearing the ramifications of patient dissatisfaction or complaints.
Amid this environment, the therapeutic alliance and the clinician’s role as a trusted source of medical information become increasingly critical. Healthcare professionals must actively engage patients to address misinformation, beginning with attentive listening and progressing to empathetic, evidence-based explanations that employ universal health literacy strategies, such as the teach-back method. Multiple follow-up interactions may be necessary to reinforce accurate understanding and promote patient engagement—an approach shown to benefit both patient safety and practitioner satisfaction.
Enduring Physician Trust:
Physicians will continue to be viewed as the trusted source of medical expertise, though the practice environment will change substantially.
Despite ongoing consolidation within hospital systems, the migration of care to home settings, the increasing autonomy of AI, and the prevalence of DTC pharmaceutical marketing, physicians will remain the cornerstone of healthcare delivery into 2026 and beyond. Patients will persist in seeking guidance from their physicians as the definitive authority on medical information.
However, the modalities of practice will evolve significantly. Clinical environments will shift toward digitally integrated care centers, merging traditional in-person consultations with telehealth services and leveraging data streams from patient wearables and remote monitoring technologies. Physicians will benefit from enhanced workflow efficiency and clinical support through AI-enabled triage and documentation systems.
Emerging business models—such as concierge medicine, direct primary care, and hybrid practices—are designed to promote practice sustainability. These models reduce administrative overhead and enable physicians to devote more time to patient-centered care, including extended appointments and personalized services that may fall outside conventional insurance reimbursement structures.
The medical degree will remain indispensable, continuing to serve as the gold standard of clinical expertise.
GrandRounds
Payton Appointed Executive Director, Memphis VA Medical Center
Edward Payton
Edward Payton has been appointed the new Executive Director of the Memphis VA Medical Center. Previously, he served as Interim, Executive Director Miami VA Healthcare System. He began his career at the VA Maryland Health Care System as an administrative fellow in 2013, advancing to roles such as Senior Department AdministratorAmbulatory and Emergency Care Clinical Center, Acting Group Practice Manager, and Administrative Officer for Mental Health. In 2018, he joined the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System as Deputy Chief of Medical Administration Service, later becoming Chief in 2020. During his tenure, he also served as Acting Associate Medical Center Director.
In January 2022, Payton was selected as the Associate Medical Center Director/COO at the Tennessee Valley Health Care System in Nashville, Tenn. He has also had the opportunity to serve as the Acting Associate Director of Operations at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Illinois, as well as Interim Deputy Executive Medical Center Director at both the Tennessee Valley Health Care System and the VA Connecticut Healthcare System.
Payton is a graduate of the Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SESCDP). He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Regional One Health Receives CON Approval for New Hospital
Regional One Health, the cornerstone of Memphis healthcare for nearly 200 years, has announced it has received Certificate of Need (CON) approval from the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission to move forward with construction of a new, modern hospital — transforming the former Commercial Appeal building site on Union Avenue into a stateof-the-art center for life-saving care. Final approval is expected March 24 after a 15-day waiting period.
This milestone represents a once-in-a-generation investment in Memphis’ health, economy, and future. The new Regional One Health hospital will modernize facilities, improve patient outcomes, and provide excellent care for families across the Mid-South.
Building on its legacy of care for all, the new Regional One Health facility will transform community health, foster learning and drive innovation.
As the only Level 1 trauma center in West Tennessee, Regional One Health currently treats more than 12,000 trauma patients annually in a facility designed for 4,000, achieving a 97% survival rate. The new hospital ensures this lifesaving care keeps pace with the growing needs of Memphis and the region.
The project is expected to generate nearly $892M in economic growth by 2027, creating approximately 3,600 construction jobs and 2,300 secondary jobs, and delivering more than $37M in state tax revenue.
By redeveloping the former Commercial Appeal property, Regional One Health will convert a historic Memphis site into a thriving healthcare and economic engine, strengthening Downtown, supporting workforce development, and reinforcing Memphis as a hub for training future generations of physicians and innovation.
