Dr. O’Kelley

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I joined Generations after completing my residency training in 1989 at the University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences in Memphis. I have seen many changes in health care over the years. One thing which has remained constant is the importance of providing the best quality of care possible. Maintaining that focus has served my practice and my patients well. Also, I have been practicing medicine long enough to appreciate the value of interaction with patients and colleagues that is genuine and I strive for that daily. I have had the privilege to work with many outstanding healthcare providers and I am humbled by the opportunity I have had to help so many people with their health care needs.

Like many other physicians I enjoy surgery. Of course it is equally important to know when not to operate, and I try to make sure my patients are completely aware of all treatment options available. Much of what we were trained to do surgically years ago has changed and we have had to develop new skills in order to advance the quality of care we can provide for patients. Surgery has become less “invasive”, which has benefited our patients with reduced postsurgical pain and shortened recovery time. Most of my patients who require hysterectomy now either undergo a vaginal hysterectomy or a laparoscopic hysterectomy, both of which avoid a large abdominal incision and a more lengthy recovery. For those patients requiring a laparoscopic approach I use the same technique that I developed 8 or so years ago. After several hundred procedures, I believe this approach gives the best possible results for my patients.

After practicing many years, friends sometimes ask me if I plan to stop delivering babies. While I admit being awake at 2 am is not tops on most people’s list, I still enjoy obstetrics greatly and intend to continue. I am even getting to deliver babies of the babies I delivered 20 or so years ago, which is really fun and fits fairly well with the name “Generations!”

My wife and I moved to Knoxville from Memphis in 1989 and have raised 2 children here. We love our church, our friends, our community, and just about everything about Knoxville and East Tennessee. We cannot imagine living anywhere else. It is a great honor and privilege to serve the patients of Generations.

Education:

Specialty Training: University of Tennessee, 1989
Medical: University of Tennessee, M.D. 1985
Undergraduate: University of Memphis, B.S. 1981

Board certificate:

American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology 12/13/1991

Society membership:

Fellow, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
American Urogynecologic Society
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
North American Menopause Society

Hospital Affiliations:

Active:

Parkwest Medical Center
Parkwest Surgery Center

Courtesy:

Fort Loudoun Medical Center

Committees:

Clinical Quality Improvement Council
Preferred Healthcare Partnership Companies, Inc.

Career Achievements:

Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center 1995 -1996
Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Parkwest Medical Center 2003 – 2005
Medical Director, Maternity Center of East Tennessee, 1999 – 2000
Surgical Preceptor for Essure, Conceptus, 2004 to present
Chair, Covenant Women’s Health Council, 2005 to present

Community Service:
Board of Directors, Hope Resource Center, 2005 to present