The study, conducted by Veritas Health Solutions, analyzes physician supply, demand, and education capacity across the state through 2035. The results show Tennessee is already experiencing a physician shortage, with about 18,800 physicians practicing statewide – about 13 percent below the national per capita average.
By 2035, projections indicate Tennessee will have a shortage of nearly 3,900 physicians. This growing deficit stems from population growth, an aging physician workforce, and increasing demand for care from an aging population. Psychiatry, emergency medicine, and primary care specialties such as family medicine and pediatrics will be most affected by these shortfalls.
One of the most pressing findings highlights a widening gap between medical school graduates and available residency training positions. Today, Tennessee has slightly fewer residency slots than graduating medical students, a gap that is expected to grow substantially over the next 10 years, with graduating medical students outnumbering available in-state residency slots by more than 2:1.
“This allows us to put clear numbers and data behind what hospitals across Tennessee are experiencing every day, persistent physician workforce shortages across primary care and many specialties,” said Dr. Wendy Long, president and chief executive officer of the Tennessee Hospital Association. “While many institutions in Tennessee have made significant investments in medical education, we must address the growing gap between medical school graduates and available residency positions. It is encouraging that Tennessee’s Rural Health Transformation Fund application prioritizes expanding residency opportunities as part of its workforce strategy.”
In addition to the written report, Veritas Health Solutions developed interactive dashboards that allow users to explore county-level physician supply and demand data by specialty, along with population health indicators that influence future workforce needs.
THA commissioned the study in collaboration with its nonprofit affiliate, the Tennessee Center for Health Workforce Development (TCWD), and funded it with a grant from the State of Tennessee. This report follows THA’s 2022 workforce study, which projected a shortfall of 8,500 registered nurses by 2035.
Addressing Tennessee’s healthcare workforce shortage remains a top priority for THA and TCWD, which support and implement programs to recruit, train, and retain hospital and healthcare workers across the state.
Click to review the complete physician workforce study, its interactive dashboards, and the supplemental data appendix.
]]>The THA Hospital Hero Awards recognize lawmakers who prioritize policy issues that contribute to the health and wellness of all Tennesseans through their support for hospitals. Rep. Hicks was presented with the 2025 award at Hawkins County Memorial Hospital with Ballad Health and THA leadership in attendance.
“Rep. Hicks is a true legislative champion for Tennessee hospitals,” said Wendy Long, M.D., THA president and CEO. “He has continually dedicated his time, attention, and efforts to ensuring the long-term sustainability and strength of the hospital industry for years to come. His efforts this year as both a sponsor for critical legislation and an ardent supporter of hospital priorities were key to the Association’s legislative success this year.”
Rep. Hicks’ position as chairman of the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee has allowed him to advocate for policies that strengthen hospital access for patients, support workforce needs, and enhance care in rural Tennessee, including at Hawkins County Memorial Hospital.
“Rep. Hicks is a dedicated advocate for healthcare in rural communities, and his leadership has made a tangible difference for hospitals like Hawkins County Memorial Hospital,” said Marvin Eichorn, chief administrative officer with Ballad Health. “His commitment to improving access to care, supporting our workforce, and ensuring the sustainability of care in our communities is deeply appreciated.”
]]>VanderSteeg joined Covenant Health in 2007 and became president and CEO in 2016 after serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer. His commitment to advancing healthcare quality and access earned him recognition as a “Nonprofit Hospital and Health System CEO to Know” from Becker’s. “As chair of the Tennessee Hospital Association, I look forward to working with healthcare leaders across the state to advance innovation, strengthen access to care, and champion collaboration among our hospitals,” VanderSteeg said. “My ‘why’ has always been about making a difference, and this role gives me the opportunity to help shape the future of healthcare for communities throughout Tennessee.”
William Haugh, president of Lifepoint Health’s Central Division, was elected THA board chair-elect. Haugh joined Lifepoint Health in 2007 and served in various leadership roles, including president of its Mountain Division, before being named president of the Central Division in 2022.
Michael Ugwueke, president and CEO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, is now the immediate past chair after serving as the 2024-2025 THA board chair.
Also elected or re-elected are the following at-large board members for 2024:
A complete list of THA board members is available at THA.com/About/Board.
]]>“This year’s honorees reflect the best of our field, leaders and caregivers who put patients first, lift up their teams, and strengthen their communities,” said Wendy Long, MD, MPH, THA President and CEO. “Their dedication reminds us that when hospitals are strong, communities are stronger. We are proud to celebrate their impact.”
THA recognized the following individuals with this year’s awards:
Videos of award winners are available here, and photos are available here.