Regional One Health has served Memphis for nearly two centuries — through crises, emergencies, and everyday care — regardless of a patient’s background or ability to pay. This new hospital ensures that legacy continues.
When finalization is complete, Regional One Health will move forward with planning and building its new, modern hospital. For more information about the new hospital, visit onecampus.regionalonehealth.org
Baptist Memorial and AMMC Finalize Merger
Memphis-based Baptist Memorial Health Care and Arkansas Methodist Medical Center of Paragould, Arkansas, have finalized plans to merge, increasing Baptist Memorial’s hospitals to 25 and solidifying the organization’s position as one of the largest not-for-profit health care systems in the United States.
Memorial Health Care.
Melanie Edens, most recently chief operating officer of NEA Baptist, has been selected to lead the hospital as CEO and administrator following the retirement of Brad Bloemer. Bloemer announced his plans to retire in February after serving in the leadership role since July 2023, and Edens moved into the role on March 1. Edens has more than 27 years of health care experience at NEA Baptist. She began her career with the organization as a student diagnostic CT technologist in 1998 and worked her way up to director of radiology in 2003. She was promoted to associate administrator in 2015 and COO in 2020. She has a bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences and a master’s degree in business from Arkansas State University.
Baptist Memorial Health Care now has three hospitals in Arkansas — in Crittenden, Craighead and Greene counties. Baptist, which had a net operating revenue of $4.9 billion in fiscal year 2025, most recently successfully completed mergers with OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville, Mississippi, in 2025; Anderson Regional Health System in Meridian, Mississippi, in 2024; and Mississippi Baptist Health System based in Jackson, Mississippi, in 2017.
Dr. George R. “Trey” Lee, III Voted TMA President-Elect
George R. “Trey” Lee, III, MD, a Neurologist and founder of Real Time Neuromonitoring Associates in Nashville, is the President-Elect of the Tennessee Medical Association (TMA) following a February election among its 10,000 members.
Lee will serve one year as President-Elect, one year as President and one year as Immediate Past President. His primary role is to serve as the face of the organization and spokesman for TMA with its membership, the media, government officials and the citizens of Tennessee. His formal installation will take place at TMA’s annual meeting in 2027. Lee has served on the TMA Board of Trustees for two years. He was named Speaker of the House of Delegates in 2025 and will serve in that role again at the association’s Annual Meeting in May.
The merger, which began with the signing of a shared mission agreement in April 2025, includes a transfer of all AMMC assets, including the 129-bed hospital, 91-bed Chateau on the Ridge Assisted Living facility and eight medical clinics, to Baptist Memorial Health Care. AMMC has more than 500 employees, who immediately transitioned to Baptist
TMA will install Gene Huffstutter, MD, a rheumatologist with Arthritis Associates PLLC in Hixson, Tenn., as its 2026-2027 President during this year’s President’s Luncheon at the Annual Meeting on May 2, 2026.
However, the traditional physician’s office—historically central to American healthcare—will undergo profound transformation. To thrive within an evolving healthcare system that demands both advanced technological integration and enduring patient trust, clinical practice environments will be reimagined to support digital innovation while preserving the essential human elements of care. continued on next page >
GrandRounds
Baptist Memorial and Stern Cardiovascular Change Working Structure
Starting on Jan. 1, 2026, Baptist Memorial Health Care and Stern Cardiovascular moved to a new working structure.
Stern, previously a Baptistemployed clinic, has transitioned to an independent clinic model, but will continue to work closely with Baptist Memorial hospitals and their providers.
The change in Baptist and Stern’s relationship will be imperceptible to patients.
As part of this new partnership, the community will benefit from expanded cardiology services, offering patients enhanced access to specialized care. Stern’s team of cardiologists will continue to work alongside Baptist Memorial hospitals to provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options.
Stern has 10 locations in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.
