From generation to generation, the medical profession constantly expands and shifts, but what remains consistent is a need for providers committed to patient care. Here, we take a look across specialties to explore how local physicians were inspired to care for their communities by following in the footsteps of their fathers.
Dr. Chad Smalley: From Art to Orthopedics
The road to becoming a surgeon is far from easy, but Dr. Chad Smalley found inspiration in his father, Dr. Lee Smalley. "I have admiration for what my father did as a surgical ophthalmologist," says Dr. Chad about his father, Dr. Lee Smalley.
Although Dr. Chad mirrored his father by becoming a surgeon, he decided to go a different route by studying orthopedics and specializing in knee and shoulder arthroscopy. Refining this subspecialty took Dr. Chad from the East to the West Coast, including a stint working as a team doctor for the San Francisco Giants.
Dr. Chad joined the Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics in 2006, and he’s grateful to have settled back in his home state. There was a time, however, when Dr. Chad considered a different path. "In college, I pursued some art interests as well as the sciences," he says.
"I had to decide between being an artist with a medium like glass or ceramics, or perhaps my medium would be using my hands to help people as a surgeon." The tactile, fine-tuned nature of arthroscopic surgery has proven to be a rewarding trade for Dr. Chad.
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Despite differing specialties, having a father familiar with the medical field has been an invaluable resource for Dr. Chad. Dr. Chad is excited about some of the cutting-edge discoveries being made in orthopedics, and it all goes back to improving the quality of patient care.
He says, "My father and I both went into medicine with the goal of helping people get better by resolving their physical problems."
Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics (CSMO)
At CSMO, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are educated at the master’s or doctoral level to provide acute, chronic, and specialty orthopedic care. They blend clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating orthopedic conditions with an emphasis on prevention.
CSMO’s highly trained medical professionals support our physicians and bring a comprehensive perspective and personal touch to advanced orthopedic care.
What's Arthroscopic Surgery? What are the Advantages?
Meet Some of the Professionals at CSMO:
- Lacie Black, MSN, NP-C: Nurse Practitioner to Dr. Chad Smalley. A native of Chattanooga, Lacie attended University of Tennesse at Chattanooga graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2013. After joining Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics in 2014, she subsequently continued her education at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga by completing her Masters of Science degree in Nursing in 2019. Lacie enjoys the outdoors, gardening, and boating. She and her husband have two daughters and live in Chattanooga.
- Colton Cooper, PA-C: Physician Assistant to Dr. Jason Wamack, Dr. Christopher Lotufo & Dr. Jason Robertson. Colton Cooper is from LaFayette, Georgia, and has lived there most of his life. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Dalton State College in Dalton, Georgia, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then went on to complete a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South University in Tampa, Florida. During an opportunity to job shadow several physician assistants at Center for Sports, the compassion and care Colton witnessed motivated him to follow in their footsteps. While completing his education and training, he worked at CSMO as a physical therapy tech in the North Georgia office.
- Shelby A. Day, DNP, FNP-BC: Nurse Practitioner, CSMO Urgent + Ortho - Dayton. Shelby A. Day is a board-certified family nurse practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Shelby has broad experience in a variety of clinical settings, including post-anesthesia, pediatric intensive care, and family medicine. “My passion is helping people regain confidence in their bodies, overcome limitations, and discover new possibilities through movement.
- Blakley Fine, PA-C: Physician Assistant to Dr. John Nash. Blakley earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, with minors in Biology and Spanish. She then completed a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Before joining the practice as a physician assistant, Blakley previously shadowed Kurt Pulver, PA and worked at CSMO as a certified medial assistant while she completed her education.
- Tom Holcomb, MSN, APRN, NP-C: Spine Team Nurse Practitioner. Tom Holcomb is a native of Chattanooga who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2010. He worked as an RN in post-anesthesia care and the operating room while completing a Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner from Middle Tennessee State University in 2014. Tom is married and has two young boys.
