Our cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons are supported by certified physician assistants and nurse practitioners trained in the care of patients before, during, and after surgery. They will assist the surgeons and you in preparing a personalized care plan for your surgery and help answer any questions you may have along the way. Learn more about the training and experience of our team.
Richard Asher, PA-C
Richard earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South College and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He has special clinical interest in the care of cardiovascular and thoracic patients before, during, and after surgery. Richard has been with East Tennessee Cardiovascular Surgery Group since 2018.
Tim Carlsen, PA-C
Tim completed his Physician Assistant Studies from Bayley Seton and earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Hunter College. He has special clinical interest in the care of cardiovascular and thoracic patients before, during, and after surgery. Tim has been with East Tennessee Cardiovascular Surgery Group since 2019.
Clark Greene, PA-C
Clark holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Clark has been with East Tennessee Cardiovascular Surgery Group since 1994. He is a fellow of the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants, American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery.
Jacob Griffith, PA-C
Jacob completed his Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and earned a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science from East Tennessee State University. He has special clinical interest in the care of cardiovascular and thoracic patients before, during, and after surgery. Jacob has been with East Tennessee Cardiovascular Surgery Group since 2020.
Brian Murphy, PA-C
Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine from California University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Physician Assistant from Duquesne University. Brian has been with East Tennessee Cardiovascular Surgery Group since 2010. He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery.
Brian Overbay, PA-C
Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Carson Newman College, a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska. Brian has been with East Tennessee Cardiovascular Surgery Group since 2000. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants.
Hannah Royer, NP
Hannah Royer received her masters degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University and completed her bachelors degree in nursing from Tennessee Wesleyan College. Her clinical interest is the care of cardiovascular and thoracic patients before, during, and after surgery. Hannah has been with East Tennessee Cardiovascular Surgery Group since 2016.
Angela Shepherd, PA-C
Angela earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Wingate University, a Master of Science in Sports Medicine from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Middle Tennessee State University. She has special clinical interest in the care of cardiovascular and thoracic patients before, during, and after surgery. Angela has been with East Tennessee Cardiovascular Surgery Group since 2019.
Lee Speed, PA-C
Lee holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Messiah College and a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant from King’s College. Lee has been with East Tennessee Cardiovascular Surgery Group since 2009. He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery.
Ashley Wade, NP
Ashley wade received her masters degree in nursing from Carson-Newman University and completed her bachelors degree in nursing from the University of Tennessee. Her clinical interest is the care of cardiovascular and thoracic patients before, during, and after surgery. Ashley has been with East Tennessee Cardiovascular Surgery Group since 2016.