Saint Francis Healthcare Names Stephanie Sankovic Market Chief Human Resources Officer
in Naples, Florida and Salt Lake City, Utah. Previously, she served in HR Director roles at assisted living and skilled nursing facilities in Naples, Florida.
Sankovic obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Marketing, and her Master’s degree in Business Administration at Hodges University in Naples, Florida. She also earned Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida.
College of Nursing Mobile Units Expand Cancer Screening Outreach
The College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is taking cancer screening to urban and rural communities, thanks to two mobile health units donated by the West Cancer Center and Research Institute and grant funding from regional and national organizations.
questionnaires. Those who meet screening criteria will receive home test kits for colorectal or prostate cancer and will be given instructions on how to complete the kit and mail it to the laboratory for analysis.
Baptist Collierville Celebrates ICU Expansion
More than 50 Baptist Memorial, community and state leaders gathered to celebrate the expansion of Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville’s intensive care unit.
Harold Boyd Chair and will continue to see patients and contribute to Campbell Clinic’s mission as a physician and partner following the transition.
Saint Francis Healthcare recently announced the appointment of Stephanie Sankovic as Market Chief Human Resources Officer. In this role, she will oversee Human Resources (HR) functions at Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis and Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett.
Sankovic is a dynamic HR leader, with over 14 years of managerial experience, including almost a decade providing HR leadership in a wide range of healthcare settings, from general acute care hospitals and assisted living facilities to skilled nursing and long-term acute care facilities. She is proficient in developing and executing comprehensive HR strategies to hire, retain, and nurture top-notch healthcare professionals, as well as creating and applying long-term strategies to accomplish the mission and vision of the organizations where she has worked.
Sankovic comes to Saint Francis Healthcare from Lovelace Health System in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she served as the Director of Human Resources in a multi-site acute care hospital system. Before that, she was the Regional Human Resources Director overseeing HR functions at the Landmark Hospitals
Nursing faculty and students will use one of the vans to go into underserved neighborhoods in Shelby County. This cancer screening program is funded by a 12-month, $108,215 grant from The McKesson Foundation, a corporate foundation dedicated to Advancing Health Outcomes for All®. The grant supports the College of Nursing Cancer Prevention Project with the purpose of increasing access to cancer screenings for vulnerable communities. The rural cancer screening program will use a second van to go into Hardeman, Haywood, and Lauderdale counties to provide health education, cancer screening evaluations, and home colorectal or prostatespecific antigen (PSA) test kits over the next year. This program is funded through a 12-month, $168,475 subaward from the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement, an organization based in Johnson City that was established to address the nursing workforce shortage in Tennessee and the Appalachian Highlands region.
Associate Professor Ricketta Clark, DNP, APRN-BC, is the principal investigator on the Shelby County project, the grant funded by the McKesson Foundation.
The goal of both outreach programs is to provide cancer education, screening, tools, and handouts at least once a week at community events and health fairs. Nursing students and faculty will distribute information on breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer, as well as screening
The expansion doubles the capacity of Baptist Collierville’s ICU from seven to 14 beds, increasing the unit’s footprint to 17,000 square feet. Partially funded through a $5 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Health’s Healthcare Resiliency Program, the expansion totaled almost $11 million.
Flintco built the new ICU, formerly on the first floor, in shell and storage space on the second floor of the hospital. The expanded unit features TeleGuardian electronic ICU remote monitoring technology in each room to enhance care and a new dialysis suite that will allow four patients to receive treatment at once. A respiratory office and equipment are placed in the center of the new ICU for better efficiency and quality of care.
Now that ICU renovations are complete, construction will begin on an emergency department expansion that will include the former ICU space on the first floor, which will increase the ER size by 4,732 square feet. ESa architectural firm designed both expansions, and Belz Architecture+Construction will handle construction for the ER expansion, which is set to start immediately.
