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Meet the Faculty & Staff of the Harrogate PA Program

The Faculty of the Harrogate PA Program 

 

Robert Baye


Robert Baye, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C

Program Director

Office Phone: 423.869.7008
Email: [email protected] 

 

  •   About

    Robert Baye joined Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, in January 2022 as the Program Director for the Physician Assistant program in Harrogate, Tennessee. Baye has been a Physician Assistant for almost three decades. Dr. Baye comes to Lincoln Memorial University from Shreveport, Louisiana, where he was a clinical PA practicing in the asthma, allergy, and immunology clinic.

    Baye enjoys being a team member educating the future generation of healthcare providers as he refers to the experience as second to none. His goal for the Harrogate program is to be one team with one vision focused on the success of the students in a safe learning environment that supports and cares for their needs. His vision is to educate students in a manner of excellence, ensuring the patients receive care from competent, compassionate, and well-trained clinicians.

  •   Education

    University of Lynchburg, 2022
    DMSc: PA Education Concentration

    University of Nebraska Medical Center, 1999
    Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

    University of Nebraska Medical Center 1995
    Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Sciences

    Community College of the Air Force, 1994
    Associate Degree in Healthcare Sciences

  •   Work Experience

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, Harrogate, Tennessee
    January 2022 - Present
    Program Director, Physician Assistant Program

    Highland Clinic, Shreveport, Louisiana
    2014 - 2021
    Asthma, Allergy, Immunology Clinical PA 

    Louisiana State University PA program
    2007 - 2013
    Didactic Coordinator

    Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. Air Force
    2002 - 2008
    61st Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction)

    19th Medical Group, Little Rock AFB, U.S. Air Force, Asthma and ADHD clinic
    2000 – 2002
    Clinical PA

    Wilson N. Jones Medical Center, Sherman, Texas
    1998-2005
    Emergency Medicine PA

    22nd Medical Group, McConnell AFB, U.S. Air Force, Family Medicine, and Urgent Care
    1997 – 2000
    Clinical PA

    2nd Medical Group, Barksdale AFB, U.S. Air Force, Family Medicine, and Urgent Care
    1995 - 1997
    Clinical PA

Karen Adair


Karen Adair, MMS, PA-C

Assistant Professor

Office Phone: 423.869.7095
Email: [email protected] 

 

 

  •   About

    Karen Adair joined Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences in 2022 as an Assistant Professor for the Physician Assistant program in Harrogate, Tennessee. Adair has been a Physician Assistant for almost a decade. Before transitioning to academia, she worked as clinical PA in neurology.

    Adair’s goal as an educator is to provide the students with the knowledge, skill, and resourcefulness they need to care for their patients competently. She will integrate the fantastic resources and facilities at LMU to customize the students’ learning process to achieve her goal. She will work with each student through an open-door policy to find the best toolbox for their individual needs.

  •   Education

    Our Lady of the Lake College, 2014
    Master of Medical Science (MMS) in Physician Assistant Studies

    Arkansas State University, 2008
    Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

  •   Work Experience

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, Harrogate, Tennessee
    2022 -  Present
    Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies

    Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group; Baton Rouge, Lousiana
    2019-2022
    Neurocritical Care Physician Assistant

    The NeuroMedical Center, Baton Rouge, Lousiana
    2017-2018
    Neurology Clinical Physician Assistant


    The NeuroMedical Center, Baton Rouge, Lousiana
    2014-2017
    Interventional Pain Management Clinical Physician Assistant

Lauren Anderson


Lauren Anderson, DMS, MMS, PA-C

Assistant Professor

Office Phone: 423.869.7755
Email: [email protected] 

  •   About

    Lauren Anderson joined Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, in April 2019 as Assistant Professor for the Physician Assistant program in Harrogate, Tennessee. Dr. Anderson is a member of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), and the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA).

    Anderson's philosophy regarding the education of future Physician Assistants involves several different aspects. She feels we are all lifelong learners and try to keep up to date with the latest medical knowledge. Knowledge and empathy are essential in this profession. Being empathetic with patients will create trust and a bond between provider and patient. Teamwork and leadership are also core values. Physician Assistants understand the importance of a team approach while demonstrating leadership within their roles. All of these aspects, along with the adaptability to change directions, sometimes at a moment's notice, are what she feels make a well-rounded provider. She enjoys being part of this process with each new class of students.

