Referrals/Appointments:
(615) 936-0393 - Toll Free: (866) 748-1493

Thoracic Transplant Surgeons are doctors trained in lung surgery. They will perform the transplant surgery. The surgeons check your progress throughout your hospital stay. They check your incision, examine you daily, adjust your medicines, and care for your medical needs.

Eric L. Grogran, M.D., M.P.H.
Eric S. Lambright, M.D.
Jonathan C. Nesbitt, M.D.
Joe B. Putnam, M.D.

Pulmonologists are doctors trained to care specifically for lungs. They work together with the surgeons. Their main focus is on assessing your medical needs and evaluating how your new lung(s) work. They also examine you daily. Be sure to tell your doctors about any change in the way you feel, no matter how small it may seem to you. The doctors expect you to ask questions.

Lisa Lancaster, M.D.
James Loyd, M.D.
Ivan Robbins, M.D.
Pali Shah, M.D.

Cardiologists are doctors who are specifically trained to care for the heart. If you have had a combined heart and lung transplant, you will be seen by cardiologists. They work together with the other doctors to care for your medical needs. Their focus is on how your heart is working.

Mark Wigger, M.D.
Tom Di Salvo, M.D.

Transplant Coordinators / Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses with a master's degree and advanced clinical training. They can write prescriptions. They will explain the process of receiving a transplant with you and your family. They also help the staff nurses teach you how to take care of yourself before and after the transplant and check your progress at clinic visits.

Haley Hoy, Ph.D., ACNP
Jean Barnes, ACNP-BC
Laura J. Roberts, ACNP-BC

An Office Nurse is available by phone 8:00 - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at 615-936-0393. 

Karen Moore, RN, BSN (Triage Nurse)

Transplant Pharmacist
Christie B. Truscott, PharmD

The Social Worker focuses on the emotional and social aspects of the transplant process.You will meet with the social workers before your transplant to identify your needs and how you cope with stress. The social worker can give you information about financial help and agencies that can help you readjust to your school or job. They will also help you get ready for discharge from the hospital. Perhaps the most important part of the social worker's role is to provide much needed emotional support and counseling. Referrals can be made for counseling for you and your family before and after the transplant if you feel it is needed.

Anne Schmitt, LCSW

Transplant Psychiatry

Karen Starr, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC

Financial Counselors evaluate and assist with the finances for your transplant. They can help you sort out your funds and insurance coverage. They will tell you about the costs of the surgery, hospital stay and medicines. If you have insurance coverage, they also work with the company to cover the cost of your transplant. They can also direct you to resources for financial help.

Lisa Conyer
Beth Goodrich
Linda Storey
Julie Whitacre

Staff Nurses take care of you during your hospital stay and prepare you for discharge. Your nurses will arrange the activities of the other caregivers. They keep the lines of communication open between you and other members of your healthcare team.

A dietitian talk to you about a diet plan that will help you stay healthy and avoid excess weight gain after your transplant.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapists at the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center, called the Kim Dayani Center, can help you with an exercise plan that is designed just for you. They will check on you and encourage you during your sessions. The therapists will share your progress with your doctors and transplant coordinator.

Respiratory Therapists help you with your breathing treatments to keep your new lung(s) clear.

Return-to-Work Program: A certified vocational evaluator will help with career interest testing, career counseling, employment assessment, vocational evaluation, resume service, job search techniques and interviewing skills, and job placement.

Joanne C. Ball, MST, CVE, ABVE

Administrative Assistants are responsible for arranging tests before and after the transplant. They have a wealth of knowledge and may be able to assist or direct you to various resources.

Marie Phelan
Vernice Dunlap