Department of Medicine Faculty Development
Welcome to the Faculty Development page of the Department of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Our department is deeply committed to fostering the growth and success of our faculty members. We are excited to introduce several new initiatives aimed at supporting your career development and professional growth. You will find many resources here, primarily organized into onboarding, mentoring, and promotion & tenure.
The objectives and responsibilities of the Office of Faculty Development are:
- Promote effective mentoring relationships through training, support, and oversight.
- Oversee and facilitate the promotion and tenure process at UTHSC.
- Assist with the recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty.
- Support faculty in achieving relevant career development through intramural and extramural programs.
- Improve communication with faculty with regards to onboarding and general support resources.
Thank you for your dedication to excellence in medicine, and we look forward to supporting your continued growth.
Kenneth I. Ataga, MD
Vice Chair of Faculty Development
Faculty Development Personnel
Vice Chair of Faculty Development, Dr. Kenneth Ataga, currently serves as the Plough Foundation Endowed Chair in Sickle Cell Disease at UTHSC, and as the Division Chief of Hematology in the Department of Medicine. He has extensive experience with mentoring and promotion and tenure at all levels at UTHSC.
Faculty Development Coordinator
John Moseley
901.448.9405
The Department of Medicine is dedicated to supporting your journey as you settle into your new role and thrive within our vibrant academic community.
This resources here will provide you with all the essential information, tools, and support you need to get started.
Faculty Onboarding Coordinators:
Renee McDowell (volunteer/affiliate)
Vakeena Robinson (paid faculty)
Mentorship is a vital driver of faculty success, and we are dedicated to supporting junior faculty in building successful academic careers and becoming future leaders at UTHSC. Our mentorship program provides resources to connect junior faculty with career mentors and research mentors, selected in collaboration with their Division Chief. Explore the resources below to get started.
As part of a leading academic medical center, our faculty members are at the forefront of clinical care, education, research, and service. Achieving promotion and tenure is a significant milestone that recognizes your dedication, achievements, and contributions to these core missions.
Department P&T Coordinator: John Moseley
Syamal K. Bhattacharya, PhD
Dr. Syamal Bhattacharya is a Professor of Medicine with tenure in the Division of
Cardiovascular Diseases and holds joint appointments as a Professor of Surgery, Neurology,
and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Dr. Bhattacharya is one of the most experienced mentors
on campus, having mentored numerous students and fellows throughout his career. He
is currently the Director of Longitudinal Scholars Project for medical students at
UTHSC. He has served on multiple committees at UTHSC, including the Promotion and
Tenure Committees at the Department of Medicine and College of Medicine.
Uzoma Ibebuogu, MD
Dr. Uzoma Ibebuogu is a tenured Professor of Medicine (with tenure) and Interim Chief
of the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, as well as serving as the Director of
the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program. With numerous peer-reviewed publications
and presentations at prestigious cardiology conferences, Dr. Ibebuogu is a nationally
recognized interventional cardiologist. He serves on multiple committees for the American
College of Cardiology.
Debendra Pattanaik, MD
Dr. Debendra Pattanaik is a Professor of Medicine (with tenure) and Chief of the Division
of Rheumatology and Immunology at UTHSC. With over two decades of experience, Dr.
Pattanaik has served in key academic, clinical, and leadership roles, including serving
on various Promotion and Tenure Committees at the Department of Medicine and College
of Medicine. He has extensive experience in various promotion committees at the department
and college level at UTHSC. His contributions to medical education and research have
earned him recognition, including being named the Medical Honoree by the National
Arthritis Foundation.
Brad Canada, MD
Dr. Robert Canada is a Professor of Medicine (with tenure) in the Division of Nephrology
and is currently the Chief Medical Officer at University Clinical Health. With extensive
experience in clinical practice and medical education, Dr. Canada has served as the
Medical Director for various dialysis clinics. He currently serves on both the Department
of Medicine and College of Medicine Promotion and Tenure Committees. A highly respected
educator, he has been recognized among the Top 20 Teachers in the Department of Medicine
for over a decade.
Alva Weir, MD
Dr. Weir is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Medical Oncology and Chief
of Hematology-Oncology at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. Veterans Administration
Medical Center. He is a medical oncologist with extensive experience in clinical practice
and medical education. He is an experienced mentor and previously served as the Director
of the Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Training Program at UTHSC where he was responsible
for training more than 60 hematologists and oncologists.
Paid Faculty Coordinator - Vakeena Robinson - 901.448.9535
Volunteer/Affiliate & Grand Rounds Coordinator - Renee McDowell - 901.448.9637
Promotion & Tenure, Faculty Development Coordinator, Website Admin - John Moseley - 901.448.9405
Cardiology - Carye Jackman - 901.448.5750
Endocrinology - Daphne Damper - 901.448.2610
Gastroenterology & Hepatology - Lisa Robinson - 901.448.4384
General Internal Medicine - Lametria Elliott - 901.448.5475
Hematology and Medical Oncology - Destiny Woody - 901.448.9729
Infectious Diseases - Lisa Robinson - 901.448.4384
Nephrology - Angela Cody - 901.448.5774
Pulmonary & Critical Care - Angela Cody - 901.448.5774
Rheumatology - Carye Jackman - 901.448.5750