Tennessee Hospital Association honors Wellmont physician, board member for meritorious service
KINGSPORT – A compassionate Wellmont Health System physician dedicated to helping patients without financial means and a committed board member with a lengthy record of advancing the region’s health have been honored by the Tennessee Hospital Association.
Dr. Joe Smiddy, a pulmonologist with Wellmont Medical Associates Pulmonology & Sleep, and R. David Crockett Sr., a longtime member of Bristol Regional Medical Center’s board of directors, recently received the Meritorious Service Award. The hospital association celebrated their achievements during the organization’s 75th annual meeting in Nashville.
Dr. Smiddy, a medical doctor, was recognized for his community service, which includes his volunteer leadership with Remote Area Medical® clinic and the Health Wagon and his work with patients at Lonesome Pine Hospital and other Wellmont facilities.
Crockett was commended for his dedicated service as a member of Bristol Regional’s and Wellmont’s board of directors. He has served three times as chairman of Bristol Regional’s board and one time as chairman of Wellmont’s board.
“Wellmont is a better health system because of conscientious work by Dave and Dr. Smiddy to improve our region’s quality of life and the quality of care our patients receive,” said Denny DeNarvaez, Wellmont’s president and CEO. “It is a privilege to team with these two highly respected community servants, who are using their skills and leadership for the betterment of others.”
Dr. Smiddy was a driving force behind the first Tri-Cities RAM clinic, held in 2010 at Bristol Motor Speedway. That passion has continued with his support of the second and third clinics as well.
He has also worked year-round with the Health Wagon to provide primary and preventive care to the area, as well as education on the dangers of smoking and other tobacco use. He also travels with an army of volunteers and family to foreign countries, most notably with his Body and Soul of Belize program, for which he serves as medical director.
“My father always told me, ‘Go where the need is greatest. Do the things no one else wants to do,’” Dr. Smiddy said. “That’s the guiding philosophy for some of our missions, when we’re in the most remote areas imaginable – and with the people who need our help the most. I am grateful to have the medical skills to help people and appreciate the many people who have stepped forward to lend their support.”
Crockett’s service to the health system began in 1976 when he joined Bristol Memorial Hospital’s board of directors. During his tenure on that board, he has provided valuable guidance, enhanced by his deep connections with the community, as medical services have expanded. Each time, Crockett encouraged physicians and hospital administrators to work collaboratively to ensure patients in Bristol Regional’s service area continue to receive outstanding health care.
He has also offered his professional acumen, developed through his experience as a vice president of Bristol Compressors, to the health system. Members of the medical staff have sought his expertise with hospital relations and governance, and hospital leaders and health system executives have sought his counsel about personnel and operational matters.
“This award from the Tennessee Hospital Association is a great honor, but it’s been my great privilege to serve Bristol Regional and Wellmont and the patients of our region,” Crockett said. “All our medical providers, administrators and other staff play integral roles in our health system’s delivery of innovative care. I have enjoyed my service as a board member, and it has been even more fulfilling due to the high-caliber co-workers in our health system.”
Download photo of Dr. Joe Smiddy.
Download photo of R. David Crockett Sr.
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