The following provides details on each award and the recipients, including highlights from their nomination materials:
The President’s Award recognizes an individual or group whose work represents an extraordinary commitment to Tennessee hospitals and the patients we serve.
This year’s award is presented to the employees of Ballad Health – Unicoi County Hospital for their extraordinary response during the unprecedented storms in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. In the face of rising floodwaters and the difficult task of evacuating the hospital, these caregivers showed remarkable courage and resilience, continuing to provide compassionate care to patients under the most challenging circumstances. Their actions reflect the highest ideals of Tennessee’s hospitals and an unwavering commitment to serve their communities.
The CEO of Distinction Award recognizes leadership and service by an individual member in addition to contributions to the healthcare industry.
C. Wright Pinson is honored for decades of transformative leadership in Tennessee healthcare. For more than 16 years, he served as Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he helped build one of the nation’s leading transplant programs, performing Middle Tennessee’s first liver transplant. Today, he leads the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network, a collaboration of 66 hospitals and more than 7,000 providers across the region. He is also a longstanding THA leader, including service as Board Chair from 2018 to 2019.
The Senior Executive of Distinction Award recognizes leadership and service by an individual in support of a THA member hospital or health system.
Andrew McGill, retired Senior Vice President of Strategy, Business Development, and Advocacy at CHI Memorial, is honored for three decades of visionary leadership in Tennessee healthcare. He advanced physician integration through the development of Mountain Management Services and the Memorial Physician Enterprise, led the creation of the region’s first hospitalist group, and oversaw major facility expansions, including the Guerry Heart & Vascular Center. His collaborative spirit, advocacy at every level of government, and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care have left a lasting impact on hospitals, providers, and communities across the state.
The Trustee of Distinction Award recognizes an active or recently retired member of the board of directors or associate/advisory board of a THA member institution.
Rogers Anderson is honored for exemplary governance and community stewardship spanning 37 years of service as a Williamson Health trustee. A U.S. Air Force veteran and longtime Williamson County Mayor, he has aligned hospital and county priorities to expand access, strengthen finances, and support essential services like EMS, 911, and school athletic trainers. Anderson played a pivotal role in the system’s $180 million expansion, adding the Boyer-Bryan West Tower, new ICU and med-surg beds, an expanded Cardiac Center, and an upgraded Emergency Department and new NICU. His steady leadership through crises and unwavering focus on patients and community exemplify trustee excellence.
The Nurse Leader of Distinction Award recognizes outstanding contributions by a registered nurse leader employed at a THA member hospital or health system.
Angelita Rodgers is honored for exceptional nursing leadership that elevates patient outcomes and staff development at Regional One Health. She launched a Nurse Manager Leadership Development Program, advanced fall and Hospital Acquired Pressure Injury (HAPI) prevention protocols from the ED to house-wide practice and strengthened nurse–physician collaboration to improve length of stay and patient experience, all while mentoring emerging leaders throughout her organization.
The Clinical Nurse of Distinction Award recognizes outstanding contributions by a registered nurse employed at a THA member hospital or health system.
Gary Huie is honored for extraordinary bedside care and patient advocacy in Erlanger’s MICU. A former U.S. Military Police officer and armed security guard at Erlanger Baroness Hospital, Gary later found his true passion in nursing. His steadfast, around-the-clock support of a medically complex patient, coupled with expert clinical judgment and coordination across teams, earned a DAISY Award following an unprecedented number of nominations. His work exemplifies the compassion, skill, and perseverance that define nursing excellence.
The Patient Safety Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has taken extraordinary and innovative steps to make patient safety and quality a top priority in their organization.
Dorris Dotson-Suggs is honored for embedding a rigorous, data-driven culture of safety across a multi-hospital system. She leads enterprise readiness for DNV accreditation, sustains internal audits, and guided a complex EHR transition with patient safety at the forefront. Her work has strengthened compliance, reduced risk, and advanced continuous improvement in quality outcomes.
]]>THA Hospital Hero Awards recognize lawmakers who prioritize policy issues that contribute to the health and wellness of all Tennesseans through their support for hospitals. Sen. Briggs was presented with the 2025 award at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (ETCH), with hospital and THA leadership in attendance.
“Senator Briggs has long served his Knoxville community, his state, and his country in so many exceptional ways throughout his career and continues to be a dedicated champion for hospitals and access to quality healthcare for Tennesseans,” said Wendy Long, M.D., THA president and CEO. “His efforts this year as both a sponsor for critical legislation and an ardent supporter of hospital priorities were key to the Association’s legislative success this year.”
