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. Doleh comes to StatCare to practice in the field of hospitalist internal medicine. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2003. Dr. Doleh completed his internal medicine residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland in 2006. He received his board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in 2007 and currently remains board certified.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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
“Dr. Rao and his staff were knowledgeable and friendly. Dr. Rao was very good about explaining everything and we didn't feel rushed at all. He has a very pleasant way about him.”