Armed with his many years of experience in providing a wide range of medical and treatment procedures, David launched his first primary care clinic in 2009. Today Prodigal Primary Care helps to meet the growing health needs of our community with five area clinics and a team of more than 60 compassionate health care professionals including five MDs, three Physician Assistants (PAs) and six Family Nurse Practitioners (NPs).

EK: How did the medical experience that you gained from serving in the military help prepare you to launch Prodigal Primary Care (PPC)?

David: In the military there is policy, procedure, protocol, and chain of command for every situation. You plan, practice, adjust the plan, practice the revised plan, and plan some more. But in the end it’s all about your people. It was the same with launching PPC. It always comes down to people. Finding the right people and doing the right things for the right reasons are what is important. Our goal at PPC is “to deliver world-class primary health care to every patient while ensuring that the patient experience is as easy, straightforward, and compassionate as possible, and it is our team that helps us achieve this goal.”

EK: Explain the role of advanced-practice providers, commonly referred to as PAs and NPs, in the health care community today.


David: PAs and NPs go through rigorous training in order to provide comprehensive medical care to their patients. The main objective of our advanced-practice providers is the same as any physician. Their day-to-day goal is to treat each patient with compassion and to encourage each of them to strive for and to enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. At PPC PAs and NPs work alongside our physicians to provide the most cost effective, comprehensive, and compassionate health care available.


EK: With a projected shortfall of 63,000 physicians and an additional 32 million Americans receiving health insurance by 2015, what role will PAs and NPs provide in the future?


David: Because of the high quality and cost effectiveness of PAs and NPs, there will be a growing demand for these advanced-practice providers in the future. In the new health care market these providers will continue to deliver comprehensive services in varied medical settings and in record numbers. The evolving nature of the health care industry will result in advanced-practice providers being integrated into every area of health care.

EK: What are your personal qualifications?

David: I completed the U.S. Army Physician Assistant Program and earned a Bachelor of Science Physician Assistant and Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Medicine. I completed the AMEDD Officer Basic Course as well as the Advanced Individual Training Medical Specialist Course at the Academy of Health Sciences, Fort Sam Houston. I worked as a U.S. Army Combat Medic in Korea and an Airborne Combat Medic at Fort Bragg, NC. I’ve served as Battalion Medical Officer in Iraq and Medical Officer in charge of two U.S. Army Battalions in Germany, and served a second time in Iraq as the Chief Medical Director, responsible for 2,000 soldiers and marines and 5,000 Iraqi military personnel. My military career was life changing for me as it exposed me to experiences that most medical professionals would not see in a lifetime. I also hold certifications from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Tennessee State Physician Assistant license, Basic and Advance Cardiac Life Support, Basic Trauma Life Support, and am a member of the American Association of Physician Assistants as well as the Tennessee Association of Physician Assistants. I have worked locally in ER/Trauma units as well as orthopedics and primary care.

EK: There has been a lot of negative media coverage recently about pain clinics. How does PPC view this issue?

David: I believe that all primary care providers have a responsibility to treat their patients up to the provider’s level of competence and expertise. Whenever a patient’s disease exceeds these levels, the practitioners need to have a place to refer them, just as referring uncontrolled diabetes to an endocrinologist, uncontrolled hypertension to a cardiologist, or uncontrolled pain to a certified pain specialist. Primary care practitioners should not avoid or allow the media to set medical protocols. Pain symptoms can be successfully treated at a primary care level. At PPC, if the medical need is severe or debilitating and/or requires a high level or long acting medication, we refer these patients to certified specialists who focus solely on that problem. In our practice, our focus is on treating the total patient with a wide range of options by utilizing physical therapy, therapeutic devices, injections, and counseling as a main line of defense for our patients who have pain. We do not, however, feel that pain medication is in and of itself a negative treatment if utilized correctly, closely monitored, and used with other beneficial forms of treatment.

EK: Explain your multi-tiered approach to health care using MDs, PAs, NPs.

David: We believe that by having MDs, PAs, and NPs working interdependently, we can provide the highest level of total patient care. With PAs and NPs working alongside our board certified MDs, we can offer the patient the most cost effective and comprehensive preventative, diagnostic, and medical care available.

EK: Describe the full level of services you provide at PPC and Urgent Care Across America (UCAA). Who is your target patient?

David: Our target patient is anyone that requires health care, from infants to octogenarians. We offer full service medical treatment on an ongoing, long-term basis through our staff of MDs, PAs and NPs, or through our referral network of specialists. In addition to basic treatment, diagnosis, and physicals, we also provide all laboratory analysis and x-ray, nerve conduction studies and analysis, allergy diagnostics and treatment, ABI analysis and treatment, as well as nutritional diagnosis, analysis, and direction. We also have an urgent care clinic, UCAA, located just off of I-75/I-40 at the Watt Road exit (#369) that is open 9:00 am–9:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 12:00–4:00 pm on Sunday for sick care or emergency treatment. No appointment is needed; just walk in.

EK: Can you tell us about PPC fundraising efforts on behalf of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and other charities?

David: PPC has a deep connection with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation because my youngest daughter has Type I diabetes. We have hosted Family Fun Fairs and walk team to raise money for our local JDRF for the last four years. Last year our fair raised over $5,000, and this year we hope to double that amount. We are so appreciative of the many businesses, our community, sponsors, and our employees who dedicate so much of their own time and financial resources to help with this great cause. We have also raised money and had a walk team for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk in 2011 and are proud of our sponsorship of several local teams, sports organizations, and school clubs. Recently we have contributed to an event in Morristown that benefits victims of domestic abuse and violence.

