Evolution of TOC/Emeritus Physicians

Our Beginnings

In July 1995, a group of like-minded orthopedic surgeons came together in response to changes in the local healthcare market. They merged their practices to form Tennessee Orthopaedic Center, led by:

Tennessee Orthopaedic Center:

• Hal Cates, MD
• Charles Gouffon, MD
• Robert Jackson, MD
• Sam Marcy, MD
• Paul Naylor, MD
• Rick Parsons, MD

In late 1996, Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinics was established through the unification of Tennessee Orthopedic Center, East Tennessee Orthopaedic Center, and Oak Ridge Orthopaedic Center, bringing together the following additional physicians:

East Tennessee Orthopedic Center:

• Archer Bishop, MD
• Howard Brown, MD
• Brantley Burns, MD
• John Harrison, MD
• Merrill White, MD

Oak Ridge Orthopaedic Center:

• Geron Brown, MD
• Edward Kahn, MD
• Duncan McKellar, MD

Luke Johnson, the lead coordinator since 1995, became the first CEO of TOC.

Growth Through Leadership

From the beginning, TOC was built on a foundation of strong physician and administrative leadership. A key goal of the merger was to ensure collaboration and mutual input between all parties.

In 1997, national healthcare trends inspired the creation of OrthoLink, a physician-led practice management group. TOC joined alongside:

• Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance
• Resurgens Orthopaedic Group
• Steadman Hawkins Clinic

OrthoLink allowed these practices to expand services such as physical therapy, MRI, and outpatient surgery centers, with physician input driving improvements in care and access.

TOC Focuses on Sub-specialization within Orthopedics

Tennessee Orthopedic Clinic (TOC) began to place a strong emphasis on physician leadership and subspecialization within orthopedics. This strategic focus allowed for the expansion of comprehensive orthopedic services, including physical therapy, MRI diagnostics, and ambulatory surgery centers. Physician ownership and involvement in these areas were believed to enhance both patient access and quality of care.

In 2001, TOC hired Earl Anderson as Chief Executive Officer to support these goals. Under his leadership, TOC continued to prioritize subspecialization and expanded its MRI and physical therapy services throughout the Knoxville area. The practice also grew its orthopedic walk-in services, network of surgery centers, and extended its reach into new markets across East Tennessee. The consolidation of offices and the opening of the Park West Towers further streamlined services and improved access for patients. By recruiting high-quality, subspecialized orthopedic physicians, TOC reinforced its position as a leading provider of orthopedic care in the region.

TOC + TOA + MTBJ: Statewide Excellence

To expand orthopedic care across the region, Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinics merged with Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance and Middle Tennessee Bone & Joint, both Nashville area-based practices. What began in 2021 as a three-year agreement became a full merger in January 2024.

• Earl Anderson stepped down as CEO of Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinics
• Jeff McPherson was named Market President of TOA East Tennessee

Looking Ahead

TOA East now includes:

• 30+ sub-specialty physicians
• Multiple offices across the region
• Comprehensive ancillary services
• 10-room outpatient orthopedic surgery center, opening Fall 2025

As we continue to grow, TOA East remains dedicated to its core mission: exceptional orthopedic care, tailored to every patient.

Emeritus Physicians/CEO