"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, Heart Attack, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), and Angioplasty.

. 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.

"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.

. 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.

"Anjali Sharma, MD, traveled to the United States from her home in Punjab, India, to broaden her medical expertise. After a residency and two fellowships at hospitals along the East Coast, she came to Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute because she wanted to positively impact the cardiovascular health of patients in an underserved community. She believes ""the ability to influence so many lives is a very rewarding and gratifying experience."" Dr. Sharma finds it ""immensely important"" to listen to her patients. ""It not only helps build the doctor-patient relationship, but it also helps me grow as a person.""". Dr. Sharma is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Menopause, Atherosclerosis, Carotid Artery Disease, Pediatric Myocarditis, and Splenectomy.

. 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, Ventricular Fibrillation, Heart Attack, and Carotid Artery Disease.

. Dr. Williams is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Atrial Fibrillation, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, and Atherosclerosis.

"Dr. Ben Culp was encouraged to become a doctor by his father and brother, both of whom worked in medicine. He chose to specialize in cardiology because ""it provides a mixture of everything I enjoy about medicine, from establishing relationships with patients over time to integrating new technology into my practice."" He chose to come to Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute because it gave him the opportunity to practice with progressive techniques. ""My philosophy is to maximize patients' overall quality of life,"" he says, ""and to keep them independent as long as possible.""". Dr. Culp is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Atrial Fibrillation, Atherosclerosis, Coronary Heart Disease, and Angina.

. Dr. Mayhew is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Necrosis, Arrhythmias, Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia, and Ventricular Tachycardia.

Dr. Ryan Cronin developed an interest in medicine out of his desire to help others. After finishing his fellowship in vascular surgery, he decided to move back to the Appalachian Highlands, where he had completed medical school at East Tennessee State University. “This area is a beautiful canvas of mountainous terrain, but also a land filled with wonderful and spirted people,” he said. “I look forward to helping people heal and become healthier, and I try to approach my patients as if they are a member of my family.” Dr. Cronin is proud to serve the people of the region, and he aims to treat each person he encounters with respect and dignity, providing hope, comfort and healing. Dr. Cronin is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Arterial Insufficiency, Peripheral Artery Disease, Carotid Artery Disease, and Arterial Embolism.

. 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.

John Bertuso is a Cardiologist in Kingsport, Tennessee. Dr. Bertuso is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Carotid Artery Disease. His top areas of expertise are Atrial Fibrillation, Apoplexy, Carotid Artery Disease, and Atherosclerosis.