Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) has recognized six outstanding graduates from the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (DCOM) as part of its 40 Under Forty program, which celebrates young alumni who demonstrate strong leadership, career success and meaningful contributions to their communities.
The LMU 40 Under Forty program recognizes alumni under the age of 40 who are making an impact in their professions and communities. Honorees are selected based on professional achievement, leadership ability, service and the positive influence they bring to their organizations and industries. The recognition also reflects each recipient’s continued connection to LMU and their reputation as leaders in their field.
The program highlights the real-world impact of an LMU education while strengthening alumni engagement and connection across the university community. By sharing their success, LMU aims to inspire current students and encourage young alumni to stay involved and invested in the University’s future.
“LMU’s 40 Under Forty program is a powerful reminder of what our alumni go on to do after they leave our campus,” said Dr. Frank Woodward, Vice President for University Advancement. “These individuals are building meaningful careers, leading with integrity, and making a real difference in the lives of others. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is the connection they continue to have with LMU and the role they play in inspiring the next generation of students.”
Honorees from LMU-DCOM represent a range of industries and leadership roles, demonstrating the breadth and strength of LMU’s academic programs. Their work reflects a commitment to excellence, service and continued growth after graduation.
The following LMU-DCOM alumni have been named to LMU’s 40 Under Forty class of 2026. Their accomplishments highlight the lasting impact of an LMU education, as each continues to lead, innovate and give back in ways that strengthen their professions, communities and the university they call home. Their continued success and connection to LMU reflect a strong and engaged alumni community that supports future generations of students.
Dr. William Beuerlein, D.O. ‘17
Dr. William J. Beuerlein is a dedicated physician with board certification in anatomic and clinical pathology. He completed his residency at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where he was elected chief resident, and a surgical pathology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. In addition, he is well-published in the field of pathology. While serving as the Medical Director at Turkey Creek Medical Center Laboratory, he maintains his passion for teaching future doctors and serves on multiple committees within the hospitals. Dr. Beuerlein is thankful for being able to serve his community while being a husband and father.
Dr. Gregory “Wayne” Cox, M.S. ’14, D.O. ‘18
Dr. Gregory “Wayne” Cox, a two-time LMU-DCOM graduate, is a board-certified general surgeon, educator, military officer, and entrepreneur dedicated to expanding access to high-quality surgical care in rural and underserved communities. He serves as assistant professor of surgery at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he is faculty sponsor for the Student Osteopathic Surgery Association, and as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Cox also practices with Preferred Surgical Associates, delivering advanced surgical care to patients throughout the region. His journey from significant socioeconomic adversity to becoming a surgeon and military physician reflects a commitment to service, perseverance, and leadership. In addition to his medical career, he serves as a major and field surgeon in the Tennessee Army National Guard and as secretary of Dominion Healing Wings in Philadelphia. Cox is helping redefine rural healthcare by bringing complex, referral-level surgical procedures, including advanced minimally invasive techniques and the region’s first robotic bowel resection performed in a community hospital setting, to patients who might otherwise need to travel for care. Beyond medicine, he is a licensed pilot and entrepreneur whose diverse achievements demonstrate a unique breadth of leadership and impact.
Dr. Clay Guynn, D.O. ‘14
Dr. Clay Guynn is a sports medicine physician with Northside Hospital and a physician consultant for Pacira Biosciences, recognized nationally for his leadership, innovation, and service in sports medicine and rehabilitation. Following extensive medical training that included internships, residencies, and an AOA-accredited sports medicine fellowship, Guynn has built a career focused on advancing athlete care and improving outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions. He recently completed a United States Olympic and Paralympic physician residency and was appointed head team physician for Team USA Blind Soccer, reflecting his commitment to supporting athletes with disabilities. A leader in his profession, Guynn serves as chair of the 2026 American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Conference and was recently inducted as a fellow of the organization. He has also helped pioneer emerging treatments, becoming the first physician in the United States to treat low back pain using the iovera cryoneurolysis medial branch needle and the second to use cryoneurolysis for the treatment of spasticity. In addition to his clinical work, Guynn contributes to the advancement of sports medicine through research publications, professional presentations, medical mission work, and volunteer service.
Dr. Amber Jacobs, B.S. ’08, D.O. ‘12
Dr. Amber Jacobs, and graduate of the LMU-School of Medical Sciences and LMU-DCOM, is a board-certified general surgeon with nine years of experience providing high-quality surgical care and advancing patient outcomes. She serves as chief of staff at Middlesboro ARH Hospital, where she provides clinical leadership and oversight to support excellence in patient care across the organization. In addition to her hospital leadership role, Jacobs serves as adjunct clinical faculty for Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of the Cumberlands, mentoring and educating future healthcare professionals through general surgery training. She remains actively engaged in the advancement of her field through membership in the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. Her leadership, surgical expertise, and commitment to medical education continue to make a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery throughout the region.
Dr. Scott Pollack, D.O. ‘19
Dr. Scott Pollack is a board-certified ophthalmologist and recognized innovator in interventional glaucoma who provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care through Pollack Eye Care. Dedicated to delivering highly personalized, patient-centered treatment, he is among fewer than 2,000 ocular surgeons in the United States offering the Light Adjustable Lens, an advanced intraocular lens technology that allows patients to customize their vision after cataract surgery. Pollack completed a post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at the University of Vermont and holds board certification from the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. He remains actively engaged in advancing the field through research, publications, and presentations, including work on early prospective clinical trials that contributed to the approval of photobiomodulation light therapy for non-exudative macular degeneration. In addition to his clinical practice, he serves as a peer-to-peer mentor, speaker, and consultant with Sight Sciences and Glaukos, helping physicians optimize the use of innovative surgical technologies and improve patient outcomes. Pollack also serves as secretary of the Buffalo Ophthalmology Society and participates in the MATCHMaker Mentorship Program, reflecting his commitment to leadership, innovation, and mentorship within the profession.
Dr. Hannah Stewart, D.O. ‘17
Dr. Hannah Stewart is a physician specializing in internal and geriatric medicine who serves as a hospice physician with Amorem Hospice and Palliative Care. After completing her Internal Medicine Residency at Carolinas HealthCare System and a Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, she became board-certified in internal medicine with a geriatric medicine subspecialty through the American Board of Internal Medicine. As one of the few geriatricians serving rural Appalachia, Stewart provides compassionate care to older adults and patients facing serious illness, with a particular focus on end-of-life care. She was recently named an assistant professor of geriatric medicine at Vanderbilt and has shared her expertise through presentations, including speaking at Lincoln Memorial University’s Essentials of Clinical Medicine program on dementia, delirium, and depression. Stewart will also serve as a physician for the first hospice inpatient unit in North Carolina’s High Country region, expanding access to specialized end-of-life care for communities throughout Appalachia. Her commitment to advancing care for aging populations is further reflected through her scholarly contributions, including published work in Psychological Services, and presentations such as her keynote address at Appalachian State University’s 2025 Aging Well Conference.
LMU is proud to recognize these alumni whose achievements continue to strengthen their communities and elevate the University’s legacy. Their ongoing connection to LMU reflects a shared commitment to opportunity, service and student success. The University looks forward to celebrating their continued impact and engaging them in shaping the future of LMU.
To learn more about the LMU 40 Under 40 program and view the full list of honorees, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/giving/40-under-forty-honorees
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.