Campbell Clinic Announces Leadership Transition
Campbell Clinic, a worldrenowned leader in orthopaedic care and innovation, recently announced that, effective January 1, 2026, John R. Crockarell, Jr., MD, MBA, has been elected Chief of Staff, succeeding Frederick M. Azar, MD, who has served with distinction in the role. Azar was recently appointed to serve as the University of Tennessee – Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering
Crockarell brings nearly 30 years of clinical and academic experience to the role, having joined the Campbell Clinic team in July 1997. A specialist in total joint replacement, Crockarell is a Professor in the UT-Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and a respected leader in adult orthopaedic reconstruction, including hip and knee replacement and revision surgery. He completed his medical degree at the University of TennesseeMemphis, residency at UT-Campbell Clinic, and a fellowship in Adult Reconstruction at Mayo Clinic. Azar’s 16 years as Chief of Staff have been marked by visionary leadership, clinical excellence, and a commitment to education and professional development. During his tenure, Campbell Clinic has grown to nearly 1,200 employees with more than 30 locations in Tennessee, Mississippi and Virginia. A distinguished orthopaedic surgeon and past President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Azar has elevated Campbell Clinic’s impact regionally, nationally and across the globe.
Dr. Debra L. Palazzi Named Chair of Department of Pediatrics at UTHSC and Pediatrician-in-Chief at Le Bonheur Children’s Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center are proud to announce Debra L. Palazzi, MD, MEd, as Pediatricianin-Chief at Le Bonheur Children’s and the Dunavant Chair of Pediatrics at UT Health Science Center College of Medicine.
A nationally recognized leader in pediatric infectious diseases, Dr. Palazzi has dedicated her career to advancing clinical care, championing medical education and promoting scientific inquiry to benefit the care of children. Palazzi has demonstrated sustained professional leadership at the institutional and national levels, contributing to the growth and direction of the pediatric infectious diseases community. She currently serves as Professor of Pediatrics and Division
Debra Palazzi
John Crockarell
Stephanie Sankovic
GrandRounds
Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX and President of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society.
Palazzi attended Princeton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular Biology. She received her Doctor of Medicine from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, followed by a pediatric residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. She completed her Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine and later earned a Master of Education with an emphasis in the Health Sciences from the University of Houston.
At Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Palazzi has been recognized with numerous honors, including multiple institutional teaching awards, the Star Award for Excellence in Patient Care and the Master Clinician Award. Palazzi’s passion for education extends nationally through her many editorial and teaching roles. She serves as Editor of the AAP’s Nelson’s Pediatric Antimicrobial Therapy, a key reference guiding evidence-based antimicrobial use in children. She is also Associate Editor for JAMA Pediatrics, the top ranked journal in child health, where she helps shape the dissemination of high-impact research and scholarship affecting children. Palazzi’s research interests focus on diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship, with the goal of improving patient outcomes while reducing unnecessary antimicrobial exposure.
Building on the strong foundations of UT Health Science Center and Le Bonheur, Palazzi looks forward to advancing care for children and families.
Palazzi will begin her new role on July 1, 2026.
Top Research Stories of 2025: UTHSC’s Year of Impact
Here’s a look back at the top research stories that defined an extraordinary year.
R1 Designation:
A Milestone Moment
In 2025, UT Health Sciences earned the prestigious R1 Designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the highest level of research excellence in the United States. This achievement places UT Health Sciences among the nation’s elite research universities and makes the University of Tennessee
System one of only 14 public systems in the country with more than one R1-designated institution. It also positions Memphis as one of just six U.S. cities home to two R1 public universities, underscoring the region’s growing role as a hub for innovation, economic development, and top-tier talent.
Statewide Leadership in Cancer Research
In October 2025, UT Health Sciences convened the first-ever Tennessee Statewide Cancer Collaborative Scientific Meeting in Nashville. The two-day conference brought together researchers, clinicians, and institutional partners from across the state to align strategies and strengthen collaboration in cancer research. With the theme “Advancing Cancer Research Across Tennessee,” the meeting highlighted opportunities to expand research infrastructure, attract state and federal investment, and improve cancer outcomes for Tennesseans, marking a significant step toward a more unified statewide approach.
