"Chris Metzger, MD, believes in a straightforward yet deeply personal approach to patient care: ""Treat every patient with the same compassion and dedication you would want for yourself and your loved ones."" As an interventional cardiologist, Dr. Metzger takes great pride in providing both preventive and life-saving treatments, finding fulfillment in making a meaningful difference in his patients' lives. Originally from Pittsburgh, Dr. Metzger feels privileged to serve the Appalachian Highlands community. He considers this region home because of its warm-hearted people and beautiful rolling hills.". Dr. Metzger is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Carotid Artery Disease, Peripheral Artery Disease, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), and Angioplasty.

. Dr. Hopkins is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Carotid Artery Disease, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Arterial Embolism, Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, and Carotid Artery Surgery.

. Dr. Yoon is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Carotid Artery Disease, Arterial Embolism, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, and Carotid Artery Surgery.

. Dr. Gwaltney is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Idiopathic Edema, Carotid Artery Disease, Stasis Dermatitis and Ulcers, Vagotomy, and Endoscopy.

. Dr. Nagre is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Arterial Insufficiency, Carotid Artery Disease, and Carotid Artery Surgery.

A Northeast Tennessee native, Robert Allen, MD, is no stranger to the Appalachian Highlands. Healthcare runs in the family, and Dr. Allen says he grew up watching his father, an internal medicine doctor, care for patients. Years later, Dr. Allen cares for a few of the same patients as his father. “There is nothing more rewarding than helping someone in need,” Dr. Allen said. “Always treat your patients to the best of your ability, and as if they were your family. Everyone comes from a different background and has different points of view, and the subtleties in their stories can make a big difference in the way you approach a particular pathology.” Dr. Allen has two children with his wife, who is a dentist locally. Dr. Allen is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Carotid Artery Disease, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Arterial Insufficiency, and Carotid Artery Surgery.

. Dr. Foley is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Carotid Artery Disease, Arterial Insufficiency, Apoplexy, Pacemaker Implantation, and Angioplasty.

"Mark Aziz, MD, followed his parents' path by becoming a physician. Dr. Aziz is originally from Egypt, but the beautiful mountains and lakes drew him to the Appalachian Highlands. ""This is a great place to raise a family and practice medicine,"" says Dr. Aziz. He enjoys providing cardiac services to the region. Listening to his patients gives Dr. Aziz the information he needs to develop their treatment strategy. Understanding his patients and their individual medical needs helps them lead healthier and happier lives.". Dr. Aziz is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Aortic Valve Stenosis, Peripheral Artery Disease, Arterial Insufficiency, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), and Aortic Valve Replacement.

My goal is to offer the best care possible for every patient, to always explain things in an understandable way, and to give both physical and emotional support throughout their recovery. I was born in Los Angeles, California, and went to college at Stanford University before I began my medical training. My father had always wanted to be a doctor but never could, so I decided to do it. I specialized in vascular surgery because I had two important mentors in medical school who were both vascular surgeons, and I also enjoy the technical challenges of surgery. As a provider, I most enjoy interacting with and helping patients. I previously lived in Chattanooga for 10 years and fell in love with the people and the area surrounding the Appalachian Mountains. Returning to East Tennessee was an excellent professional opportunity to fill a need and serve this community. Outside of the office, you can find me in the mountains hiking, biking, climbing or skiing. Dr. Erdoes can be contacted for an appointment at:. Dr. Erdoes is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Carotid Artery Disease, Arterial Embolism, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Arterial Insufficiency, and Carotid Artery Surgery.

Benjamin Scharfstein, MD, finds his greatest joy in witnessing the positive outcomes his patients achieve. “I love seeing my patients return after surgery, feeling much better and ready to get back to their lives and families,” he says. Inspired by his grandfather, an ophthalmologist, Dr. Scharfstein grew up in Johnson City and is thrilled to practice medicine and raise his family in the Appalachian Highlands. He has a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and community spirit of the region. Outside of his work, Dr. Scharfstein stays active in his church and enjoys spending time outdoors. Dr. Scharfstein is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Gastrostomy, and Hernia Surgery.

"Sidney Collins, MD, FACS, has a simple philosophy when it comes to treating patients, ""Faith, hope and love,"" he says. ""Everyone has a story to tell. If you listen closely and read between the lines, you can uncover it."" A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Collins spent 20 years in the United States Army before moving to the Appalachian Highlands to complete his general surgery residency. When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Collins enjoys spending time with his kids. “Whatever they like to do is always fun for me.”". Dr. Collins is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Varicose Veins, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Familial Colorectal Cancer, Hernia Surgery, and Gastrostomy.

. Dr. Cutshall is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Thrombophlebitis, Bladder Reconstruction, and Hernia Surgery.

Paige Furrow, MD, believes in treating every patient “the way you or your family would want to be treated.” Originally from Horsepasture, Virginia, she was drawn to medicine after volunteering at a free clinic where she says she fell in love with helping people. Dr. Furrow enjoys getting to know her patients and listening to their stories, always striving to understand where they’re coming from. Dr. Furrow enjoys living and working in the Appalachian Highlands, where the outdoor activities, mountains and people feel like home. When she’s not in the operating room, you’ll likely find her outside, training for triathlons or volunteering in the community. Dr. Furrow is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. Her top areas of expertise are ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, Gastrostomy, and Hemorrhoidectomy.

. Dr. Rana is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Arterial Insufficiency, Arterial Embolism, Heart Attack, and Apoplexy.

"When Fawwaz Hamati, MD, grew up in Amman, Jordan, there were only two professions a man could pursue – engineering and medicine. He decided to follow in the footsteps of his oldest brother, who began medical school when Dr. Hamati was in first grade. He moved to the Appalachian Highlands to hone his talents in cardiology. ""I love the friendly people here and that I can be a part of my patients' life,"" he says. Dr. Hamati says his treatment philosophy is rooted in communication. ""By talking, we can make decisions together about the best management plan,"" he says.". Dr. Hamati is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Atrial Fibrillation, Angina, Arrhythmias, Pacemaker Implantation, and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

. Dr. Schoondyke is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Arrhythmias, Idiopathic Edema, Angina, Heart Attack, and Pacemaker Implantation.

. Dr. Istfan is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Coronary Heart Disease, Peripheral Artery Disease, Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Arterial Insufficiency, and Heart Bypass Surgery.

. Dr. Kappa is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Carotid Artery Disease, and Peripheral Artery Disease.

. Dr. Northrop is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Diverticular Disease, Varicose Veins, Hernia, Bladder Reconstruction, and Carotid Artery Surgery.

. Dr. Helton is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Arterial Embolism, Heart Attack, Ventricular Fibrillation, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), and Aortic Valve Replacement.