- Luke Mentzer, PA-C: Physician Assistant to Dr. Todd Grebner. Luke was born and raised in Hartland, Connecticut. He attended Wheaton College for his undergraduate degree where he acquired a degree in Allied Health Science. Prior to physician assistant school, he worked as an emergency room technician and personal trainer in Hartford. He attended Bethel University for physician assistant school and graduated in May of 2020. Once he completed his clinical rotations in Knoxville, Luke decided to stay in East Tennessee and joined Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics in 2021. He enjoys the outdoors, exercising and experiencing the beauty of the Chattanooga landscape. His favorite activities are rock climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, camping and hunting.
- Claire Parsons, PA-C: Physician Assistant, CSMO Urgent + Ortho - Gunbarrel. Claire Parsons, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant specializing in emergency and acute care. Before pursuing her graduate degree, Claire received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Health and Wellness from California State University, Chico, graduating with honors. With a strong foundation in both emergency medicine and preventive health, Claire is dedicated to delivering compassionate, efficient, and evidence-based care to every patient she sees. “I’m thrilled to join CSMO with two years of experience as an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant.
- John-Michael Riegger, PA-C: Physician Assistant to Dr. Jason Rogers & Dr. John-Michael Riegger earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Kinesiology from the University of Kentucky. He then completed a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Before joining CSMO, John-Micheal worked with another orthopaedic practice in Georgia where he managed a high-volume clinic while providing specialized care in joint reconstruction and physiatry. “I’m excited to join the team at Chattanooga’s premier orthopaedic clinic, where I look to combine my passion for outdoor activities with my dedication to helping patients get back to what they enjoy most.
- Annie Ripper, MMS, PA-C: Physician Assistant for Dr. Bell & Dr. Sanders. Annie earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. She then completed a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. During her undergraduate degree, Annie played basketball with Centre College and served on the Center for Career and Professional Development Advisory Committee. “I am excited to join because I love the community here in Chattanooga and the positive environment at CSMO,” Annie says.
- Barrett Schock: Spine Team Physician Assistant Barrett Schock earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Mississippi State University. He graduated with honors from South College with a Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
- Nicole Scott, FNP: Nurse Practitioner, CSMO Urgent + Ortho - Gunbarrel. Nicole Scott earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is a certified family nurse practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and orthopaedic nurse practitioner certified by the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board. “I’m thrilled to be joining the incredible team at Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics! With my background in orthopaedics, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that quality care can have on a patient’s journey to recovery. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping people regain their strength, mobility, and confidence after an injury so they can get back to the activities they love.
- Dana Simpson, FNP-BC: Nurse Practitioner. Dana is a native of Chattanooga. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga in 1998 with her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She practiced as an RN for eleven years prior to obtaining her Master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2009. Dana and her husband reside in East Brainerd with their two young children.
- Kate Smith, MSN, FNP-C: Nurse Practitioner to Dr. Timothy Ballard. Kate Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Fitness Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Masters in Exercise Science from the University of South Alabama. Kate continued her education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama. While beginning her nursing practice in the emergency department, she pursued a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, also at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “I’m committed to establishing meaningful relationships with patients and aiding them in improving their overall quality of life - by facilitating mobility and supporting their return to a more active, functional lifestyle. CSMO aligns with my commitment to patient care and with my passion for promoting health through movement.
- Lynne Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-C: Family Nurse Practitioner. Lynne received her Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University and her Master’s of Science in Nursing from Southern Adventist in 2016. Prior to joining Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, she worked as an RN in the emergency department at CHI Memorial Hospital. Lynne is married and has two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and traveling.
- Joseph Teal, PA-C: Physician Assistant to Dr. Jason Spangler. Joseph Teal had a goal of being in healthcare since he was young man. Joseph earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Tennessee before completing a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Joseph is originally from Dickson, Tennessee, where he played football, basketball and baseball. He relocated to Chattanooga with his wife and daughter to join CSMO in 2022.
- Andrew Walden, MSN, AGACNP-BC: Spine Team Nurse Practitioner. Andrew Walden began his nursing career with a Licensed Practice Nursing degree from Chattanooga State Community College and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. Andrew is an advanced practice registered nurse with more than 11 years’ experience and is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. His most recent experience includes working with a cardiothoracic surgery group where he managed patient care before, during and after surgery.
