Tag: East Tennessee Medical Group

Wilderness at the Smokies resort home to Santa Hustle Half-Marathon Run-and-Walk this Sunday

Posted by Rick Laney – November 29, 2011

Santa Hustle Run 2010

Sevierville, TN – Santa Claus is running to town, so don’t be a Grinch this holiday season!  The race will take place at the Wilderness at the Smokies hotel and waterpark resort on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 at 9 a.m. ET.  More than 1,200 participants are expected to attend the Santa Hustle in the Smokies this year.

The Santa Hustle series has had great success in Chicago, with last year totaling more than 3,500 finishers. The Santa Hustle race in Chicago has been featured on the Rachel Ray Show and will be shown on the Travel Channel this winter. This year the race has expanded and will take place in Sevierville, Chicago, and Indianapolis.

“Wilderness at the Smokies is honored to be part of this fantastic addition to the Sevierville holiday offerings,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies. “Since the day we opened, Wilderness has tried to give people new, exciting ways to enjoy the Smoky Mountain area – and this is just one more example of how we are doing that.”

Participants in the holiday-themed race will receive a free Santa hat, beard and a customized shirt to wear while running. The top three runners from each age category will be awarded along with the participant and group with the best Santa costumes. All half-marathon participants will receive a Santa Hustle Finishers medal. After the race, everyone can enjoy an after party at the Wilderness with holiday music, food and drinks.

“We are so excited to bring this race to Tennessee and can’t wait to see 1,200 Santa’s running down Route 66,” event director Heather Frayn said. “You will also see over 100 volunteers dressed as elves along the course, giant inflatable Santa’s candy stations and more.”

The Santa Hustle Smokies is presented by Reebok and is hosted by Adrenaline Sports Management of Illinois. With stores in both Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, Reebok is happy to share their holiday cheer with the community and take part in this event. The Santa Hustle Smokies also benefits two charity organizations; The Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee and Harvestfield Ministries.

Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up is only available at the Wilderness at the Smokies on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Packet pick-up will take place within the Adrenaline Sports Management expo, which is open to all participants and the general public.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, two outdoor waterparks, a seven-acre indoor waterpark with a wave pool and the Southeast’s only Surf Rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  It is adjacent to a 200,000 square-foot conference, convention and event center known for hosting the areas largest conferences, athletic events and trade shows.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.santahustlesmokies.com or call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

East Tennessee Medical Group Sponsors Movie To Benefit United Way

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – August 12, 2011

Alcoa, TN- East Tennessee Medical Group is bringing the cartoon “Rio” to the Palace Theater in downtown Maryville Sat. Aug. 13, with proceeds to benefit United Way. Ticket prices are $5, with doors opening at 6:30p.m. and the movie starting at 7 p.m.

The G-rated comedy adventure features a macaw from Minnesota who takes a walk on the wild side in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Prior to the movie’s start, attendees can answer trivia questions to compete for door prizes. Concessions also will be available.

East Tennessee Medical Group is a 50-provider multi-specialty medical group in Alcoa, serving Blount County for over 15 years. For the third consecutive year, ETMG has been recognized as the #1 healthcare facility in Blount County by The Daily Times Readers’ Choice Awards. For more information, call 984-ETMG or visit its website at www.etmg.net.

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ETMG Center for Sleep Medicine in Maryville Receives Program Accreditation

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – August 11, 2011

MARYVILLE, Tenn. — The ETMG Center for Sleep Medicine, part of East Tennessee Medical Group, recently received program accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

ETMG Center for Sleep Medicine personnel, left to right: Tammy Moore, RPSGT (Registered Polsomnographic Technologist); Nelda Kagley, RPSGT; Charles Ashworth, Director; Bobbie Bullock, Office Manager; Lindsey Merriman, M.A.; Aqueel M. Kouser, M.D., Medical Director; Claudia Heina, FNP-BC Nurse Practitioner/Sleep Specialist; and Bruce Roberts, M.D., Pulmonologist.

