Meet Our Primary Care Physicians
FamilyCare Specialists is one of the most comprehensive primary care practices in East Tennessee. Our physicians have nearly 200 years of combined medical experience! We are all partners in your care, and that belief has helped shape our reputation as a leading provider of primary care in East Tennessee.
Our physicians are experts in the management of chronic health conditions, acute illness and injury treatment. We also have specific clinical interests that allow us to provide specialized care. Thank you for the opportunity to tell you a little more about our team.
J. Stacy Hicks, MD
Dr. Hicks serves in the medical care of children and adults of all ages with an emphasis on prevention and wellness. He enjoys family, friends, triathlon racing and wind surfing.
Credentials and Training
Medical Degree:
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, 1985
Internship:
Family Medicine, 1985-1986
Naval Hospital, Charleston, South Carolina
Residency:
Family Medicine, 1988-1990
Naval Hospital, Charleston, South Carolina
Board Certification:
Family Medicine
James Howell, DO
Dr. Howell loves his family and is passionate about spending time with his wife, kids, dogs, and cats. He is a physical fitness enthusiast and routinely exercises five days a week. Dr. Howell studies Judo and Taekwando, and is very active with Boy Scouts of America. A huge Star Wars fan, Dr. Howell goes with his wife to conventions each year and has a room in his house full of Star Wars memorabilia.
Credentials and Training
Medical Degree:
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, Pennsylvania, 2005
Internship:
Family Medicine, 2005-2006
The University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville
Residency:
Family Medicine, 2006-2008
Florida Hospital, Orlando
Board Certification:
Family Medicine
Clinical Interests:
- Preventive medicine
- Physical fitness
- Sports nutrition
Jeff A. McMichael, MD
Dr. McMichael was born and raised in East Tennessee, played football under head coach Johnny Majors, and now is raising his active family with Valerie, his wife of almost 30 years.
Credentials and Training
Medical Degree:
East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, 1990
Internship:
Family Medicine, 1990-1991
Florida Hospital, Orlando
Residency:
Family Medicine, 1991-1993
Florida Hospital, Orlando
Board Certification:
Family Medicine
Clinical Interests:
- Wellness
- Preventive medicine
Dr. McMichael is not accepting new patients at this time.
Ronald E. Murff, MD
Credentials and Training
Medical Degree:
University of South Alabama, Mobile, 1979
Internship:
Family Medicine, 1979-1982
Medical College of Georgia, Augusta
Residency:
Family Medicine, 1979-1982
Medical College of Georgia, Augusta
Board Certification:
Family Medicine
Clinical Interests:
Tropical and travel medicine
Languages:
- French
- Spanish
Jack H. Tarr, MD
Dr. Tarr and his wife, Kathy, own and operate Springtree Farms, a destination wedding and event venue.
Credentials and Training
Medical Degree:
University of Tennessee, Memphis, 1975
Internship and Residency:
Family Medicine, 1976-1979
Naval Regional Medical Center, Jacksonville, Florida
Board Certification:
Family Medicine
Clinical Interests:
Dr. Tarr has performed medical and surgical treatment of varicose veins since 1997. He pioneered the procedure of vein ablation in Tennessee. Dr. Tarr’s areas of expertise also include Sclerotherapy, Laser Vein Ablation and Phlebectomy. He is the medical director of Vein Specialists of Tennessee.
Mary Wise, DO
Dr. Wise brings more than 5 years of medical experience and training in family medicine to FamilyCare Specialists.
Credentials and Training
Medical School:
Lincoln Memorial University
DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Harrogate , TN
Residency:
Family Medicine,
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Memphis , TN
Board Certification:
Family Medicine
Clinical Interests:
- Pediatric, adolescent, and adult preventative medicine
- Diabetes management
- Hypertension
- Mental wellness
- Women’s health