  •   Education

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, December 2020
    Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) in Primary Care Medicine

    Lincoln Memorial University, Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2011
    Masters of Medical Science (MMS) in Physician Assistant Studies

    University of Kentucky, 2007
    Masters of Healthcare Administration

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Business, 2005
    Bachelor of Business Administration in  Management

  •   Work Experience

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Science, Harrogate, Tennessee
    April 2019 - Present,
    Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies

    Servolution Health Services, Tennessee
    2017 - 2019
    Clinical Physician Assistant (PA)

    Urology of Indiana
    2013 – 2016
    Clinical Physician Assistant (PA)

    Barker Sleep Institute
    2011-2012
    Clinical Physician Assistant (PA)

Tonya Apperley


Tonya Apperley, DMS, MMS, PA-C

Academic Coordinator & Associate Professor

Office Phone: 423.869.6584
Email: [email protected]

  •   About

    Tonya Apperley joined Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, in February 2014 as a preceptor and adjunct faculty for the Physician Assistant program in Harrogate, Tennessee. In September 2016, Dr. Apperley transitioned to full-time faculty. In October 2021, she accepted the position of Academic Coordinator.

    Tonya Apperley believes every student is special and unique and deserves a safe and inspiring atmosphere where they can learn through real-life experience and hands-on activities. She strives to provide a classroom where they can grow and mature into compassionate medical providers. 

  •   Education

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, May 2020
    Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) in Primary Care Medicine

    Lincoln Memorial University, Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine,  July 2011
    Master of Medical Science (MMS) in Physician Assistant Studies

    Lincoln Memorial University, May 2008
    Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Technology

    Kentucky Community and Technical College System, May 2005
    Associate in Science (AS)

  •   Work Experience

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, Harrogate, Tennessee
    Academic Coordinator & Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies

    Rural Health Services Consortium, Inc.
    September 2011 - September 2016
    Physician Assistant in Family Medicine

    Parkwest Medical Center
    June 2008  - July 2009
    Medical Technologist

Brittany Belcher


Brittany Belcher, MPAS, PA-C

Assistant Professor / Didactic Faculty

Office Phone: 423.869.6644
Email: [email protected] 

 

  •   About

    Brittany Belcher joined Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, in July 2023 as an Assistant Professor for the Physician Assistant program in Harrogate, Tennessee. Belcher has been an Infectious Disease Physician Assistant for the past three years and served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Cumberlands in the fall semester of 2022.

    Belcher’s goal as an educator is to help students become skilled PAs who care for patients with competence and compassion.

  •   Education

    Berea College, May 2012
    Bachelor of Arts in Appalachian Studies

    University of the Cumberlands, May 2020
    Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

  •   Work Experience

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, Harrogate, Tennessee
    July 2023-Present
    Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies


    Baptist Health Medical Group, Corbin, Kentucky
    July 2022-July 2023
    Infectious Disease Physician Assistant

     
    University of the Cumberlands, Physician Assistant Studies Program, Williamsburg, Kentucky
    August 2022-December 2022
    Adjunct Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
     

    Kfoury Medical Specialists, Corbin, Kentucky
    July 2020-July 2022
    Infectious Disease Physician Assistant

Melissa Day


Melissa Day, DMS, MPAS, PA-C

Clinical Coordinator & Associate Professor

Office Phone: 423.869.6344
Email: [email protected] 

  •   About

    Melissa Day joined Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences in 2016 as an Associate Professor for the Physician Assistant program in Harrogate, Tennessee. In 2021, Day accepted the position of Clinical Coordinator. Dr. Day has been a Physician Assistant for ten years. She continues to practice medicine alongside training and educating future healthcare providers. She is an active member of the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA), the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants (KAPA), the PA Education Association (PAEA), and Lincoln Memorial University (LMU)’s Women of Service.

