NASHVILLE, TENN. — J. E. “Gene” Huffstutter, MD, a rheumatologist with Arthritis Associates PLLC in Hixson, Tenn., was installed as the 172^nd President of the Tennessee Medical Association (TMA). TMA is Tennessee’s pre-eminent medical professional and patient advocacy organization, which represents more than 10,000 physicians in Tennessee.

Dr. Huffstutter was officially sworn in on Saturday, May 2, at the President’s Luncheon and Awards Ceremony at the 191^st Annual Meeting and House of Delegates in Franklin, Tenn., during which nearly 150 Tennessee physician leaders gathered to discuss association business and formulate TMA’s policy. Dr. Huffstutter will serve a one-year term as TMA president until April of 2027.

His inaugural address answered two questions: “Why am I here,” and, “Why are we here?” Dr. Huffstutter answered the first question by crediting his involvement and selection as TMA’s President to his colleague and friend, Mrs. Rae Bond, CEO of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, noting her excellence in leadership during her career was crucial to his and many other’s success. He answered the second question by reminding attendees of the value of and role TMA plays in ensuring physicians can successfully practice medicine and provide quality healthcare for Tennesseans.

Dr. Huffstutter has been actively involved in organized medicine since entering into practice in 1984. He served on TMA’s Legislative Committee and Board of Trustees, serving as Board Chair for a term. His work throughout his career has repeatedly emphasized the importance of physicians banding together across the state.

“Dr. Huffstutter has been involved in TMA leadership for many years now and brings a depth of experience and awareness of current issues impacting TMA and its members,” said Russ Miller, TMA’s Chief Executive Officer. “He is a seasoned leader, and that is great for an organization because there is little to no learning curve. Over the last 10 years, he has gone from Legislative Chair to Board Chair and now to TMA president.”

Upon graduation from the University of Tennessee at Martin, Dr. Huffstutter went on to attend medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Dr. Huffstutter is originally from Dyersburg, Tenn., and both of his brothers are physicians.

The Tennessee Medical Association is a nonprofit professional organization for Tennessee physicians. TMA represents more than 10,000 Tennessee physicians and physicians-in-training. The organization advocates for public policies, laws and rules that promote healthcare safety and quality for all Tennesseans and improve the nonclinical aspects of practicing medicine. Learn more at tnmed.org.

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