Find a Top Pulmonologist Near Me in Chattanooga, TN – Book an Appointment Instantly

Dr. Zibas comes to StatCare to practice in the field of hospitalist internal medicine. She graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1992. Dr. Zibas completed a residency in Internal Medicine at UAB in Birmingham, followed by a chief residency at Baptist Health Systems in Birmingham. She received her board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1996 and currently remains board certified. Dr. Zibas is a member of the American Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, Tennessee Medical Association.

Dr. Imayama joined StatCare to practice pulmonary and critical care medicine in 2024.
She received her medical degree from Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, completed Internal Medicine Residency training at Saint Francis Medical Center, and Fellowship training at the University of Illinois Chicago.
Dr. Imayama is board-certified in Critical Care, Pulmonary, and Sleep Medicine.

Since 1999, StatCare has been providing high-quality, personalized pulmonary and sleep medicine services to adults in and around Knoxville, Oak Ridge, and Athens, Tennessee. The practice is one of the largest privately held internal medicine hospitalist and pulmonary services groups in the nation and has accreditation from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) as a certified center of excellence for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. 

With a focus on improving patient experience and treatment outcomes, the board-certified physicians take an evidence-based approach to care. They also value the importance of patient education to empower individuals to stay in control of their health.

StatCare offices feature advanced diagnostic technologies to identify conditions like pulmonary fibrosis, lung nodules and masses, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The providers customize treatment plans using lifestyle changes, medications, and other non-surgical therapies to improve lung function and resolve symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and fatigue.

The StatCare sleep clinic can address daytime sleepiness, cognitive issues, and other symptoms of sleep apnea, insomnia, and other sleep disorders. The outpatient sleep clinic provides resources like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask fittings and referrals for dental appliances to improve nighttime breathing.

StatCare providers are always striving to improve the patient experience. They offer in-office evaluations and can also meet with patients in nursing homes, hospitals, and other care settings. The providers serve as a communication bridge between primary care providers and specialists to ensure patients have the continuous care they deserve.

In addition to scheduled appointments, StatCare offers after-hours assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to address medical emergencies.

To schedule a consultation at StatCare, call the office near you or book an appointment online today.

22 Years of Service to the Community

18 Locations

Dr. Cudzilo comes to StatCare to practice in the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine. He graduated from University of Tennessee undergrad in 2003, and UT College of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Cudzilo completed both Residency in 2011 and his Fellowship in 2014 at the University of Cincinnati. He received his board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in 2011, Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine in 2014 and currently remains board certified in these fields. Dr. Cudzilo is a member of the American College of Physicians and American Thoracic Society.

Katherine Johnson, MSN, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at StatCare, providing complete pulmonology care to adults living in and around Knoxville, Oak Ridge, and Athens, Tennessee. 

Katherine began her career pursuits at La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, earning her undergraduate degree in nursing. While there, Katherine was a member of the women’s swim team and the Gamma Gamma Sigma Service Sorority.

After graduation, Katherine enrolled at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, obtaining her Master of Science in family nursing. She also completed a student nurse externship in a cardiovascular unit. There, Katherine received hands-on training in monitoring patients, responding to emergencies, and taking vital signs.

Katherine began her nursing career in 2007. Since then, she’s served in various capacities, including staff nurse at a renal and urology transplant unit and staff nurse at a medical and surgical intensive care unit (ICU). Katherine takes a conservative and patient–centered approach to treatment, emphasizing healthy lifestyle changes and noninvasive measures.

Dr. Swisher comes to StatCare practicing in the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine since 1995. He completed undergraduate, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy programs at The Pennsylvania State University prior to obtaining a Doctor of Medicine degree at Jefferson Medical College. Subsequently, Dr. Swisher completed an Internal Medicine Residency in 1992 and Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship in 1995 at The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA.  He maintains board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Critical Care Medicine. Dr. Swisher is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, Pulmonary Hypertension Association, Society of Critical Care Medicine and Christian Medical and Dental Association.   His special interest is pulmonary vascular diseases.

Dr. Luchsinger comes to StatCare to practice in the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine. He graduated from Medical College of Wisconsin in 1987. Dr. Luchsinger completed Residency in 1990 at the University of Cincinnati and his Fellowship in 1995 at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD.  He received his board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1990, Pulmonary Disease in 1994, Critical Care Medicine in 1995 and currently remains board certified in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. Dr. Luchsinger is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society and the Tennessee Medical Association.

Dr. Morrison comes to StatCare to practice in the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine. He graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Morrison completed Internal Medicine Residency at Mercy Hospital with the University of Pittsburgh, PA and his Fellowship in 2009 at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT. He has a special interest in advanced pulmonary diagnostics utilizing bronchoscopic computer navigation and endobronchial ultrasound techniques for diagnosing lung lesions. In addition to advanced diagnostics, he has an additional special interest in advanced interventional pulmonary including airway stenting, tumor debulking, bronchial thermoplastic, pleural diagnostics and interventions. He received his board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in 2006, Pulmonary Disease in 2008 and Critical Care Medicine in 2009 and remains board certified in both fields. Dr. Morrison is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians.

