Meet the Faculty & Staff of the Harrogate PA Program

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.

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

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
61^st 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

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

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

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.

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

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 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.

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

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 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. 

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)

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 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.

Berea College, May 2012
Bachelor of Arts in Appalachian Studies

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

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 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.

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

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 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.

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

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

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.

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

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 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.

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

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

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.”

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

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 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.

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

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