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.
Dr. Samuel is a native of Bristol, TN and moved to Knoxville in 2020 when she joined StatCare. She graduated from Emory & Henry College in 2009, and medical school from Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, VA in 2014. She completed residency at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, OH in 2017, and pulmonary and critical care fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA in 2020. Dr. Samuel has special pulmonary interests in interstitial lung disease as well as early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer. Dr. Samuel is board certified by ABIM in Internal Medicine (2017), Pulmonary Medicine (2019), and Critical Care Medicine (2020). In her free time, she loves traveling domestically and internationally, snow skiing, lounging by any time of water, and of course, Tennessee Volunteer football.
Dr. Salter comes to StatCare to practice in the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine. Dr. Salter graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 1977. Dr. Salter specializes in diagnosing and treating cross-system illnesses that may affect multiple organ systems. As a respiratory specialist, Dr. Salter may diagnose and treat pulmonary disorders such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and bronchitis, among a host of others. He is certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease.
Dr. Pugh comes to StatCare to practice in the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine. He completed his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2010). He became a Doctor of Medicine in 2015 before completing both Residency and Fellowship at the University of Tennessee. He is a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, and the SVMIC Forum.
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.
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
“One could not find a more dedicated and caring staff than those who are working with Dr. Rao. Dr. Rao is a doctor who truly cares about the well being of his patients.”