In addition to his more than 30 years of military service and time as an elected official, Sen. Briggs practiced heart and lung surgery in the Knoxville community for decades, allowing him to provide a vital and unique perspective as a hospital-based physician. Sen. Briggs is continually at the forefront of policy and regulatory issues that impact Tennessee hospitals, including East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
“ETCH is honored for Senator Briggs to be recognized as a 2025 Hospital Hero on our campus,” said East Tennessee Children’s Hospital’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Matt Schaefer. “His thoughtful leadership, clinical expertise, and statewide advocacy have been influential in shaping the future of pediatric healthcare here and across the state.”
]]>“THA is helping close the gap in Tennessee’s healthcare workforce by advancing strategies that strengthen recruitment and retention. This new nurse apprenticeship model is a direct result of strong collaboration with our member hospitals, educational partners, and workforce leaders. Having an apprenticeship program has been a long-standing wish of Tennessee hospitals, and we’re proud that THA was able to bring this to fruition on behalf of our members,” said Dr. Wendy Long, THA President and CEO. “The program offers nursing students valuable, real-world clinical experience while easing their financial burden. At the same time, it supports healthcare employers by building a stronger, more prepared pipeline of future nurses, positively impacting Tennessee’s healthcare workforce now and for years to come.
The launch of the apprenticeship model comes as Tennessee continues to face shortages in the healthcare workforce. A 2022 workforce study projected that there will be a shortfall of 8,500 registered nurses across the state by 2035. The nurse apprenticeship program can help address this shortage by easing the burden on nursing faculty and staff while also creating structured pathways for pre-licensure training, transition-to-practice, and advancement into specialty areas.
“Thanks to the dedication of our partners across Tennessee, this innovative nursing apprenticeship is now a reality,” said Commissioner Deniece Thomas from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “This Registered Apprenticeship Program will be a life-changing opportunity for participants and ensure there are more nurses to provide Tennesseans with the quality healthcare they deserve.”
THA invites hospitals to use their toolkit to implement the apprenticeship model for both LPN and RN students at their facilities.
To access the toolkit, visit tha.com/nurse-apprenticeship.
]]>Hospitals are more than places of healing. They are pillars of strength in every Tennessee community. Whether in times of crisis or moments of quiet compassion, our hospitals and health systems are where care begins, lives are changed, and hope is renewed.
This week, we proudly join the American Hospital Association in celebrating National Hospital Week and this year’s theme: “We Are Health Care: Caring for patients; strengthening communities.” From the ICU nurse to the food service worker, the respiratory therapist to the billing clerk, every role matters, and every person contributes to our shared mission.
Tennessee’s hospital professionals do more than deliver care. They lead public health initiatives, train tomorrow’s caregivers, support economic vitality, and respond in times of disaster.
On behalf of THA, thank you. Your service not only reinforces the foundation of our healthcare system but also brings comfort, courage, and care to those who need it most.
Dr. Wendy Long
President & CEO
Tennessee Hospital Association
The Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) has issued a call for nominations for its 2025 Awards of Excellence. Each year, THA conducts an awards recognition program to honor individuals who have contributed toward the goals of the association or one or more of its institutional members. Awards to be presented this year:
Awards to be presented this year are:
The deadline to submit nominations is April 25 – nominations must be received on or before that date.
For more information, contact Laila Karim at THA, 615-256-8240.
]]>“It’s a significant achievement to see the workforce efforts of THA and our members recognized and gain additional support at the state level,” said Andrew Burnett, THA vice president of workforce and rural health. “The grant will allow THA to fund and expand its nurse residency program for member hospitals and enable rural hospitals to pilot student nurse apprenticeships.”
With nurse apprenticeship becoming a state-approved career pathway at the end of 2024, the groundwork has been laid for strengthening Tennessee’s nursing workforce through work-based learning models. THA’s nurse residency program helps new nurses transition to practice. With this grant funding, THA plans to create momentum for this workforce training model and expand the program to more hospitals across the state.
“I look forward to the impact this will have in rural communities and our healthcare workforce. Congratulations to all the hospitals and health systems awarded!”
More information and the full list of recipients is available here.
]]>Through MyTHA, THA members can:
Affiliate members and sponsors will also benefit from features like membership renewal, streamlined sponsorship applications, and more.
Looking ahead, THA plans to expand MyTHA with additional features and resources to enhance the user experience further.
Current THA members and affiliate members should have received an email invitation from [email protected] with instructions to log into the portal, while sponsors can expect their invitations in early 2025. New members, affiliates, and sponsors can create an account to access the portal, subject to approval.
For questions or assistance with MyTHA, please contact [email protected].
]]>