“ETMG strives to offer the most innovative health care available to the people of East Tennessee. Our individualized approach to sleep medicine provides the best possible care for our patients,” said Ron German, ETMG CEO.

ETMG Center for Sleep Medicine, located at 710 Morganton Square Drive, is directed by Dr. Aqueel M. Kouser and staffed by physicians Fredric M. Radoff, M.D. and Bruce T. Roberts, M.D.

Dr. Patrick Strollo, American Academy of Sleep Medicine president congratulated ETMG Center for Sleep Medicine on fulfilling the high standards required for receiving accreditation as a sleep disorders center. “The center is a significant resource to the local medical community and will provide academic and scientific value in addition to the highest quality care for patients suffering from sleep disorders,” he said.

To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the AASM. The accreditation process involves detailed inspection of a center’s facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts, and physician training. Additionally, the facility’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine currently accredits more than 2,200 sleep medicine centers and laboratories across the country.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is a professional medical society for clinicians, researchers, and other health care providers in the field of sleep medicine. As the national accrediting body for sleep disorders centers and labs, the AASM is dedicated to setting standards and promoting excellence in sleep medicine health care, education and research.

East Tennessee Medical Group is a 50-provider multi-specialty medical group in Alcoa, serving Blount County for over 15 years. For the third consecutive year, ETMG has been recognized as the #1 Healthcare facility in Blount County by The Daily Times Readers’ Choice Awards. For more information, call 984-ETMG or visit its website at www.etmg.net.

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Nils Gaddis, D.O., Rejoins East Tennessee Medical Group

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – July 21, 2011

ALCOA, Tenn. – Nils Gaddis, D.O., will rejoin the internal medicine staff of East Tennessee Medical Group, 266 Joule St., Alcoa, Tenn, accepting new patients August 1.

Nils Gaddis, D.O.

Dr. Gaddis has been working as a hospitalist at Blount Memorial Hospital for ETMG for the last several years.  He received his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, Arizona. He completed his internship and residency at the Indiana University Department of Internal Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind.  At this same time Dr. Gaddis also served as the on-call physician at the Indiana University’s emergency room. He received his undergraduate degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Ind.  He has been employed by ETMG since 2003.

Dr. Gaddis is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine.

East Tennessee Medical Group is a 50-provider multi-specialty medical group in Alcoa, serving Blount County for over 15 years. For the third consecutive year, ETMG has been recognized as the #1 Healthcare facility in Blount County by The Daily Times Readers’ Choice Awards. For more information, call 984-ETMG or visit its website at www.etmg.net.

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Neal W. Atchley, M.D., Re-joins East Tennessee Medical Group

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – July 7, 2011

ALCOA, Tenn. – Board-certified family practice physician, Neal W. Atchley, M.D., will rejoin the primary care physician staff of East Tennessee Medical Group, 266 Joule St., Alcoa, Tenn, accepting new patients August 1.

Neal W. Atchley, M.D.

Dr. Atchley earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis, Tenn. He completed his family practice internship and his residency at the University of Alabama-Birmingham in Huntsville, Ala.  He is a member of the American Association of Family Practice.

East Tennessee Medical Group is a 50-provider multi-specialty medical group in Alcoa, serving Blount County for over 15 years. For the third consecutive year, ETMG has been recognized as the #1 Healthcare facility in Blount County by The Daily Times Readers’ Choice Awards. For more information, call 984-ETMG or visit its website at www.etmg.net.

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Media Contact:
Ron German
(865)984-ETMG
rgerman@etmg.net

East Tennessee Medical Group Longtime Employees Honored

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – June 30, 2011

ALCOA, Tenn. – East Tennessee Medical Group (ETMG) recently honored its longtime employees who have worked at the multi-specialty physician practice for more than five years.

The presentation was one highlight of the companywide picnic held Saturday, May 21 in Springbrook Park, Alcoa.

