Dear Patients:
After 33 years of practicing medicine, and with more than 27 of those in Oak Ridge Tennessee, I would like to announce my upcoming retirement as of September 27th, 2024. My desire to practice medicine dates back to the 8th grade and became a driving force for me throughout high school and college. Ultimately, pulmonary medicine became my long-term focus and passion which has allowed me to cross paths with so many unique patients and colleagues over time. I have been very fortunate to have a professional mission that allowed me to try to make even small differences in people’s lives along the way. I have truly appreciated the trust, loyalty, and friendship that you have given me over the years, and I have greatly valued those relationships. In short, it has been an honor to serve as your physician.
I am now going to shift my focus to other aspects of life that have been partially sidelined during the last several decades. I am looking forward to a new journey including exploring many of my long-ignored hobbies as well as traveling more in the near future. The name “East Tennessee Pulmonary Associates” has been a fixture in Oak Ridge since 1977 but it will effectively retire with me. However, most of my staff will remain in place at my current location under the new ownership of Stat Care Pulmonary. This is a well-established group of pulmonologists and nurse practitioners who will continue the high-level care of my patients at the same address and with the same telephone numbers. Ms. Katherine Cross, FNP will continue to provide excellent pulmonary care with this new group of physicians and nurse practitioners.
You will be missed but not forgotten. God bless you all!
Sincerely,
Hal Hughes, MD
