Dr. Elizabeth A. Defluiter

I grew up in North Carolina and went to college in Chattanooga, Tenn. After I completed my undergraduate degree, I moved to Johnson City and received my medical degree from Quillen College of Medicine where I also completed my residency and laboratory fellowship. My husband and I love this area and are still here after 19 years. We enjoy outdoor activities such as biking and waterskiing. The small town atmosphere of Northeast Tennessee has proven to be a safe and active place to raise our kids. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a doctor. I’ve had many mentors throughout my residency, but my greatest mentor is my father, who is also a surgeon. In medical school, I tried other specialties, but I realized there just wasn’t any specialty I enjoyed more than surgery. Meeting new and interesting people along with the professional interaction with my colleagues are some of the things I enjoy most about being a surgeon. My personal philosophy for treating patients is that physicians were put on earth to serve others. I believe God created us to be His hands and feet, which is a great privilege and responsibility. I listen closely to my patients because I find that they often will tell me their diagnosis before I even ask. My husband, Mark, is in long-term care administration. We have been married for 19 years and have three children, Abbie, Andrew, and Megan who are all in elementary school and keep us constantly busy. One of my favorite hobbies is playing racquetball. I also enjoy biking, waterskiing, reading and baking with my oldest daughter. I am involved in the children's ministries at my church, and I serve on the school board at Living Springs Christian Academy in Gray, TN.

Dr. Defluiter is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Breast Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, Angiosarcoma, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.