More than 300 people packed into the lobby of the R. B. Wilson Medical Center in Huntingdon, Tenn., to attend a celebration tea in honor of family medicine physicians Dr. Jerry F. Atkins and Dr. Scott Portis. The retiring physicians have contributed 90 years of medical service to Carroll County and surrounding areas; Atkins practiced for 50 years and Portis served for 40 years.
Here are some of the physicians’ many professional accomplishments:
Dr. Atkins
Education:
- 1955 McKenzie High School Graduate
- 1959 Lambuth Graduate
- 1963 Medical School Graduate from University of Tennessee-College of Medicine
- 1963 Licensed MD
- 1964 began practice at Wilson Hospital
Member of Medical Staff as follows:
- 1964-1974 – Wilson Hospital (at this time Wilson Hospital became Wilson Clinic)
- 1974-1985 – Carroll County General Hospital
- 1985-2013 – Baptist Memorial Hospital-Huntingdon (Carroll County General Hospital was purchased in 1985 by Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation and named changed to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Huntingdon
Honors:
- 1996 Carroll Countian of the Year
- 1997 THA Meritorious Service Award from THA (Tennessee Hospital Association awards this to one physician state-wide)
- 1999 Road named in his honor Jerry F. Atkins Lane (in Huntingdon, TN)
- 2013 Pinnacle of Excellence award (Carroll County)
Dr. Portis
Education:
- 1958 Huntingdon High School Graduate
- 1964 University of Tennessee at Knoxville with Masters in Finance
- 1969 Changed career paths from Finance to medical and entered University of Tennessee-College of Medicine
- 1972 Graduated from University of Tennessee-College of Medicine
- 1973 Licensed MD
Member of Medical Staff as follows:
- 1974-1985 – Carroll County General Hospital
- 1985-2013 – Baptist Memorial Hospital-Huntingdon (Carroll County General Hospital was purchased in 1985 by Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation and named changed to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Huntingdon
- 1984-2013 – Director of ER
Honors/Other:
- 1978-2011 Carroll County Medical Examiner
- 1984-2013 ER Medical Director for Baptist Memorial Hospital-Huntingdon
- 1988-2013 Medical Director for Baptist Memorial Hospital-Huntingdon’s Emergency Medical Service
- Since 1994 Ship physician for Holland America Line West Tours, Inc (cruise ship doctor)
- 1997 – Awarded Service Excellence ER Physician Award from Baptist Memorial Healthcare Corporation