Recipients of the five-year longevity awards included:

  • Karen Click
  • Glenda Gibson
  • Teresa Russell
  • Brandi Byrd
  • Stephanie Tipton
  • Peggy Young
  • Jenny Lewis
  • Susan Wilson
  • Alma Evans
  • Judy Kubik
  • Amanda Cummings
  • Jennifer Malonee
  • Carolyn Tompkins
  • Melissa Pendleton
  • Nelda Kagley
  • Cheree Broscious
  • Jackie Hopkins
  • Dustin Bowen
  • Keema Kidd
  • Stephanie Wyatt
  • Megan Bender
  • Chandra Hearon
  • Charity Ward
  • Nadine Derksen
  • Dianne Gruber

Recipients of the 10-year awards included:

  • Deloris A. Hendrickson
  • Beth Russell
  • Jessica Patty
  • Amanda Hendrick
  • Patti Seigler
  • Dr. Alma Leaird
  • Bobbie Bullock
  • Jocelyn Carroll
  • Heather Zweifel
  • Jim Long

Recipients of the 15+ year awards included:

  • Lissa Baldwin
  • Sherry Reagan
  • Lucy Mckeehan
  • Jan Cope
  • Katie Turner
  • Mike Clapp
  • Sandy Russell
  • Regina Piuma
  • Patsy McCall
  • Pat Cox
  • Patti Lawson
  • Rhonda Taylor
  • Carol Wicks
  • Jo Rasar
  • Sandra Bonds
  • Belinda Riegle

Of East Tennessee Medical Group’s 200 employees, over 60 percent have been employed for more than five years.

East Tennessee Medical Group is a 50-provider multi-specialty medical group in Alcoa, serving Blount County for over 15 years. For the third consecutive year, ETMG has been recognized as the #1 Healthcare facility in Blount County by The Daily Times Readers’ Choice Awards. For more information, call 984-ETMG or visit its website at www.etmg.net.

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Media Contact:
Ron German
(865)984-ETMG
rgerman@etmg.net

East Tennessee Medical Group Achieves MGMA “Better Performer” Status

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – January 31, 2011

ALCOA, Tenn.—  East Tennessee Medical Group (ETMG), voted for the last two years as Blount County’s leading healthcare facility, has been named a “better performer” for 2010 by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). ETMG was recognized by Performance and Practices of Successful Medical Groups: 2010 Report based on 2009 Data for superior operational performance compared with similar medical group practices nationwide.

The MGMA report, a benchmarking standard among medical groups for over a decade, was produced using data from respondents to the MGMA Cost Survey: 2010 Reports Based on 2009 Data as well as data from a questionnaire that assessed management behaviors, practices and procedures of better performers. The report profiles medical practices that have demonstrated success in one or more areas: profitability and cost management; productivity, capacity and staffing; accounts receivable and collections; patient satisfaction; and managed care operations.

East Tennessee Medical Group, 266 Joule St., Alcoa, was founded in 1994 by nine physicians with over eighty years of collective medical experience. Now, over 15 years later, the group boasts 40 physicians representing12 specialties in one centralized location. ETMG utilizes the most advanced technology East Tennessee has to offer, including a state-of-the art 64 Slice CT Scanner, electronic medical records, digital X-ray, ultrasound and a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). ETMG’s recent awards include being voted as the number one healthcare facility by The Daily Times Readers’ Choice Awards for two consecutive years, and the TECHMED award for its outstanding use of patient care technology and its innovative use of electronic medical records (EMR) in its practice.

“East Tennessee Medical Group’s physicians, healthcare providers and staff are delighted to receive this “better performer” designation. We have long been recognized locally for cutting-edge healthcare, as evidenced by our ranking as the number one healthcare facility in Blount County by The Daily Times Readers’ Choice Awards. It is only fitting for ETMG also to receive recognition on a national level,” said Ron German, CEO, East Tennessee Medical Group.

East Tennessee Medical Group is a 50-provider multi-specialty medical group in Alcoa, serving Blount County for over 15 years. For the second consecutive year, ETMG has been recognized as the #1 Healthcare facility in Blount County by The Daily Times Readers’ Choice Awards. For more information, call 984-ETMG or visit its website at www.etmg.net.

