Eugene Ryan, MD, PharmD, FACP, has been installed as the 2026 President of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society. He is the 143rd president in the organization’s history.
Dr. Ryan is a board-certified internist with Parkridge Hospitalists with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Medical College of Georgia followed by residency at Eisenhower Army Medical Center. He served as a physician in the US Army. In 2007, Dr. Ryan founded Chattanooga Research & Medicine, a multi-specialty research center dedicated to the conduct of clinical trials. He succeeds Immediate Past President Harish Manyam, MD, chief of cardiology with Erlanger Cardiology.
During 2026 Dr. Ryan plans to focus on championing the vital role of physicians as leaders in healthcare, addressing disparities in rural healthcare access, and advocating for legislative reforms that improve patient outcomes.
“I urge each of us (as physicians) to stay informed, engaged, and united in shaping policies that protect health and well-being of all of our patients,” he said. “Every voice is important, every email has an impact, and every one of us who visits a legislator makes a real difference.”
Newly elected officers and members of the 2026 Medical Society board are:
- President-Elect Michael Nichols, MD, Tennessee Interventional and Imaging Associates;
- Secretary-Treasurer Louis Chemin, MD, Anesthesia Consultants Exchange;
- David Armstrong, MD, Chattanooga Ears Nose & Throat;
- Rishabh Shah, MD, CommonSpirit Surgical Associates;
- William “Trae” Bates, DO, CommonSpirit Family Practice Ooltewah;
- John Tapp, MD, Galen South Internal Medicine;
- Beth Snell, MD, University Surgical Associates.
They join returning board members Steven Fox, MD, Erlanger Family Medicine; Sam Jones, MD, The Chattanooga Heart Institute; Jennie Mahaffey, MD, Erlanger Health System; Paula Nicola, MD, Eye Care Chattanooga; Lori Proctor, MD, PathGroup; Jason Susong, MD, Chattanooga Mohs Surgery; and Ethan Zimmerman, MD, Erlanger Primary Care North.
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society is an advocate for physicians and for the continual improvement of community health. Founded in 1883, the 1,300-member Medical Society is affiliated with the Tennessee Medical Association. Patient advocacy and the protection of the patient-physician relationship are primary goals.
The Medical Society partners with the Medical Foundation of Chattanooga on public service projects including the Southeast Tennessee Project Access program; the Future Docs education initiative; and the LifeBridge Physician Well-Being Initiative.
