Pictured above: CRMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bruce D.W. Johnson; CRMC CEO Buffy Key; Dr. Timothy J. Powell; CRMC Board Chair and Cookeville City Mayor Laurin Wheaton; and CRMC Chief Nursing Officer Amy Rich.
Powell began his career in Memphis as a hospital orderly
Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has announced that Dr. Timothy J. Powell has been named the recipient of the 2025 Martin Coffey Cardiovascular Service Award.
“This award honors individuals who exemplify excellence in cardiovascular care, unwavering integrity, and a dedication to patient well-being,” according to CRMC.
CRMC CEO Buffy Key opened the award presentation.
“It has been said that ‘the greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively,’” said Key. “These words perfectly capture the spirit of Dr. Powell, whose dedication to exceptional patient care has left an indelible mark on CRMC and the community it serves.”
According to a release by the hospital, colleagues widely recognize Dr. Powell for his “calm demeanor, ethical leadership, and steadfast commitment to putting others first.”
“He consistently goes above and beyond to expedite patient care, support his co-workers, and serve as a mentor who remains available at all hours. His compassionate approach and technical expertise make him an invaluable asset to CRMC,” according to CRMC.
Powell began his career in Memphis as a hospital orderly, where he gained early exposure to caring for patients. That experience inspired a lifelong commitment to the field.
“This early exposure to patient care inspired his lifelong commitment to the field,” according to the release. “He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis and his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 1994. He then completed his general surgery residency at the University of Tennessee in 1999 and a thoracic surgery residency at the Texas Heart Institute in Houston.”
During medical school, he was recognized with multiple accolades, including:
- Outstanding Student Service Award
- Medical Student Scholarship in Surgery Award
“He was also inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) National Honor Medical Society. Today, he holds board certifications in both surgery and thoracic surgery,” according to the release.
Before joining CRMC in 2010, Dr. Powell served as Director of Cardiovascular Services at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis.
“He was drawn to CRMC due to its commitment to quality care and its vision for growth. Since then, he has performed 5,195 cardiac, thoracic and vascular procedures, continuously advancing the hospital’s cardiovascular capabilities,” according to the release. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Powell was the sole cardiovascular surgeon at CRMC, working tirelessly to meet the critical needs of patients. His unwavering dedication during this challenging time solidified his reputation as a leader in the field and a compassionate caregiver.”
Dr. Powell completed his first coronary artery bypass graft surgery using the da Vinci robotic surgical system in 2025.
“This milestone represents a significant advancement in patient care, allowing for minimally invasive procedures, reduced risks and faster recoveries.”
Key understands the impact of an experienced leader like Powell.
“Dr. Powell’s impact extends far beyond his surgical skills. His ability to put patients and their families at ease, even in moments of uncertainty, is a testament to his deep compassion and unwavering dedication to service. It is an honor to recognize Dr. Powell with the 2025 Martin Coffey Cardiovascular Service Award, celebrating his exceptional contributions to the medical community and the countless lives he has touched to the people in our community,” said Key.
Photo courtesy of CRMC.
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