About MGMA

MGMA is the premier membership association for professional administrators and leaders of medical group practices. Since 1926, MGMA has delivered networking, professional education and resources, and political advocacy for medical practice management. Today, MGMA’s 22,500 members lead 13,700 organizations nationwide in which some 275,000 physicians provide more than 40 percent of the health care services delivered in the United States.

MGMA’s mission is to continually improve the performance of medical group practice professionals and the organizations they represent. MGMA promotes the group practice model as the optimal framework for health care delivery, assisting group practices in providing efficient, safe, patient-focused and affordable care. MGMA is headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and maintains a government affairs office in Washington, D.C. Please visit mgma.com.

Media Contact:
Ron German
East Tennessee Medical Group
(865) 984-ETMG

Neurologist Darel Anthony Butler Joins East Tennessee Medical Group

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – September 22, 2010

ALCOA, Tenn. – Board certified neurologist Darel Anthony Butler, M.D., Darel Anthony Butler, Neurologist at East Tennessee Medical Groupjoins the staff of East Tennessee Medical Group, 266 Joule St., Alcoa, Tenn., in September.

Dr. Butler completed his neurology residency at the University of California, San Francisco, Calif., following an internship at the California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco. He received his medical degree from the University of California, School of Medicine, San Francisco, and his bachelor’s degree in biology cum laude from Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

Prior to his arrival at ETMG, Butler owned Butler Neurology, Memphis, Tenn. He also worked at Wesley Neurology Clinic, Memphis and was clinical assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences, Memphis. Although Dr. Butler has practiced 14 years in Tenn., he has spent many years studying and teaching in California. He also has presented clinical research findings at international presentations in Paris, France, and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Butler’s past community involvement includes work with local Alzheimer’s Association events, inner city crisis shelter counseling, and founding the We CARE! Alzheimer’s Clinic in Memphis. He has received many awards for medical and community service, including the Resolution Honor Award for Alzheimer Treatment and Research presented by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, the Living Legend Award by the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, and the “Promising Future” award by the California State Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association of the Mid-South and was a trustee at LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis. He is also a member of the American Academy of Neurology, the American Medical Association, and the National Medical Association.

East Tennessee Medical Group is a 50-provider multi-specialty medical group in Alcoa, serving Blount County for over 15 years. For the second consecutive year, ETMG has been recognized as the #1 Healthcare facility in Blount County by The Daily Times Readers’ Choice Awards. For more information, call 984-ETMG or visit its website at www.etmg.net.

CONTACT

Ron German

East Tennessee Medical Group

(865) 984-ETMG

Internal Medicine Duo Joins East Tennessee Medical Group

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – August 25, 2010

ALCOA, Tenn. –Husband and wife duo Aaron Smyth, D.O., and Kathrine Smyth, M.D., both internal medicine physicians, have joined the staff of East Tennessee Medical Group, 266 Joule St., Alcoa, Tenn. They currently are accepting patients.
With a clinical interest in geriatrics and preventative medicine, Dr. Aaron Smyth completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, following his medical degree from Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine, Pikeville, Ky. He received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Dr. Kathrine Smyth, who specializes in women’s health and preventative medicine, completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, after receiving her medical degree from East Tennessee State University College of Medicine, Johnson City, Tenn. She received her bachelor’s degree in microbiology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

The Smyths are members of the American College of Physicians and the Christian Medical and Dental Association.

East Tennessee Medical Group is a 50-provider multi-specialty medical group in Alcoa, serving Blount County for over 15 years.  For the second consecutive year, ETMG has been recognized as the # 1 Healthcare facility in Blount County by The Daily Times Readers’ Choice Awards. For more information, call 984-ETMG or visit its website at www.etmg.net.

