Staff

Join a Team That Feels Like Family, Not Just Colleagues

From your first day at Henry County Medical Center, you'll notice something refreshingly different about the team dynamic. The small, cohesive group of hospitalists and advanced practice providers functions more like a family practice than a typical hospitalist service. Dr. Bruce Spinzig, Dr. Virginia Go, and the other physicians have created a supportive environment where collaboration is the norm and egos take a back seat to patient care.

Walking through the hospital corridors, you'll find yourself greeted by name, not just by your physician colleagues but by nurses, techs, and support staff who genuinely know you. In this environment, when you call a nurse about a patient concern, they're calling a trusted colleague they know well, not just "the hospitalist on call." 

Your Physician Colleagues: Experienced Partners in Care

Your fellow hospitalists bring a wealth of experience and a collaborative approach to patient care:

  • Dr. Bruce Spinzig, MD - Known for his clinical acumen and approachable teaching style
  • Dr. Virginia Go, MD - Highly respected for her thorough patient care and diagnostic skills
  • Additional Hospitalist physicians within the larger West Tennessee Healthcare system provide further collegial support and coverage options

What's particularly telling about the quality of practice here is that several physicians have deep roots in the community - they grew up in Paris, went away for training, and chose to return to practice medicine here. This speaks volumes about both the quality of life and the professional satisfaction they've found.

Advanced Practice Providers: Essential Team Members

The APP team at Henry County Medical Center consists of experienced, capable clinicians who enhance the hospitalist service:

  • Kristian M. Elliott, FNP - Hospitalist nurse practitioner
  • Mary Ann McCain, APRN - Hospitalist nurse practitioner
  • Philip A. McCain, APN - Hospitalist nurse practitioner
  • Walter "Griffin" Wood, PA-C - Hospitalist physician assistant
  • Additional APP starting in April from a nephrology background, further strengthening the team

Unlike settings where APPs are merely used to increase patient volume, here they are valued partners who perform initial workups, coordinate with the ED team, provide night coverage, and assist with discharges. Their experience means you can trust their assessments and recommendations, making the night call experience much less burdensome.

Specialty Support That Enhances Your Practice

While subspecialty coverage isn't comprehensive, the specialists who are available provide valuable collaboration:

  • Pulmonology: Dr. Curry/Carruth (Monday-Friday) manages complex respiratory cases
  • General Surgery: Available most of the time for surgical consultations and procedures
  • Orthopedics: Available most of the time for musculoskeletal issues
  • Urology and ENT: Regular specialty coverage
  • Emergency Department: Staffed 24/7 with physicians capable of managing procedures and critical situations

The hospital maintains well-established relationships with referral centers in Jackson (1 hour 15 minutes away) and Nashville for cardiology, neurology, and other subspecialty needs. These connections ensure your patients receive appropriate specialty care when needed.

Nursing and Support Staff: The Backbone of Quality Care

The clinical support team at Henry County Medical Center brings both experience and dedication:

  • Experienced nursing staff who know the patient population well
  • Case management team that facilitates efficient discharges and appropriate follow-up
  • Imaging and laboratory services available 24/7
  • Pharmacy support for medication management
  • Rehabilitation services for inpatient therapy needs

The current staffing supports 21 beds on the medical floor and 6 in CCU, with potential to expand as staffing improves. Unlike larger facilities where hospitalists must coordinate with dozens of different nurses each day, here you'll work with a consistent team who understand your practice patterns and preferences.

A Culture of Collegiality, Not Competition

The practice culture at Henry County Medical Center stands in stark contrast to high-pressure hospitalist environments:

  • Collaborative approach to patient care decisions
  • Open communication between all members of the healthcare team
  • Focus on quality care rather than productivity metrics
  • Strong community connections with many staff having deep roots in the area
  • Support for work-life balance with the 7-on/7-off schedule
  • Teaching opportunities with PA students and occasional residents

You'll find a refreshing absence of the political infighting common in many hospital environments, replaced by a shared commitment to providing excellent care to the community.

System Resources Without Corporate Constraints

As part of West Tennessee Healthcare (since October 2021), you'll benefit from system resources while maintaining local practice autonomy:

  • System leadership including CMO, regional CMOs, and hospitalist program directors
  • Professional development opportunities within the larger system
  • Quality improvement initiatives supported by system resources
  • Expanded specialist network for consultation and referrals
  • Transition to Epic EMR planned within 1-2 years

At Henry County Medical Center, you'll join a team that values your clinical expertise, respects your time, and creates an environment where you can thrive professionally while maintaining balance in your personal life. This is hospital medicine practiced in a setting where relationships matter and quality care remains the primary focus.

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