Five Generations of Care with Covenant Health

Just weeks before Mother’s Day, five generations of one East Tennessee family gathered to celebrate something extraordinary. Together, they welcomed newborn baby, Mayzie, at Methodist Medical Center.  

Covenant Health has supported their whole family’s health for more than 30 years. From delivery to lifelong primary care, each mom across the five generations has trusted Covenant Health for their care.  

Pictured left to right: Standing Tricia Shaw and Robin Shaw with seated Patricia Mayer, Christinia Bridges holding Mayzie and Dr. Randy Denton of Roane County Family Practice. 

A Relationship Built Over Time 

It all began in the early 1990s when Robin Shaw chose Randy Denton, MD, of Covenant Health’s Roane County Family Practice as her primary care provider. That single decision shaped care for her entire family, spanning generations. Over time, Dr. Denton began caring for Robin’s mother Tricia, her grandmother Patricia, her daughter Christina, and now her granddaughter Mayzie. 

“He’s been my stable person,” Robin said. “He’s taken care of my three children, then my mom, then my grandma and now my granddaughter. He knows us.” 

What started as one patient-provider relationship grew into a multigenerational bond built on consistency and trust. 

Care That Meets People Where They Are 

That bond mattered deeply during one of Robin’s hardest moments. After a gallbladder surgery led to additional testing, doctors discovered cancer in her kidney. The news was devastating, but Dr. Denton helped guide her through it. 

“He turned a 10-minute appointment into an hour and a half,” Robin said. “He was so thorough. He explained everything in a way we could understand. He made it real, but he made it manageable.” 

Her kidney was successfully removed, and today she is focused on healing and enjoying her new role as a grandmother. 

“That kind of care is rare,” she added. “He doesn’t rush you. He listens.” 

Dr. Denton says experiences like this remind him why primary care matters. “Moments like this are why I do what I do,” he said. “Being able to walk alongside families through every season of life — that’s what makes it worth it.” 

Welcoming a New Generation 

For Robin’s daughter, Christinia, this Mother’s Day is especially meaningful. It’s her first Mother’s Day with her daughter, Mayzie.  

When Christina was getting ready to welcome her daughter, she knew she wanted their care with the healthcare system she’d been with her whole life. Christina delivered at Methodist Medical Center with OB/GYN, Kathryn Hayes, MD. Christina shared, “It meant a lot to stay within the same health system we’ve trusted for so long. Everything feels connected at Covenant Health.” 

Choosing a primary care physician for Mayzie wasn’t hard. Christina has found great comfort in bringing her baby to the same physician who cared for her as a child. 

“I was his patient growing up,” she said. “There was never a question. I wanted Mayzie to see Dr. Denton too.” 

Rooted in Community 

The family lives side by side on a farm in Roane County, where generations return after life takes them elsewhere.  

“The nurses know us. The doctors know us,” Robin said. “You’re never just a chart. You’re family.” 

From pregnancy and delivery at Methodist Medical Center to newborn and lifelong care at Roane County Family Practice, Covenant Health supported this family at every step. Our teams are proud to offer expert care, familiar faces and the strength of a not‑for‑profit health system rooted in the community. 

As five generations celebrate a new life this Mother’s Day, they are also celebrating something lasting: care built on trust, compassion and the people who make Covenant Health feel like home. 

For generations of East Tennesseans, Covenant Health has been there when it matters most. When you’re ready to choose care for yourself or your loved ones, we’re here to help. Find a doctor today.