Johnna Yealy, Ph.D., PA-C, joins the Chattanooga Physician Assistant (PA) program as the Program Director. Yealy brings extensive experience in clinical practice, education, and leadership. In her twenty years as a PA educator, she has founded three physician assistant programs.
Yealy holds a Ph.D. in Global Health and Research, a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Bachelor of Science. With a strong background in emergency medicine, she has also provided clinical services in dermatology, hospital medicine, and student health. A dedicated advocate for physician assistant education, Yealy has been actively involved in both state and national professional organizations. She has served twice as president of the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants, as well as vice president and student representative. Nationally, she has contributed to the Physician Assistant Education Association in various capacities.
Yealy is an accomplished speaker, having presented at national conferences such as AAPA, AAMC, and PAEA. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and a book chapter in dermatology. Her commitment to community health is reflected in her service as a Statewide Model AHEC Community Advisory Board Member and a National Health Service Corps Ambassador.
In addition to her academic and professional achievements, Yealy serves as a major in the United States Army Reserves with the 724th Military Police Battalion.
Yealy looks forward to leading the PA program at LMU-SMS Chattanooga, fostering excellence in medical education, and mentoring the next generation of healthcare providers.
Office Phone: 423.568.4906
Email: johnna.yealy@lmunet.edu
Cortney Bryant joins the Chattanooga Physician Assistant (PA) program as a Principal Faculty member. She is an accomplished physician assistant with over a decade of experience, specializing primarily in emergency medicine.
She earned her PA degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2013 and later completed a Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) in Emergency Medicine from Lincoln Memorial University in 2019. During her time at LMU, she was honored with the Clinical Leader Award and, in 2025, was named a recipient of the 40 Under 40 Award.
Bryant’s extensive clinical background also includes experience in urology and orthopedics. She is an active educator, precepting PA students and serving as a guest lecturer. She was also a contributor to the COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts in New York City.
Office Phone: 423.568.4908
Email: cortney.bryant03@lmunet.edu
Derok Cornwell, PA-C, joins the LMU-SMS Chattanooga Physician Assistant Program as principal faculty. He brings 12 years of clinical experience as a Physician Assistant in orthopedics, emergency medicine and trauma, neurosurgery, orthopedic spine, and interventional pain management. In addition to his clinical practice, he has served for several years as a preceptor for PA students, guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Cornwell is a proud graduate of the LMU Harrogate PA Program, Class of 2012, where he earned his Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Before entering PA school, he worked extensively in orthopedics as an orthopedic and surgical technician and later as an organ and tissue procurement transplant coordinator and tissue recovery specialist—a role that fostered his deep appreciation for organ and tissue donation.
Outside of his professional life, Cornwell enjoys traveling, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, working out, doing yard work, and spending time with his family and two German Shorthaired Pointers.
Office Phone: 423.568.4912
Email: derok.cornwell@lmunet.edu
Kimberly Hendrix joins the Chattanooga Physician Assistant (PA) program as a Principal Faculty member and the Director of Assessment. She has extensive experience and understanding of PA program operations, including ARC-PA compliance, student assessment, and curriculum mapping. She has contributed to policy and procedure development, self-study report preparation, and successful accreditation site visits—experience that aligns with responsibilities in program evaluation, accreditation readiness, and curriculum coordination.
In addition to academic and administrative expertise, Hendrix is a licensed Mental Health Therapist. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Behavioral Health (DBH) at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, with expected graduation in 2027.
Office Phone: 423.568.4909
Email: kimberly.hendrix@lmunet.edu
Christopher Kilgore joins the Chattanooga Physician Assistant (PA) program as a Principal Faculty-Pharmacology. He is an experienced pharmacist with a strong background in hospital settings, including roles as an inpatient pharmacist and a clinical pharmacist specializing in endocrine therapies.
Kilgore gained most of his experience in specialty pharmacy, where he developed a solid pharmacology knowledge base and valuable clinical expertise through years of practice across diverse pharmacy environments.
He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy in Birmingham, Alabama, in May 2005.
Office Phone: TBA
Email: christopher.kilgore@lmunet.edu
