NASHVILLE, TENN. - The Tennessee Medical Association (TMA) met with Governor Bill Lee yesterday to discuss the growing healthcare challenges facing Tennessee physicians—particularly in rural areas—and to offer partnership and policy solutions. Physician leaders in attendance included TMA President John McCarley, MD, former Chair of TMA’s Legislative Committee Turney Williams, MD and State Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R – Murfreesboro).

During the meeting, TMA highlighted opportunities to bring more physicians to Tennessee, particularly in rural communities. Solutions considered included several uses of the Rural Health Transformation Funds, which are being provided to the State as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill.

TMA went on to discuss issues surrounding increased TennCare reimbursement rates, as well as future plans for a new medical school administration building for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC).

“We are grateful to Governor Bill Lee for meeting with TMA leadership to discuss the future of healthcare in our state and ideas to improve our rural markets,” said Russ Miller, TMA CEO. “We look forward to working together to improve the quality of healthcare in Tennessee.”

TMA looks forward to continued collaboration with the governor and legislative leaders as we work to strengthen Tennessee’s healthcare system for the future.

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.