Premier Surgical Associates

07/29/2026

🔦Doctor Spotlight: David C. Harrison, DPM, FACFAS

Meet Dr. David Harrison, a double board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at Premier Surgical Associates.

Dr. Harrison provides advanced care for both adult and pediatric foot and ankle conditions. His specialized expertise includes:

🦶 Foot and ankle repair and reconstruction
🏃 Sports-related foot and ankle injuries
🦴 Foot joint replacement
👣 Cosmetic and deformity correction
💙 Diabetic foot care and amputation prevention
🩺 Limb salvage

With advanced surgical training in the United States and Germany, Dr. Harrison is committed to helping patients reduce pain, restore mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy.

Dr. Harrison sees patients at our North Knoxville office in Powell and performs procedures at Tennova North Knoxville Medical Center and Premier Surgery Center.

➡️ Learn more and request an appointment with Dr. Harrison: https://bit.ly/475PuAv

07/27/2026

🎊Kudos to Sherry Tester of Premier Surgical's Billing Office on her 5 year work anniversary!

Over the last five years, Sherry has been a valued member of our team, and we are grateful for her commitment and service. Congratulations on this milestone achievement!

Sherry is congratulated by Premier COO Steve Cruze and Revenue Director Dawn Amato as they celebrate this achievement💐.

07/25/2026

🎗️ Personalized Breast Cancer Care, Built Around You

Every breast cancer diagnosis is unique—and every treatment plan should be, too.

At Premier Surgical Associates, our breast surgeons collaborate with radiologists, oncologists, pathologists, reconstructive surgeons, and genetic counselors to develop a comprehensive care plan tailored to each patient’s needs.

From diagnosis through treatment and recovery, our team is committed to providing expert guidance, compassionate support, and coordinated care every step of the way. 💗

➡️ Learn more about our approach to breast cancer care: https://bit.ly/3RUXiKi

07/20/2026

🎊Congratulations to Kristi Haws on 10 years of service with Premier Surgical Lawson Group in Johnson City, TN.

As a Medical Assistant, Kristi's dedication, professionalism, and commitment to providing exceptional patient care have made a lasting impact on both patients and colleagues throughout the past decade. Her hard work and positive attitude are greatly appreciated and valued by the entire Premier Johnson City team.

Pictured congratulating Kristi on this milestone achievement are
Office Manager Becky Snapp and Premier COO Steve Cruze. Kudos, Kristi, on 10 years of outstanding service and dedication to Premier Surgical Lawson Group! 🎉👏💙

07/17/2026

👋 Get to Know Dr. Joseph Thurman!

You know Joseph B. Thurman, MD, FACS as a board-certified general surgeon—but here's a look at the person behind the scrubs!

🌾 Sooner through and through: "Sooner born and Sooner bred!" Dr. Thurman grew up in Oklahoma before making his way to East Tennessee by way of North Carolina.

🌎 World traveler: He believes travel broadens your perspective and has visited 19 countries (and counting!), including spending six weeks in Vienna, five weeks in Guatemala, and one month in Nigeria.

🗺️ Fun fact: He's always been a history and geography enthusiast—even placing 3rd in the Oklahoma State Geography Bee in sixth grade!

🐶 Meet Charlie: After growing up with everything from cats and dogs to a retired racehorse and a calf named Rosie, these days he's kept busy by Charlie, his mini Goldendoodle.

☕ Favorite drink: Iced coffee

🎶 Currently on repeat: Here by Mumford & Sons and Chris Stapleton (though he says that could change next week!).

🍽️ Favorite local spots: Oliver Royale, JC Holdway, Northshore Brasserie, Plaid Apron, Casa Don Gallo, Yassin's, Holly's Gourmet Market, K Brew, and Potchke.

🌿 Favorite local activities: Visiting the Market Square Farmers' Market, spending time at Lakeshore Park, and hiking—or taking a scenic drive—through the Great Smoky Mountains.

💬 Words to live by: "He has shown you what is good—to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly." — Micah 6:8

Dr. Thurman joined Premier Surgical Associates in 2017, and we're proud to have his expertise—and adventurous spirit—serving patients across East Tennessee.

➡️ Learn more: https://bit.ly/4lt3zvg

Premier Surgical Associates offers gallbladder removal, hernia repair, surgery for breast cancer, colonrectal cancer, acid reflux, skin cancer & thyroid cancer.

07/16/2026

☀️ July is UV Safety Month! Your summer adventures shouldn't come at the expense of your skin health.

Whether you're spending the day on the lake, hiking the Smokies, gardening, or cheering from the sidelines, UV rays can damage your skin—even on cloudy days.

Protect yourself this summer by:
🧴 Wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
👒 Covering up with protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat
🌳 Seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
🚫 Avoiding tanning beds
🔍 Checking your skin regularly for new or changing spots

Early detection is one of the best defenses against skin cancer. If you notice a suspicious mole or skin lesion, don't ignore it. Our board-certified surgeons provide expert surgical treatment for skin tumors and skin cancers at Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville, Cleveland, and Johnson City.

Read our latest blog to learn how to protect your skin, recognize the warning signs of skin cancer, and understand your treatment options.

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4pkRgEQ

07/13/2026

🎉Celebrating Years of Service!🎊
Congratulations to Leisa White, MA, on 5 years of service and Lisa Hughes, RN, on 10 years of service with Premier Surgical Fort Sanders!

Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing exceptional patient care have made a lasting impact on our team and the patients we serve.

Both were recently recognized for their longevity by COO Steve Cruze and Office Manager Jessica Howard. Kudos!👏

07/09/2026

👋 Get to Know Dr. Scott Callicutt!

You may know Scott Callicutt, MD, FACS, RPVI, as a board-certified, fellowship-trained vascular surgeon with Premier Surgical Vascular & Vein Center—but there’s a lot more to know about him outside the operating room!

💙 A true love story: On his very first date with his wife, Dr. Callicutt saw her walking from the back of the restaurant to the front—and knew right then that she was the girl he was going to marry.
🏐 Hidden talent: In his 20s, he played two-man competitive volleyball for money!
⌚ Favorite hobby: Watch collecting
🐶 At home: He has four dogs—all “ankle biters!”
🥃 Favorite drink: Iced tea or a good Old Fashioned
🎸 Favorite music: ’90s alternative
🍽️ Favorite restaurant: Raven
🌊 Favorite local activity: Water sports and spending time with his wife and friends
💬 Words to live by: “Hard-headedness is often a fatal disease.”

Dr. Callicutt joined Premier Surgical Associates in 2009 and has been caring for patients in East Tennessee ever since. We’re glad to have his expertise—and personality—on the Premier Surgical team!

➡️ Learn more: https://bit.ly/4gsz0aq

07/08/2026

When an East TN woman underwent an emergency surgery with Premier general surgeon Dr. Schilling Nechtman at Parkwest Medical Center and had 5 weeks of recovery, it wasn’t only the expert medical care that left a lasting impression—it was the compassion, encouragement, and kindness shown by the team who stood beside her every step of the way.

Read Micaela's story: https://www.premiersurgical.com/07/premier-surgeon-helps-woman-during-unexpected-health-emergency/

07/06/2026

👏Congratulations to Ronda on her 10th anniversary with Premier Surgical Associates!🎉

We celebrate Ronda, a Certified Medical Assistant in our Premier North Knoxville office, for reaching an incredible milestone.

Premier COO Steve Cruze and Office Manager Lisa Hagerty joined in celebrating this special occasion and recognizing Ronda's contributions to our organization.