Morristown-Hamblen Welcomes 12 New Medical Students for Clinical Rotations
- 3 minute read.
- Last Updated: 7/17/2025
Covenant Health Morristown-Hamblen is proud to welcome twelve third-year medical students from Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) as they begin their clinical rotations this month. This milestone is part of a broader partnership between Covenant Health and LMU-DCOM, aimed at shaping the next generation of compassionate, skilled physicians.
Training Tomorrow’s Physicians Today
The students were officially welcomed during Covenant Health’s annual Medical Education Recognition Event, held July 12 in Knoxville. The event celebrated the arrival of 52 LMU-DCOM students who will complete their core clinical rotations across four Covenant Health hospitals: Cumberland Medical Center, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Methodist Medical Center, and Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System.
In addition to the medical students, the event also introduced eight new residents to the Methodist Family Medicine Residency Program, launched in 2024. With the new additions, the program now supports 16 residents, all committed to delivering high-quality care to the Oak Ridge community.
Ceremonies Mark the Start of a Journey
The day featured educational sessions and a celebratory luncheon, where LMU-DCOM students received their white coats—a symbol of their entry into clinical practice. Family medicine residents were honored with a special pinning ceremony, marking the beginning of their residency journey.
Hands-On Learning at Morristown-Hamblen
At Morristown-Hamblen, the twelve LMU-DCOM students will gain hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced physicians. Their training will include patient interviews and examinations, hospital rounds, interdisciplinary team meetings, documentation, and clinical procedures.
The students beginning their rotations at Morristown-Hamblen are Joshua Parker, Stephen McNichol, Byron Freeman, Zachary Billings, Austin Beltramo, Breanna Thomas, Maggie Maze, Hannah Valdez, Nina Musgrove, Ashlynn Miller, Leah Jones, and Lauren Huelson.
They were welcomed by Gordon Lintz, President and Chief Administrative Officer of Morristown-Hamblen, expressed his enthusiasm for the students’ arrival. “We are honored to welcome these exceptional medical students to Morristown-Hamblen. Their passion for learning and dedication to patient care are truly inspiring. As they begin their clinical journey, we’re proud to support their growth and help shape the future of medicine right here in our community.”
This partnership reflects Morristown-Hamblen’s ongoing commitment to advancing medical education and improving access to care in East Tennessee. By training future physicians in a real-world hospital setting, the program not only enhances the students’ clinical skills but also strengthens the hospital’s connection to the community it serves.
The presence of these students brings fresh perspectives, energy, and innovation to the hospital environment—benefiting both patients and staff. Morristown-Hamblen is proud to play a role in preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders.
About Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System
Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System, a member of Covenant Health, is a 167-bed hospital serving residents throughout the surrounding eight-county area. The hospital offers comprehensive medical care with six Centers of Excellence, including Morristown Regional Cancer Center, a Women’s Center, Breast Center, Outpatient Surgery Center, an Emergency and Critical Care Center, and the Heart, Lung and Vascular Center. Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System’s 125-year heritage reflects a patient-focused approach with a commitment to integrity, quality, and service to our communities. Visit MorristownHamblen.com to learn more.
