Meet the Faculty & Staff of the Chattanooga PA Program

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.

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.

Randal Dabbs, MD, FACEP, FAAFP

Randal Dabbs is a co-founder of TeamHealth and served as president and chief medical officer of the largest affiliate of TeamHealth for more than 15 years. He is currently serving as EMS medical director for Knox County and American Medical Response of Knoxville and is president of practice development for TeamHealth. He has created and deployed many national programs that enhance the practice of medicine at TeamHealth facilities across all services lines throughout the country, including:

• clinician engagement and retention
• merger and acquisition relationships
• risk and claims management
• leadership and education training
• emergency medicine special operations program
• Advanced Practice Clinician Council

Dabbs received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin and his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences. He completed his residency training in family medicine at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, where he later held the position of chief of emergency services from 1982 – 1999. He is both ABEM and ABFM certified. 

Dabbs is TeamHealth’s liaison to the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the executive sponsor of the Advanced Practice Clinician Council as well as the Substance Use Work Group. He has been a standing member of the TeamHealth Claims Committee throughout its existence and regularly conducts seminars on risk management. He is passionate about EMS and supports all aspects of prehospital care. His goal is to create and maintain a culture of appreciation, respect, and collaboration between hospital-based providers and the dedicated medics of our communities. He regularly lectures on risk reduction strategies for EM clinicians, clinician retention, leadership development, and improving both the provider and patient experience. 

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.

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.

Morning Star Vaber, PA-C, joins the LMU–SMS Chattanooga Physician Assistant program as the principal didactic faculty member. She specializes in emergency medicine and holds additional licensure in Radiologic Technology and MRI. She is committed to delivering high-quality patient care, focusing on clinical problem-solving and procedural excellence in fast-paced environments.

With more than 10 years of instructional experience across multiple medical programs, Vaber’s background equips her to deliver experience-based education and mentorship to future healthcare professionals. She is passionate about teaching and finds great fulfillment in supporting the growth and success of aspiring medical professionals.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys spending time with her family, maintaining an active lifestyle through fitness, traveling, attending sporting events, and spending time outdoors.