  •   Education

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, 2020
    Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) in Internal Medicine

    University of the Cumberlands, 2012
    Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)

    University of the Cumberlands, 2009
    Bachelor of Arts (BA), Biology Major, Chemistry/Spanish Minor

  •   Work Experience

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, Harrogate, Tennessee
    Clinical Coordinator & Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
    2016 - Present

    Appalachian Health Services
    2022 - Present
    Endocrinology PA

    Bluegrass Clinic of Stanford
    2013 - 2016
    Family & Internal Medicine PA

    Commonwealth Family Physicians
    2013
    Family Medicine PA

Jessica Gibson


Jessica Gibson, MMS, PA-C

Assistant Professor / Didactic Faculty

Office Phone: 423.869.6236
Email: [email protected] 

 

  •   About

    Jessica Gibson joined the Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) School of Medical Sciences (SMS) in 2023 as an Assistant Professor for the Physician Assistant (PA) program in Harrogate, Tennessee. Gibson is a two-time LMU graduate, completing her Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science in 2019 and the LMU PA program with her Master of Medical Science in 2021. Since graduating, she’s worked in East Tennessee emergency medicine and urgent care.

    Gibson is a native of the Cumberland Gap area, and she looks forward to furthering the PA profession by educating future physician assistants. She hopes to encourage them to become compassionate, empathetic providers.

  •   Education

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, 2021
    Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies


    Lincoln Memorial University, 2019
    Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

  •   Work Experience

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, Harrogate, Tennessee
    2023 - Present
    Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies


    Jacksboro Urgent Care
    2023 - Present
    Urgent Care Physician Assistant

     
    Fast Pace Health
    2022-2023
    Urgent Care Physician Assistant

     
    American Physician Partners
    2021-2022
    Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant

Karie Hodges


Karie Hodges, MMS, PA-C

Assistant Professor / Didactic Faculty

Office Phone: 423.869.7071
Email: [email protected] 

 

  •   About
    Information Coming Soon
  •   Education
    Information Coming Soon
  •   Work Experience
    Information Coming Soon

Casey Johnson


Casey Johnson, DMS, MMS, PA-C, CAQ-HM

Assistant Professor

Office Phone: 423.869.6397
Email: [email protected] 

  •   About

    Casey Johnson joined Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, in October 2020 as an Assistant Professor for the Physician Assistant program in Harrogate, Tennessee. Johnson entered the medical field in 2002 as an EMT-IV and Paramedic serving Hancock County, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. Dr. Johnson has been taking care of patients for 20 years. He feels blessed to be able to nurture and prepare the next generation of healthcare providers while continuing to serve the community of East Tennessee.

  •   Education

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, 2022
    Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) in Internal Medicine

    Lincoln Memorial University, Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2014
    Master of Medical Science (MMS) in Physician Assistant Studies

    Lincoln Memorial University, 2012
    Bachelor of Science in Biology

    Walters State Community College 2005
    Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety- Paramedic

  •   Work Experience

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, Harrogate, Tennessee
    October 2020 - Present
    Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies

    Patient’s Clinic, INC
    2015-2017 and 2021-Present
    Physician Assistant

    Hancock County Family Medicine
    2017 – 2020
    Physician Assistant

    Hancock County Ambulance Service
    2002 - 2014
    EMT-IV and Paramedic

Adrian Qualls
Adrian Qualls, MMS, PA-C

Assistant Professor

Office Phone: 423.869.6245
Email: [email protected] 

  •   About

    Adrian Qualls joined Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences in 2022 as an Assistant Professor for the Physician Assistant program in Harrogate, Tennessee. Qualls worked in gastroenterology for eight years before transitioning to education in 2022. Her goal as an educator is to educate students in the field of medical science and on the importance of effective communication with patients. Training formidable medical providers who can provide excellent care to patients in their communities and beyond is the foundation of Qualls' teaching philosophy.

  •   Education

    Lincoln Memorial Universite, Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2014
    Master of Medical Science (MMS) in Physician Assistant Studies

    East Tennessee State University, 2007 
    Bachelor of Science in Allied Health with a concentration in Cardiopulmonary Science

  •   Work Experience

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, Harrogate, Tennessee
    2022 -  Present
    Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies

    Sullivan Digestive Center, Kingsport, Tennessee
    2018-2022
    Gastroenterology

    Appalachian Gastroenterology, Boone, North Carolina
    Gastroenterology
    2015-2017

    Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City, Tennessee
    Respiratory Therapist
    2007-2012

Randy Schott


Randy Schott, PA-C

Associate Professor / Didactic Faculty

Office Phone: 423.869.6697
Email: [email protected] 

 

  •   About
    Information Coming Soon
  •   Education
    Information Coming Soon
  •   Work Experience
    Information Coming Soon

Brad Thompson
George (Brad) Thompson, DMS, MMS, PA-C

Part-time Clinical Faculty & Assistant Professor

Office Phone: 423.869.6644
Email: [email protected] 

  •   About

    George (Brad) Thompson joined Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences in 2017 as an Assistant Professor for the Physician Assistant program in Harrogate, Tennessee. In 2020, Thompson accepted the Clinical Coordinator position. Then in 2021, he transitioned to Director of Clinical education.

