John Mottern, DO

A native of East Tennessee, I was raised in a blue-collar family and developed an early appreciation for the many social, financial, and personal factors that influence health and overall well-being. These experiences have shaped my approach to patient care, emphasizing compassion, understanding, and meeting patients where they are. My interest in medicine was inspired by my grandparents’ experiences with pancreatic cancer. My grandfather was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer and given a devastating prognosis, yet he continued pursuing his lifelong passion as a farmer with remarkable resilience and determination, ultimately living far longer than expected while never losing sight of what mattered most to him. My grandmother later faced pancreatic cancer as well, but after careful consideration, chose not to pursue treatment. Her decision reflected a different, yet equally courageous, expression of strength and dignity.  Witnessing their distinct journeys taught me that there is no single “right” way to face serious illness. More importantly, it reinforced my belief that medicine extends beyond diagnosing and treating disease—it is about caring for the whole person, honoring each patient’s values and goals, preserving dignity, and helping individuals achieve the highest possible quality of life. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two young children, as well as carpentry, traveling, and exploring the outdoors with my family.