Rutherford County Offers Top-Notch Health Care for Women

Courtesy of MMC

Rutherford County enjoys the largest comprehensive health care community between Nashville and Chattanooga. It also boasts a growing number of well-trained, modern physicians dedicated to providing excellent health care for women – which the recent U.S. Census Bureau report shows comprise 51% of the county’s population. 

A trio of these talented health care providers in Rutherford County share why they love their profession, living in the area and unplugging away from the office. 

Heather Dunlap D.O. 

General Surgeon, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic & Comprehensive Breast Center 

General surgeon Dr. Heather Dunlap brings high energy and focus to all she tackles, from flying through the trees on a zip line to caring for her patients at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic’s (MMC) Comprehensive Breast Center. 

Dunlap earned a medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Ohio. 

“I feel lucky to be working at a time in health care where so many women can thrive in this field,” Dunlap says. “At MMC, there are 100 physicians and 29 are female – we all have a unique and personal approach to women’s health care because we understand. And we treat each patient how we would want our mothers, grandmothers, sisters and ourselves to be treated.” 

In the Comprehensive Breast Center, women can find breast MRI, digital mammography, 3D mammography, genetic testing and additional services. Dunlap is skilled in multiple types of mastectomies, breast biopsies, lumpectomies and other treatments. 

Away from the office, you will find her camping, hiking and spending time with her two rescue dogs – Cosmo, a Great Dane, and Benny, a pit bull mix. 

Dr. Amanda Merriman 

Urogynecologist and Reconstructive Surgeon, Ascension Saint Thomas 

Empowering women to live their best lives by providing them with evidence-based education, leading-edge care and compassion defines the heart of Dr. Amanda Merriman, a urogynecologist and reconstructive surgeon with Ascension Saint Thomas Medical Partners Rutherford Center for Female Pelvic Medicine. 

Urogynecology is a specialized medical field that delivers care for urinary and bowel leakage, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary tract infections and other conditions. The Tennessee native is a graduate of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine. After her residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, she completed a fellowship at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center. 

“I am passionate about providing excellent, individualized care for my patients, who range in age from young adults to 90,” Merriman says. “I’m proud that our entire staff are women, and my partners are all fellowship-trained physicians. We are seeing patients from across Middle Tennessee and as far south as Northern Alabama, providing surgical and nonsurgical treatment.” 

Following her training, Merriman, who has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery, returned home to be close to family. She thought about attending art school, but medical school won out. 

“One of the reasons I chose the path of surgery is because I get to use my creativity in a different channel,” she says. 

Christopher M. Sizemore D.O. 

Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Diana Health 

Dr. Christopher M. Sizemore is excited to be a gynecologist and obstetrician with Diana Health, working in collaboration with TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center. 

“We believe in taking a whole health, wellness-focused approach to a woman’s care,” he says. “We offer mental health therapy and medication management, health and wellness coaching services, and state-of-the-art technology, including a personalized patient mobile app.” 

A military veteran, he served five years as a U.S. Army Ranger and received his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. He recently completed an Integrative Medicine fellowship with the Osher Collaborative for Integrative Health. 

“My passion for women’s health started during medical school and grew from there. I truly enjoy the relationships I build with my patients during all phases of their lives,” Sizemore says. “I feel honored to have the opportunity to help them navigate the decisions regarding their health and wellness.” 

Sizemore enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, Janie, and their four children. 

TCAT Offers EMT Training

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) is one of the premier suppliers of workforce development throughout Tennessee. With campuses in Murfreesboro and Smyrna, it’s a leader in technical education and industry training. 

Rising to meet the demand for emergency medical technologists statewide and in Middle Tennessee, the 300-hour Emergency Medical Technology Basic program began in September 2023 as a night class at the Murfreesboro campus. 

The mission of the EMT program is to provide technical instruction and skills development for students to become gainfully employed in the emergency pre-hospitalization field. Participants are taught everything needed to pass the EMT Basic Certification Exam, including a mixture of classroom and clinical work, with clinicals offered in five Middle Tennessee counties. Licensing is required to be employed in the field. 

“Our EMT Basic program provides the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed as a medical professional, with the ability to save lives and give emotional support with the satisfaction of helping others when they need someone the most,” says class instructor Greta Stone. 

The college’s Murfreesboro location additionally offers a variety of full-time allied health programs, including central sterile processing, dental assisting, licensed practical nursing and surgical technology. 

“TCAT Murfreesboro is excited to offer the EMT program for our community,” says Patrick Wade, TCAT president. “It aligns with the high-demand programs that are being offered on our Murfreesboro and Smyrna campuses. There’s a demand for EMTs and will continue to be in the upcoming years. Our students are getting quality training and will be prepared to enter the workforce.” 

TCAT is also working toward being able to offer the Advanced EMT certification.