Center of Excellence for Rural Health
The Tennessee Department of Health selected UTHSC as the Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence, awarding a $12 million grant to support a four-year initiative focused on reducing health disparities in rural communities. The initiative will expand public-private partnerships and administer $7 million in planning and implementation grants to address critical rural health challenges.
Cutting-Edge Technology Meets Infectious Disease Research
Colleen Jonsson, PhD, Harriet S. Van Vleet Chair of Excellence in Virology and director of the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, is leading pioneering research using a human brain-on-a-chip to study how deadly encephalitis viruses infect the brain and how to stop them. Working with graduate student Walter Reichard, the team is pushing the boundaries of biomedical research, offering new insight into host-pathogen interactions that could accelerate treatment development for life-threatening infections.
Shaping National and Global Conversations
Liza Makowski, PhD, associate director for Education and Development in the Center for
Cancer Research, co-authored a highprofile commentary in Nature Reviews Cancer examining the potential cancer-related implications of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. The article places UT Health Sciences at the forefront of a critical global discussion on the long-term impacts of some of the most widely used drugs of the decade.
Il Hwan Kim, PhD, associate professor of anatomy and neurobiology, published groundbreaking findings revealing how disruptions in the blood-brain barrier contribute to Autism Spectrum Disorder development
Major Awards Driving Discovery
Wei Li, PhD, distinguished professor and director of the Drug Discovery Center, received a $3.24 million National Cancer Institute grant to develop a promising new therapy for triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease.
John Cox, PhD, received a $3.68 million Nation Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases grant to uncover how Chlamydia trachomatis reproduces, a mystery that has long challenged scientists. The findings could lead to improved treatments for the world’s most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection.
Led by Qi Zhao, MD, PhD, the long-running Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood (CANDLE) Study received continued NIH funding through the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program to examine how early-life environmental exposures affect child and adolescent health, including neurodevelopment, obesity, and respiratory outcomes.
Student Research Excellence
Michaela Meehl, a graduate student in the College of Graduate Health Sciences, received a $131,712 National Cancer Institute predoctoral fellowship to advance research aimed at improving CAR T-cell therapy, one of today’s most promising cancer treatments
Pharmaceutical sciences PhD student Ishita Kathuria earned multiple awards for her research on vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis, including first place at the Vascular Research Initiatives Conference and competitive funding to pursue independent research on metabolic liver disease.
Saint Francis Medical Partners Welcomes Cardiothoracic Surgeons
Saint Francis Medical Partners recently welcomed two board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons – James W. Blatchford, III, MD, and Harbinder Singh, MD – to Saint Francis Cardiovascular; Thoracic Surgery Associates.
For Dr. Blatchford, this is a return to Saint Francis Medical Partners, where he practiced for 10 years before leaving in 2021 to join the medical staff at Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center in Memphis. Singh comes to Saint Francis Medical Partners after practicing, most recently, at hospitals in Tucson, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Blatchford earned his undergraduate degree, with distinction in chemistry, at Duke University in Durham, N.C., where he graduated magna cum laude. He went on to earn his medical degree at the Duke University School of Medicine. He trained in General Surgery at the Yale University School of Medicine, where he was Chief Resident and Instructor in Surgery. Blatchford completed a residency and a fellowship in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (Parkland Memorial Hospital).
Singh earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, and his medical degree at Chicago Medical School/Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine Science in North Chicago, Illinois. He completed residencies in General Surgery at the University of Chicago Metropolitan Group Hospitals in Chicago and in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Boston University Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Singh also was the Senior Resident in Congenital Cardiac Surgery at Harvard Medical School/Boston Children’s Hospital. He went on to complete a fellowship in the Department of Cardiac Surgery at Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and a Mini-Endovascular Fellowship in the department of Vascular Surgery at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York.
