UPPER CUMBERLAND – The members of the Upper Cumberland Medical Society, the Tennessee Medical Association affiliate for physicians in the 14 counties of Upper Cumberland, have issued a statement on the current treatment of COVID-19.
The statement reads as follows:
The Upper Cumberland has seen a concerning increase in the number of patients getting sick and requiring hospitalization from COVID-19. We, the physicians of the Upper Cumberland Medical Society, are asking for your help battling this pandemic.
In this fight, our enemy is an invisible virus. Most cases of COVID-19 are spread by asymptomatic carriers or those who have not yet started showing symptoms of the virus. For these reasons, it is necessary for all of us to take precautions.
Avoid crowded places and limit time in enclosed places. Stay 6 feet away and wear a mask or simple cloth face covering in public. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently. Do not go out in public if you are sick, unless you are seeking medical care.
If you become ill with symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, isolate yourself and contact your doctor for medical care. If your doctor recommends quarantine because you were exposed or diagnosed with COVID-19, please follow their recommendations.
After the tragic March 3 tornado in Putnam County, our region showed its true colors. Our collective outpouring of care was an inspiring model for the nation of what it means to take care of your neighbor. With an invisible enemy like a virus, it is more difficult to stay vigilant. In March, we donated, cared, served and prayed. Now it is time for each of us to rally again.
Take responsibility for others. Please wear a simple cloth face covering. Avoid crowds. Come together to take care of the citizens, first responders and health care workers in all 14 counties of Upper Cumberland. The Upper Cumberland Medical Society urges everyone to do your part to help flatten the curve.
Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html for more information.
Upper Cumberland Medical Society is an affiliate of the Tennessee Medical Association, and 35 health team professionals contributed to this PSA.
| Rexford Agbenohevi MD | Cookeville |
| Dawn Michelle Barlow MD UCMS Vice President | Rickman |
| James Howard Batson MD UCMS Past Pres | Cookeville |
| Katherine Alice Bertram MD FACP | Cookeville |
| James W. Cates MD- TMA BOT–UCMS Past Pres | Cookeville |
| Courtney Lynn Cummings MD | Livingston |
| Roger Mackey Duke MD | Carthage |
| Barbara M. Ebel MD | Sparta |
| Eric G. Fox MD | Cookeville |
| Lloyd Douglas Franklin MD | Cookeville |
| James C. Gray MD UCMS Secretary | Cookeville |
| James M. Grisolano MD | Cookeville |
| Pushpendra K. Jain MD | Cookeville |
| Abhay G Kemkar MD | Sparta |
| Emily Lee FNP WHSON | Cookeville |
| Rory H. Lewis MD | Livingston |
| Samantha E. McLerran MD UCMS President | Cookeville |
| Kendall Anne Morrison MD | Crossville |
| Fabian Ngido MD | Cookeville |
| Larry E. Patterson MD | Crossville |
| Mark Pierce MD | Cookeville |
| Maria Teresa Ramos MD | Cookeville |
| F. Bronn Rayne MD | Cookeville |
| Richard T. Rutherford MD | Carthage |
| Craig Saunders MD UCMS Past President | Sparta |
| Algis P. Sidrys MD | Cookeville |
| Michael Kevin Smith MD –TMA Pres Elect | Nashville |
| Brent Davis Staton MD | Cookeville |
| James B. Talmage MD | Cookeville |
| Leslie Mooney Treece MD | Cookeville |
| Mark Wathen MD | Cookeville |
| Cheryl Wathen MSN APN-BC | Cookeville |
| Ty Webb MD | Sparta |
| Lisa McDonald Whiteaker MD | Cookeville |
| Charles T. Womack MD | Cookeville |
Editors Note: James Davis McKinney MD of Cookeville was inadvertently left off the list of original signers.