Other Chattanooga Physicians Following Family Footsteps
Dr. Bryn Meredith
Dr. Bryn Meredith always knew that he wanted to be a doctor, and this path would end up taking him all around the world and back again to Chattanooga. Dr. Bryn’s parents introduced him to the medical field early on. His mother worked as a pediatric nurse, and his father, Dr. Gary Meredith, was a pediatrician for over 40 years, so it comes as no surprise that Dr. Bryn followed in his parents’ footsteps.
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“My father had a huge influence on my life in many ways, and he certainly had a massive impact on my decision to pursue medicine,” says Dr. Bryn. “He really enjoyed what he did. Prior to returning to the Chattanooga area, Dr. Bryn worked for four years as a general pediatrician in the United States Navy. This provided exciting travel opportunities for Dr. Bryn’s family, including three years living in Japan.
Dr. “Due to the transient nature of military life, it was difficult to establish lasting relationships with families,” he says. In 2020, Dr. Bryn joined his father at CHI Memorial Pediatric Diagnostic Associates, where he has the opportunity to interact with patients that are the third or fourth generation of their family to receive care from this practice. Upon Dr. Gary’s retirement in 2021, Dr. Bryn is honored to continue care for several of his father’s patients and their children.
Dr. Bryn’s current medical practice might be more stationary than his time in the Navy, but this work continues to keep him on his toes.
Dr. Peter Boehm Jr.
For Dr. Peter Boehm Jr., it has been an honor to not only follow in the family business, but also to have the opportunity to scrub in alongside his father, Dr. "In the field of neurosurgery, it’s probably not very common to have multiple generations practicing together, but it’s been a great thing for us,” says Dr. Peter Jr.
The Boehm family tree is host to several other medical professionals in addition to Dr. Peter and his father. His uncle, Walter, was a neurosurgeon, as well as his grandfather, Dr. Walter Sr., who founded the Neurosurgical Group of Chattanooga and the Walter E. Boehm Birth Defects Center. “My dad was the third one to return here after school to practice medicine,” says Dr. Peter.
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“When it came time for me to decide where to practice, it was a no-brainer from my standpoint. Dr. Peter joined Erlanger Neurosurgery and Spine in 2011, where he performs a variety of brain and spine operations, often with the expert assistance of his father. Dr. Boehm Sr. is able to offer the medical team a wealth of knowledge from over 40 years of experience, as well as mentorship and guidance.
“What my father practices, and what he always taught me, is to love your patients, and they’ll love you back,” says Dr. Peter. This reciprocity of care has created a fulfilling career for Dr. Peter, and along with his team, he has witnessed countless patients overcome adversities.
He says, “Sometimes this job is very challenging and we face tough outcomes, but we also see some miraculous recoveries that exceed anything we can do as physicians. It’s the patients themselves that have done it.
Drs. Colton and Bryson Popp
Brothers Colton and Bryson Popp had a long-standing dream of working together with their father in the dental profession. “Growing up, my siblings and I would be at the office and see how our father affected peoples’ lives,” says Dr. Bryson. “Seeing Dad make a difference inspired me to do the same.”
Dr. Colton echoes this, adding that he decided in early high school to follow in his father’s footsteps. Team Popp Dental is a family practice to its core, with Dr. Tom Popp leading the way alongside his two sons and daughter-in-law. Dr. Colton joined the practice in 2018, while Dr. Bryson followed suit in 2022.
Dr. Colton coached middle and high school sports during his time in undergrad, which inspired him to specialize in pediatric dentistry. “That is one of the great things about our family,” Dr. Colton says. “In the past, different dental specialties used to have solo practices. Having both a parent and a brother with similar interests has helped Drs. Colton and Bryson throughout their career journey.
Whether managing the difficulty of dental school or complexities that arise day-to-day, the brothers have a built-in support system to turn to. “Owning and operating a family-owned dental practice has daily challenges,” says Dr. Colton. “I am so grateful to work with my dad and learn how to navigate those challenges with his experience.
