Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Megan Ross, FNP-C, APRN, is a certified family nurse practitioner at StatCare, providing comprehensive pulmonology care to adults living in and around Knoxville, Oakridge, and Athens, Tennessee.
Megan earned two undergraduate degrees –– a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.
A few years later, she decided to pursue a graduate degree and returned to Southeastern Louisiana University, obtaining her Master of Science in nursing as a family nurse practitioner.
Megan has certifications in basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). She’s also a proud member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Megan has served in various medical settings during her career, including hospitals, emergency departments, and urgent care. She has a friendly and compassionate demeanor and strives to provide ethical and evidence-based medical care.
Megan encourages anyone experiencing respiratory issues to contact the nearest StatCare location today.
Dr. Maroun joined StatCare in 2022 to practice pulmonary & critical care medicine. He graduated from the University of Balamand and completed Residency at Saint George Hospital. He completed his Critical Care Fellowship at the St. Elizabeth's Medical Center affiliated with Boston University, and his Pulmonary Medicine Fellowship at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Maroun is a member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, the American Thoracic Society, and the American College of CHEST Physicians. He is fluent in English and Arabic, and he enjoys skiing, running, and swimming.
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. Zulma Swank 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. Swank received her medical degree from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Virginia and then completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, followed by her Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University. She began working with StatCare in 2022.
Dr. Swank is board certified in both Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and has a special interest in asthma, interstitial lung disease, and the diagnosis of lung cancer. She is also trained in all aspects of lung disorders including COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and more.
Dr. Swank enjoys her free time doing water activities, traveling, and rooting for her favorite sports team - Go Hokies!
Dr. Zibas comes to StatCare to practice in the field of hospitalist internal medicine. He graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1992. Dr. Zibas completed Residency at University of Alabama Birmingham in 1996. He received his 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. Paul practices pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine with StatCare. He graduated from Kottayam Medical College, Kerela, India. Dr. Paul completed his Residency at the New York Methodist hospital in 2000. He then attended his Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship at The Penn State University Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA in 2003. He received his board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in 2000, Pulmonary Medicine in 2003, Critical Care in 2004, Sleep Medicine in 2004 and currently remains board certified in these fields.
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. Arabiat joined StatCare in 2022 to practice pulmonary & critical care medicine. He graduated from the University of Jordan and completed Residency at UIC Advocate Christ Medical Center. He completed his Critical Care Fellowship at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and his Pulmonary Medicine Fellowship at the University of Kentucky Medical Center at Bowling Green. Dr. Arabiat received his board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in 2018, Pulmonary Medicine in 2022, and Critical Care Medicine in 2020. He is fluent in English and Arabic.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
We understand that each patient is unique, and we believe in providing individualized care tailored to your specific needs. Led by our esteemed pulmonologist, Dr. Vijoydeep Rao, M.D., our team works collaboratively with community and hospital-based healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Dr. Rao brings extensive experience and expertise to the clinic, and his dedication to staying at the forefront of advancements in pulmonary medicine ensures that you receive the highest standard of care.
Credentials & Education
Medical School
Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Residency
Central Texas Medical Foundation, Austin, TX
Fellowship
Pulmonary Critical Care, LSU Medical Center, Shreveport, LA