Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Honors Dr. Reggie Dickerson and Welcomes New Cardiologists to Sumner County

Ascension Saint Thomas Heart celebrated the career of longtime Gallatin cardiologist Dr. Reggie Dickerson on Sept. 28 and welcomed three new cardiologists to its growing team serving heart patients in Sumner County.

The Gallatin Heart Celebration brought together physicians, community leaders, colleagues and partners from Ascension Saint Thomas and Highpoint Health to recognize Dickerson's contributions to cardiovascular care in the community for the past 18 years and look ahead to the continued growth and commitment to excellence in heart care for patients in Sumner County.

A board-certified interventional cardiologist, Dickerson has provided specialized cardiovascular care in Gallatin, with clinical expertise in heart catheterization, coronary percutaneous interventions, or PCI, and peripheral vascular interventions. His career has included the use of minimally invasive procedures to treat coronary and peripheral artery disease and restore blood flow.

Dickerson completed his medical education at Hahnemann University and his internship and residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital before completing a cardiology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic.

"Dr. Dickerson has played an important role in bringing advanced cardiovascular care to patients in Gallatin and Sumner County," said Fahad Tahir, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas. "His commitment to his patients and to the practice of cardiovascular medicine helped strengthen the level of care available in this community. We are grateful for the expertise and dedication he has brought to Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, and we are committed to building on the foundation he established as we continue to advance cardiovascular care and expand access to experienced heart care for patients across Sumner County with Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas."

Rod Harkleroad, market president of Highpoint Health and CEO of Highpoint Health - Sumner, said the hospital wouldn't be what it is today without the leadership and commitment of Dr. Dickerson.

"Dr. Dickerson leaves behind a remarkable legacy. It will be hard for anyone else to live up to his professionalism, skill and, most of all, his kindness. Our staff loves him, and so do his patients. However, we are excited about the next phase of heart care in our region. As we say goodbye to Dr. Dickerson, we welcome three new interventional cardiologists who are exceptionally trained and ready to build on the strong foundation he helped create. They are ready to make their own mark while providing advanced heart care to this community."

The celebration also recognized Dr. Gary Yawn and Dr. Michael Phillips for their continued commitment to cardiovascular care in Sumner County. As Ascension Saint Thomas Heart looks to the future and continues to provide specialized heart care close to home, three new interventional cardiologists are joining the team at the Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas medical plaza; Dr. Nadia Sutton, Dr. Shane Metzler and Dr. Jessica Goad.

Their addition expands the cardiovascular team serving patients in Sumner County and adds to the physicians available to provide specialized heart care close to home.

"It has been my honor to serve the people of Sumner County for more than 18 years," Dickerson said. "I have seen our program grow here, and our patients receive the best care for their cardiovascular needs. I am retiring now knowing I am leaving the program in the hands of highly qualified and skilled physicians who will carry the level of expertise our patients expect into the future."