The Popp team is able to offer a diverse set of skills united by a central goal. “We have a strong desire to help the people in our community and provide them a service that is both professional and friendly,” says Dr. Bryson.
Dr. Charlie Hooper
The foundation of Dr. Charlie’s dental practice is building lasting relationships, which is something he learned long ago from his father, Dr. Growing up, Dr. Charlie was no stranger to dentistry. His father was a dentist and established East Brainerd Dentistry, where his mother managed the office after retiring from nursing. Dr. Charlie’s uncle and grandfathers were also healthcare providers in the medical and dental spheres.
Seeing family members in these roles helped Dr. Charlie envision a career path for himself. “The medical field has always been a part of my family,” he says. Although the path of dentistry was clear to Dr. Charlie early on, it was the dedication he saw in his father that made the work more meaningful.
Between fishing trips and spending time at the dental practice, Dr. Charlie observed the work ethic his father brought to the profession. “Dad’s attention to detail and tenacity in every job done well drew me in to dentistry and care-giving,” he says. “His natural way with patients and his gentle demeanor were an inspiration. He is patient, kind, and truly enjoys the camaraderie with his patients.”
This legacy of hospitality is carried on through Dr. For Dr. Charlie and his father, there is nothing more fulfilling than developing relationships with patients year after year. “We are blessed with a lively practice and have great families who enjoy coming to see us,” says Dr. Charlie.
“It is an honor to maintain relationships throughout the years with children who become young adults, then have families of their own who continue to see us.” Now retired, Dr. Hooper Jr. Despite changes to the profession over the decades, Dr. Charlie and his team strive to personalize the practice and create an office that continually feels like “home” to the community.
“I am proud to watch our office grow and accept the challenges presented,” says Dr. Charlie. Dr.
Dr. Stephen Greer
“Going into college, I tried to keep my options open,” says Stephen, “But I had a job in a local operating room where I really fell in love with medicine and surgery.” Stephen’s father, Dr. Michael Greer, was also a surgeon and specialized in vascular medicine.
“When I started training,” Stephen says, “everybody - including myself - thought I would probably be a vascular surgeon like my father. In 2019, Stephen joined University Surgical Associates, and he finds it continually fulfilling to have a positive, tangible impact on the lives of his patients. The procedures he is able to perform are a testament to the advancements made in the medical field.
“When my father started practicing surgery, there was mostly just open surgery,” he says. “Now, the majority of the cases I do laparoscopically or robotically and are minimally invasive. Ongoing advancements require a philosophy of lifelong learning, which both father and son share.
In a surgical role, Stephen enjoys educational opportunities with medical students and residents. Dr. Michael has stepped back from surgery in recent years but in no way has left the field. Stephen is grateful for the work philosophy his father instilled in him, which carries over into his practice.
“My father has always been a big patient advocate,” he says. Growing up, Dr.
Dr. Matthew Hollie
“From a young age, I initially wanted to be a veterinarian,” says Dr. Matthew. “As I grew older, I still loved animals, but my heart for people grew.” This shift came about as Dr. Matthew witnessed the impact his father, Dr. Michael Hollie, has had on the community as an allergy and asthma specialist.
“I would often see patients of his come up and thank him for all the help he had provided in improving their quality of life and helping them feel better. Dr. Matthew practices with Galen Medical Group, specializing in endocrinology and diabetes management. He is one in a long list of MDs in the family, including his father, mother, grandfather, an aunt, and two uncles.
“I grew up around medicine,” Dr. Matthew says. With many family members paving the way in the profession, Dr. Matthew has been grateful to turn to those who have walked the path before. “Whether it be tough medical school tests, difficult attendings, or early challenges of life outside of training, having someone who has been through it before can be enormously helpful,” he says.
Dr. Matthew and his father may practice difference specialties, but their approach to providing care is universal. “Learning about who your patients are as people - beyond their specific medical issue - adds a personal connection and at times can offer further insight into how to best manage their medical issue,” says Dr. Matthew.
He is excited about the future of medicine, especially developments being made for diabetes management options.
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