    Dr. Thompson’s goal for students during their clinical year is to build on their didactic education to help them to grow personally and professionally. This growth is fostered by being out of the classroom and in the clinical environment. Thompson states, “watching the transformation of the clinical year student as they become a competent professional Physician Assistant is wonderful, and I am very proud to be a part of their journey.”

  •   Education

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, 2020
    Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) in Primary Care Medicine

    Lincoln Memorial University, Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2014
    Master of Science (MMS) in Physician Assistant Studies

    Belmont University, 1998
    Bachelor of Science in Biology

  •   Work Experience

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, Harrogate, Tennessee
    2021 - Present
    Director of Clinical Education of Physician Assistant Studies

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, Harrogate, Tennessee
    2020 - 2021
    Clinical Coordinator of Physician Assistant Studies

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, Harrogate, Tennessee
    2017 - 2020
    Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies

    Covenant Medical Group, Methodist Sleep Diagnostic Center
    2014 - 2017
    Physician Assistant

Melissa Wiley
Melissa Wiley, DMS, MSPAS, PA-C

Assistant Professor

 Office Phone: 423.869.6565
Email: [email protected]

 

  •   About

    Melissa Wiley joined Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, in 2019 as an Assistant Professor of the Physician Assistant program in Harrogate, Tennessee. Wiley has been a Physician Assistant serving the medical community for over a decade. Moving from clinical practice to PA education, Dr. Wiley’s goal as an instructor of medicine is not only to impart her knowledge and experience to her students so that her ceiling can become their floor but also to encourage them to become lifelong self-learners so that they can continue to grow as medicine evolves and changes. She considers it a great honor and privilege to have this opportunity to invest in her future colleagues, the next generation of Physician Assistants.

     

  •   Education

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, 2022
    Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) in  Medical Education

    University of Pittsburgh 2011
    Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies

    University of Pittsburgh 2008
    Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medicine

  •   Work Experience

    Lincoln Memorial University, School of Medical Sciences, Harrogate, Tennessee
    2019 - Present
    Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies

    Carson-Newman University
    2019
    Clinical Coordinator

    LeConte Orthopedics, Orthopedic Surgery
    2017 - 2019 (PRN 2020)
    Physician Assistant

    Hamblen Neuroscience Center, Neurology and Pain Management
    2016 - 2017
    Physician Assistant

    MD Pharmacy, Medical Sales
    2015 – 2016

    Vitalmed Rx, Medical Sales
    2015

    East Tennessee Spine and Orthopaedic Specialists, Orthopedic Surgery
    2013 – 2014
    Physician Assistant

    TeamHealth, Emergency Medicine
    2013
    Physician Assistant

    Statcare, a Group of Summit Medical Group, Hospitalist
    2012
    Physician Assistant

 
 
The Staff of the Harrogate PA Program
 

Alicia Beason

 

Alicia Beason

Admissions Coordinator

Office Phone: 423.869.6691
Email: [email protected] 

Kaye Mason

 

Mary (Kaye) Mason, MBA

Supervised Clinical Practice Experience, Site Manager

Office Phone: 423.869.6716
Email: [email protected]

Candice Miller
Candice Miller

Hospital Relations & Rotation Coordinator

 Office Phone: 423.869.7045
Email: [email protected] 

James Parker
James Parker

 Associate Admissions Coordinator

Office Phone: 423.869.6905
Email: [email protected]

Wendi Pursel
Wendi Pursel, BSN

Program Administrative Coordinator

Office Phone: 423.869.6033
Email: [email protected]

Annette Smith
Annette Smith

Didactic Coordinator

Office Phone: 423.869.6578
Email: [email protected]