State-of-the-art medical clinic represents $15 million investment
Continuing to lead the way in gastroenterology care in East Tennessee, Gastrointestinal Associates (GIA) held a grand opening March 20 to celebrate its $15 million, state-of-the-art Dowell Springs location that features a GI Clinic, Endoscopy Center, Crohn’s & Colitis Institute and GIA 180 Weight Management Center.
“GIA has long been recognized for groundbreaking work in the field of gastroenterology and leading the way in East Tennessee, and this new location builds on that 45-year foundation to strengthen our practice and better serve our patients,” Gastrointestinal Associates CEO Jeff Dew said. “Our Dowell Springs location will serve as the premier health care facility in the region for endoscopic procedures like screening colonoscopies and many other clinical services centered around our patients’ health.
“This facility was meticulously planned with the patient in mind. It includes wider hallways, improved appointment flow, including valet parking, private or communal infusion rooms with natural light and much more.”
The ceremony included raising the American and Tennessee state flags on the new location site to signify the official opening. The American flag and Tennessee flag were provided by the offices of U.S. Rep. Jimmy Duncan and Gov. Bill Haslam, respectively.
Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett noted GIA’s impact on the quality of health in the Knoxville-area community, and business partners in attendance included Realty Trust Group, BarberMcMurry Architects, Design Innovation Architects, Merit Construction and PYA Knoxville. Later, community and business leaders, elected officials and members of the medical community took tours of the facility.
“We’re extremely proud of our new facility and to have this talented team of GIA physicians stand with us to celebrate,” GIA co-founder Dr. Bergein “Gene” Overholt said. “All of our physicians are board-certified, highly experienced and have specialized training. GIA’s outstanding quality of care has been recognized by the health care community, GIA’s colleagues, patients and their families. GIA, in turn, believes in investing in Knoxville. The new Dowell Springs facility is a $15 million commitment aimed at continuing to deliver state-of-the-art health care service to the region.”
The Dowell Springs location will continue to offer superior levels of quality, value and convenience for patients, which include:
- The Dowell Springs Endoscopy Center, one of GIA’s three ambulatory surgery centers. Over the last 30 years, GIA has performed more than 250,000 screening colonoscopies in order to provide early detection and prevention of colon cancer in East Tennessee.
- Crohn’s and Colitis Institute, a center for diagnosis and treatment for these diseases. Many people suffer in silence with these conditions, and the institute’s leading staff will provide treatments and support to help ease their pain and restore the freedom of wellness.
- The GIA 180 Weight Management Center. The center delivers innovative and personalized approaches, including endoscopic treatments to help those who need to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle for better wellness.
The new facility has absorbed the operations and services currently housed at GIA’s nearby Weisgarber Road location, including the administrative offices, clinical services and ambulatory surgery center. GIA will continue to operate its locations off Emory Road in Powell and Parkside Drive in West Knox County, as well as offer physician services in Oak Ridge.
About Gastrointestinal Associates
Gastrointestinal Associates is one of the Southeast’s leading GI practices and is the only GI practice in Knoxville that operates three licensed and certified endoscopic ambulatory surgery centers in the north, central and west areas of Knoxville and Knox County. For more information, visit www.gihealthcare.com.