Dr. Doers is the founding member of StatCare. He is the Managing Partner as well as practices in the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine. He graduated from University of Wisconsin Medical School in 1985. Dr. Doers completed both Residency in 1988 and his Fellowship in 1991 at the University of Cincinnati, OH.  He received his board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1989, Pulmonary in 1990 and Critical Care Medicine in 1991 and currently remains board certified in these fields. Dr. Doers is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Thoracic Society, American College of Chest Physicians, Society of Critical Care, and Society of Hospital Medicine.

Dr. Estes has been practicing pulmonary and critical care in Knoxville, TN since 1991 and has been with StatCare practicing pulmonary and critical care since 2000. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1980, and medical school from the University of South Florida in 1984.  He completed his internship and residency at the University of Alabama Birmingham hospitals and pulmonary critical care fellowship at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, completing in 1989.  Dr. Estes has a special interest in advanced pulmonary diagnostics utilizing bronchoscopic computer navigation and endobronchial ultrasound techniques for diagnosing lung lesions. He received his board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1987, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine in 1989 and remains board certified in both fields. Dr. Estes is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians, Tennessee Thoracic Society, American Thoracic Society, and Society of Critical Care Medicine.

Danielle Mote, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at StatCare, providing high-quality pulmonology to adults living in and around Knoxville, Oak Ridge, and Athens, Tennessee.

Danielle began her professional education at Tennessee Wesleyan College in Knoxville, earning her Bachelor of Science in nursing. She excelled in the program and served as chapter president of the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA).

After graduation, Danielle enrolled at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. She earned her Master of Science in nursing and received special training as a family nurse practitioner.

Danielle became a registered nurse in 2007. In the more than 15 years since, she’s served at various medical facilities in emergency and critical care departments. 

Danielle is certified in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). She loves getting to know her patients and has the training and expertise to serve those experiencing acute or chronic illness.

When she isn’t developing treatment plans, Danielle enjoys participating in continuing education. She’s always cultivating and honing new skills.

Dr. Reichert practices pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine with StatCare. He graduated from Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL. Dr. Reichert completed both Residency and his Fellowship at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY.  He received his board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in 2005, Pulmonary Medicine in 2007, Critical Care in 2008, Sleep Medicine in 2011, and remains currently board certified in these fields. Dr. Reichert is a member of the American Thoracic Society, American College of Chest Physicians, and the ACP-ASIM.

Dr. Pharaoh comes to StatCare to practice in the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine. He graduated from University of South Florida. Dr. Pharaoh completed Residency in 1988 and his Fellowship in 1991 at the University of South Florida.  He received his board certification from the American Board of Pulmonary Disease in 1990 and Critical Care Medicine in 1991 in which he remains currently board certified in both fields. Dr. Pharaoh is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians.

Dr. Rittgers comes to StatCare to practice in the field of hospitalist internal medicine. He graduated from Mercer University in 1998. Dr. Rittgers completed Residency in 2001. He received his board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in 2001 and currently remains board certified. Dr. Rittgers is a member of the American Medical Association and the Tennessee Medical Association. He has also been the Parkwest Medical Director since 2011. 

Dr. Weaver comes to StatCare practicing in the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine. He specializes in pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis. He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2002. Dr. Weaver completed Residency in 2005 and his Fellowship in 2008 at the University of Kentucky.  He received his board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in 2005, Pulmonary Disease in 2008 and Critical Care Medicine in 2009 and remains board certified in both fields. Dr. Weaver is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians and Pulmonary Hypertension Association PHCR.

Dr. Bashar Bargoty is a Pulmonologist in Knoxville, TN and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Parkwest Medical Center. Dr. Bargoty received his medical degree from University of Baghdad College of Medicine and then completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine fellowship at the George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. He began working with StatCare in 2015.

Dr. Bargoty is board certified in both Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and is experienced in Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Interstitial lung disease, Pleural effusions, Lung nodules, Lung cancer, Pulmonary Hypertension, and all aspects of Critical Care Medicine. Dr. Bargoty is an experienced Interventional Pulmonologist and performs advanced pulmonary diagnostics utilizing bronchoscopic computer navigation and endobronchial ultrasound techniques for diagnosing lung lesions. He has several medical research publications and had received the American Thoracic Society Abstract Scholarship Award at The American Thoracic Society International Conference, 2014.

Dr. Bargoty enjoys teaching medical students and serves as an adjunct faculty member at Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. Outside of his busy practice, Dr. Bargoty likes to enjoy outdoor activities around Knoxville and the Smokey Mountains with his wife and two children. He is fluent in English, Arabic and knows basic Hebrew.