Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Maryville
Our care for you begins as soon as you walk into the offices of Women’s Care Group. From our front desk staff to our nurses and physicians, we each play a role in caring for and listening to you.
Dr. James Shirk has a particularly calming, steadying effect on his patients. His demeanor stays relaxed through most topics, except for when discussions turn to delivering babies. That’s his favorite part, and even then, his excitement is marked only by a slightly broader, brighter smile.
When most physicians chose to move around the globe, testing job markets, physician groups, and new towns or cities, Dr. Shirk’s medical training and career have stayed as consistent as the man himself.
His medical milestones are all in Upper East Tennessee. Dr. Shirk received his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He then attended medical school at East Tennessee State University, College of Medicine in Johnson City. His residency in obstetrics and gynecology was at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, UT Medical Center.
In 1997 Dr. Shirk began his professional career with Women’s Care Group. Though he originally considered orthopedic surgery, Dr. Shirk would become convinced that obstetrics was for him after one rotation in the specialty. ”Delivering babies was a much better route to take. It’s a happy specialty,” Dr. Shirk states with obvious delight. Healthy pregnancies and deliveries are certainly an upside to the profession, but he doesn’t shy away from providing consistent, quality care that’s appropriate to each of his patient’s needs. “We do good care here. We have always provided good care, no matter how technology or the field may have changed in the past twenty or so years. We’ve always given good care – then and now.” Some things – and some people – can always be counted on.
Dr. Shirk is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is also a member of the Tennessee Medical Association and has been appointed as a clinical instructor and assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Dr. Christina Burns-Shaw graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She completed osteopathic medical school at Des Moines University, Iowa, and her residency at Christina Care Health System in Newark, Delaware. She is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and the American Medical Association, and is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Shaw has lived in Japan as well as several states in the U.S., including California, Texas, Florida and Maryland. Her father was in the military, but his family’s roots were here in East Tennessee, which is how she found her way back to Knoxville. Dr. Shaw’s exposure to the military not only offered varied life experiences, but it also provided insight into the field of osteopathic medicine. Her adaptability to change and her appreciation for diversity show in her practice at Women’s Care Group. As an osteopathic physician, she provides an approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients that is different from conventional techniques. For example, Dr. Shaw includes physical therapy and manipulation as part of her treatment plan for conditions ranging from breast cancer to menopause. “Physical therapy along with medical therapy means the care I give is all encompassing.”
Dr. Shaw enjoys boating on Norris Lake and spending time with her daughter and family, and she still enjoys traveling.
Dr. Allison M. Eaton graduated magna cum laude from Wake Forest University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Dr. Eaton completed her medical degree at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, and her residency at Mountain Area Health Education Center in Asheville, North Carolina.
Dr. Eaton is a member of the Tennessee Medical Association, the American Medical Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Women’s Association, The Lawrence Society, and the National Osteoporosis Foundation. She is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Eaton enjoys seeing patients of all ages, whether it’s for irregular periods, yeast or bacterial infections, endometriosis, or menopause. She believes in taking care of the whole patient, including mind and body, which at times has led her to recommend massages, acupuncture, or even herbal medicines as treatment options.
“I always try to make sure I take care of my patients the way I’d want a doctor to take care of me or my family.”
Dr. Richard Thigpen graduated with his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, MI. He received his Bachelor of Science in Physics from Fisk University in Nashville, TN.
Dr. Thigpen’s internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology were completed at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan, where he was Chief Administrative Resident and received the 2013 Medical Student Teaching Award. Dr. Thigpen is a member of the American Medical Association, the National Medical Association, and is Board Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Thigpen’s clinical interests include minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, contraception, chronic pelvic pain and infertility. He is a member of UT Medical Center’s Lactation Council, where he works to develop plans and policies to support breastfeeding efforts of women in East Tennessee.
Originally from Chicago, IL, Dr. Thigpen met his wife in Knoxville while conducting undergraduate research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. They have three children, and often care for foster children as well. He can be seen around town cheering his sons as they play baseball and football, or supporting his daughter at her dance recitals.