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CONTACT

Ron German

East Tennessee Medical Group

(865) 984-ETMG

Internationally-recognized magician Terry Evanswood makes new, permanent home at WonderWorks

Posted by Rick Laney – April 27, 2010

Terry Evanswood

Terry Evanswood at WonderWorks

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. – The movies have the “Oscar” and magic has the “Merlin.”  Both are highly sought-after awards given only to the most outstanding performers and artists.  WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. is now the permanent home to Terry Evanswood, one of a very select group of magicians to ever earn a Merlin.  Harry Blackstone, Doug Henning, Siegfried & Roy, and David Copperfield are a few of the past Merlin winners.

In addition to Evanswood’s daily performances of “Wonders of Magic” at WonderWorks, a new museum called the “Hall of Magic” just opened inside WonderWorks showcasing some of magic’s most treasured artifacts from legendary magicians like Harry Houdini, Howard Thurston and Harry Blackstone.  A huge collection of priceless props, costumes, autographs, mechanical toys, memorabilia and antique magic sets are now on display in the free Hall of Magic museum.

Over the years, Evanswood has thrilled audiences with his performances throughout the world, with some of his biggest fans being other famous magicians.  Now that Evanswood has found a home at the popular WonderWorks attraction in Pigeon Forge, he is within a one-day drive of most major cities in the Eastern U.S. and a must-see for visitors to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“When I begin my show,” Evanswood said, “I look out and see an audience full of children, parents and grandparents. By the time I am half-way through my performance, I look out on each and every face and I see an entire audience of kids.  The look of complete awe and wonderment on their faces turns every single person in the room into a child.  That’s the most impressive magic trick I can ever hope to perform.”

Merlin Award

Terry Evanswood's Merlin Award in the Hall of Magic Museum at WonderWorks

Evanswood, who knew he wanted to be a magician since he was 9 years old, has performed in front of well over a million people (including being invited twice to perform at the White House in Washington, D.C.).  Along with his cast – Brittany McElroy. Natasha Volvacheva, Linda Black and Mike Phillips –  Evanswood continues to thrill huge crowds daily at WonderWorks with magic, illusions, sleight-of-hand, Houdini-style escapes and a dose of comedy.

WonderWorks, is an indoor theme park that opened in 2006 and has nearly 60,000 square feet of fun for all ages. WonderWorks is housed in an upside down building (you have to see it to be believe it).  The building appears to have been ripped from its foundation and set back down on its roof.

Inside WonderWorks, guests will find 120 interactive adventures that include the “Challenge Zone” with a rock wall climbing, physical and psychological endurance competitions and even a “bed of nails” to lie on.  In the “Space Zone,” visitors are entertained with interactive, 3-D films about outer space plus life-size recreations of space suits they can try on for size, a Mercury Space Capsule, and simulators that allow guests to land the Discovery Space Shuttle as it glides in from outer space.

WonderWorks also houses a “Sound and Light Zone,” a “Natural Disaster Zone” (where guests can experience a 5.3 earthquake), and the “Control Center” where visitors create roller coasters on computers and then get to ride the roller coaster they created in a coaster simulator.  WonderWorks also features the WonderDog Café where guests can enjoy the world-famous WonderDog with its secret recipe chili sauce without ever leaving the attraction.

Every evening, WonderWorks comes to life with the “Hoot N’Holler” dinner show – one of the most popular shows in the Great Smoky Mountains.  For years, visitors have enjoyed a fantastic three-course dinner with their family while experiencing the 90-minute performance featuring “Scraps,” whose antics leave guests rolling in the aisles with laughter.  Kids are always FREE at the Hoot N’ Holler diner show with a paying adult.

ValueVacation tickets to WonderWorks are available in a variety of packages that meet the needs of any size family.  To learn more about WonderWorks, the Hoot N’Holler dinner show and the new Wonders of Magic show featuring Terry Evanswood, visit www.WonderWorksTN.com or call 865-868-1800.

WonderWorks operates from 9 a.m. to midnight every day.  We also operate in Orlando, Fla. and will open soon in Panama City, Fla. and Myrtle Beach, S.C.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com