Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital Recognizes 2025 Honorees for Clinical Leadership

Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital is proud to announce its 2025 honorees for exceptional accomplishments in clinical leadership. This year's recipients were selected for their exemplary service, clinical excellence and commitment to advancing patient care in the community. Honorees include Dr. David Whetstone, named Physician of the Year; Dr. Chip Bell, recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award; and Dr. Edward "Dunk" Eastham, who received the Dr. Olin Williams Distinguished Service Award.

Hospital leadership honors clinical excellence

"We are proud to recognize these extraordinary physicians who consistently deliver exceptional, compassionate and patient-centered care," said Daphne David, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. "Their leadership, dedication and commitment to our mission set the highest standard for our medical community, and we are honored to serve alongside them."

Award recipients were selected by their peers in the medical staff and hospital leadership, with consideration given to leadership roles, clinical excellence, years of service and contributions to the community.

Dr. David Whetstone named Physician of the Year

Dr. David Whetstone, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, has been named Physician of the Year. He received his medical degree from East Carolina University and completed his residency at the University of Virginia Health System.

Dr. Whetstone has served the community for more than 18 years and is known for his leadership, integrity and empathy. His proactive approach to improving care delivery and his ability to inspire peers have had a lasting impact on patients, colleagues and the broader Ascension community. His involvement across multiple areas of the organization reflects his commitment to the hospital, its mission and the people it serves.

Dr. Chip Bell receives Clinical Excellence Award

Dr. Chip Bell, a board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist, has received the Clinical Excellence Award. He earned his medical degree from Loyola University, completed his residency at Baylor and completed fellowship training at Rush University.

He was recognized by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Family Medicine Residency for outstanding teaching and continues to be a valued resource for residents and medical staff. Colleagues describe him as "always available for support and consultation," "consistently collaborative during patient care," and someone who "offers thoughtful, meaningful guidance regardless of circumstances." His consistent presence, depth of knowledge and willingness to assist others embody clinical excellence.

Dr. Edward "Dunk" Eastham honored with Dr. Olin Williams Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Edward "Dunk" Eastham has received the Dr. Olin Williams Distinguished Service Award for his decades of leadership and service at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford. A graduate of the University of Tennessee Memphis, Dr. Eastham joined the medical staff on June 28, 2001.

He has served in numerous leadership roles, including department chair, chief of staff and interim chief medical officer. His longstanding involvement with the Tennessee Medical Foundation and his mentorship of physicians navigating addiction-related challenges have had a meaningful and lasting impact.

A colleague shared, "He has left an incredible mark as a leader and exemplary founder of our group. I am grateful to have had the pleasure to work with him and will always hold him in high esteem as a servant to those in need."