Women’s Care Group is proud to welcome Dr. Heather K. Moss to our Knoxville practice! Dr. Moss is already well respected and admired in our community. She has worked with Women’s Specialty Care and has served as assistant clinical professor with the University of Tennessee, where she received two Excellence in Teaching awards. Dr. Moss was also the owner and a staff physician at Women’s Physicians of Knoxville.
Dr. Moss completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. She then served as staff physician at U.S. Naval Hospitals in Okinawa, Japan, and Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Moss is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and will see patients at our UT Medical Center office and at our new location at 9220 Dutchtown Road.
Women’s Care Group is proud to welcome Dr. Michael E. Bullen to our Knoxville practice! Dr. Bullen is already well established in our community, having worked as an OB/GYN in Knoxville since 1994. Dr. Bullen completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and will begin seeing patients in December at our UT Medical Center and Dutchtown Road offices. Dr. Bullen has a special interest in managing chronic pelvic pain and interstitial cystitis as well as Overactive bladder, and offers Interstim procedure for urinary urgency and fecal incontinence.
Dr. Jamie Perry completed her residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. She received her doctorate from East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, where she participated in the Rural Primary Care Track. RPC is a nationally ranked, four-year community-based program emphasizing training in rural culture, interdisciplinary teams and leadership development. The track was a perfect match for Dr. Perry, who continues to be dedicated to community involvement and service.
Dr. Perry completed her bachelor of science in psychology at East Tennessee State University and her associates degree in biblical studies at Johnson University. She is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Perry chose obstetrics and gynecology because of its continuity of care and the long-term relationships she can nurture with her patients. She takes seriously the role she plays in some of the most important events in a woman’s – and a family’s – life, and she understands the amount of trust her patients ask of her. To her it’s important that she knows the patient’s purpose for being there and that each patient’s specific goals and concerns are addressed.
Specific areas of interest for Dr. Perry include treating sexual dysfunction, basic infertility concerns, vaginal deliveries after cesarean (v-bac), pelvic floor surgery, global health concerns, and the role of medical simulations in teaching future physicians.
Dr. Perry is married and has one son as well as two goldendoodles. She enjoys cooking and outdoor activities, including Spartan races, which allow her to embrace challenges and rise to the occasion, assisting in her commitment to lifelong self-improvement at work and at play.
Ramona Scott has been serving as a nurse practitioner with Women’s Care Group since 1988, providing a variety of services for women of all ages. After receiving her bachelor of science in nursing from Tennessee Technological University, Ramona worked as a registered nurse in a variety of hospital settings. She then received her masters of science in nursing from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in the specialty of women’s health. In 2013, Ramona completed her nursing education with a doctorate of nursing practice from Frontier Nursing University. She is certified as a women’s health nurse practitioner by the National Certification Corporation.
Areas of special interest include contraception and menopause. Ramona enjoys working with teenagers and young adults to help them navigate contraception and enjoys answering the many varied questions this population asks. “In many regards I serve as a life coach, responsible for educating my patients.”
Certified by the North American Menopause Society as a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner, Ramona works specifically with women transitioning and living in menopause. Each patient is individually evaluated regarding their needs for hormone therapy and management.
Teaching is a special interest and Ramona serves as adjunct faculty for the University of Tennessee and also teaches clinical skills to nurse practitioner students from several universities. On a personal note, she is also a licensed Zumba instructor.
After family nurse practitioner Susan Houchins received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, she worked with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. When she returned to Tennessee, she was employed as a public health nurse, received her master’s in nursing and became the first family nurse practitioner to open a primary health care clinic with the Knox County Health Department — where she credits hands-on learning regarding wellness checkups for infants, obstetric care and immunizations. For more than 37 years Susan has counseled patients on a wide range of topics and concerns, including birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, menopause and hormone replacement.
Susan enjoys golfing and gardening as well as time with her grandchildren and husband of more than 40 years.