Jackson — West Tennessee Healthcare is excited to announce Kevin Joe Wheatley, M.D., FAAFP, as its new Medical Director of Palliative Care at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
Wheatley is a graduate of James H. Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN. He completed his residency training with the University of Tennessee Family Medicine in Jackson, Tenn. Wheatley obtained his hospice and palliative fellowship training at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, TN.
Palliative care, also known as palliative medicine, is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness no matter the diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is provided by a team of palliative care doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.
Wheatley assumed his new role as Medical Director of Palliative Care at JMCGH in July. He will also assist with medical duties at Hospice of West Tennessee. Dr. Clyde Smith will continue to serve as Medical Director of Hospice of West Tennessee and Dr. Smith and Dr. Edward Koonce will continue to work in the hospital’s palliative care program.
Print