EK: Any final thoughts?

David: On behalf of our team of more than 60 compassionate health care providers at Prodigal Primary Care and myself, I’d like to thank all of you that have supported and encouraged our efforts to provide the highest quality of health care available in our community. We have been truly blessed.

When people visit Knoxville, they often want to leave with something to remember the place – a trinket of some kind to remind them of the lovely city in East Tennessee.

What better keepsake than a piece of art crafted by a local artisan? Whether you’re a visitor to Knoxville or a longtime resident, the Knoxville Visitor Center has the unique item you’re looking for.

“The Uniquely Knoxville gift shop, located in the Knoxville Visitor Center, is a great place to find a gift that really says Knoxville,” said Laney Shorter, Director of Visitor Services for the Knoxville Visitor Center. “We work with local artists, crafters, attractions, and vendors to have an array of Knoxville items available; we also, of course, carry items logoed with ‘Knoxville’ – there is always a want for those items by visitors.”

Located in downtown Knoxville on the corner of Summit Hill Avenue and Gay Street, the Knoxville Visitor Center is more than just a place to find information about the area.

“This allows a wonderful venue for visitors, as well as locals, to find a gift that is unique to this area – whether they are taking home something to remember their trip, providing a gift to someone they left back home, giving a gift to someone visiting the area, moving to the area… the list goes on,” Shorter said.

It’s also a place for local artists to sell their wares.

“We have the local products here to provide all of those things, along with the wealth of knowledge you can find within our brochure offerings and personal assistance by our guest services attendants,” Shorter said.

And you don’t have to be a visitor to enjoy the Knoxville Visitor Center – locals are welcome, too.

“Our visitor center is so much more than a visitor center,” Shorter said. “It is a place where you can gather information, shop local for a uniquely Knoxville gift, grab a culinary offering from The Coop Café, listen to live music (coordinated by WDVX) almost every day, or just sit and enjoy our free Wi-Fi! We welcome visitors, as well as locals, to enjoy the Knoxville Visitor Center!”

The Knoxville Visitor Center is located at 301 S. Gay Street. For more information, call 865-523-7263.

Knoxville Visitor Center
301 S. Gay Street
Downtown Knoxville
865.523.7263
www.knoxville.org

From personal chef, housekeeping, light landscaping, babysitting, ironing, organizing, decorating, personal shopping, errands, you name it… Family Home Care Services, LLC offers you the perfect solution for your every need.


And if you have an elderly parent, convalescing or disabled family member, Family Home Care Services, LLC can provide you with the compassionate, caring, non-medical assistance you require.

To learn just how Family Home Care Services, LLC can assist you and your family, call 1-800-455-7808 today.

Family Home Care Services, LLC
1.800.455.7808
www.fhcsllc.com

As moms with college-aged kids, both women worried about whether their young students were eating as healthy as they had when they were at home. The answer, as you might have imagined, was not always.

“While my son, a University of Tennessee student, understands the value of good nutrition and regular meals, class schedules and other demands of his time often meant missed or poor nutritional alternatives,” said Vanita.

“I was also concerned about my daughter’s safety,” stated Judy. “She would frequently venture out at night to area food stores located in areas I felt might be unsafe.”

Because “need is the mother of invention,” and with good nutrition and convenience as an objective, GroceryVOL.com was launched to serve the needs of college students, downtown residents and businesses, the elderly, homebound, and busy families.

GroceryVOL.com couldn’t be simpler. Just visit their website, browse their online store of over 2,000 items, choose a delivery date, and your groceries will be delivered right to your door for free (there is no delivery fee) by a professional and courteous staff member. New customers receive $5 off their first order, and may also participate in their refer-a-friend and loyalty program.

GroceryVOL.com is perfect for students or young professionals living away from home for the first time, and it makes a great gift for mom, dad or grandparents who want to help their young adults and grandchildren get off to the very best start in their academic or work careers. GroceryVOL.com is also helpful for the elderly who desire to remain independent, professional couples with hectic work schedules, or anyone who has no time to get to the grocery store.

If you or someone you love could benefit from the convenience of online grocery shopping and home delivery, visit GroceryVOL.com or call 865-441-1034.

GroceryVOL.com
865.441.1034

By Kelley Walters

At the Bijou Theatre’s annual fundraiser, Jubilee!, you never know what the magician will have up his sleeve.

The event promises vaudeville charm mixed with southern style and will be held at Krutch Park in downtown Knoxville on Saturday, May 12, beginning at 7 pm. The event, sponsored by Pilot Flying J, offers ticketholders a one-of-a-kind mobile pep-rally by the Big Orange Banditos and a menu by Holly’s Eventful Dining, including a deliciously seasonal green tomato tart. Come and enjoy the free beverage offerings, paired specifically to the menu, served in the Bearden Beer Market Beer Garden and at the Ashe’s Wine and Spirits Wine Bar.

Later in the evening truly one-of-a-kind pieces will be up for grabs in an exciting live auction. Some of the offerings include signed memorabilia from Loretta Lynn and Widespread Panic as well as signed musical instruments Huey Lewis, Gillian Welch, My Morning Jacket, and other popular artists.

“We had so much positive response from last year’s Jubilee!, we knew we had a winning formula,” said Michele Purcell, president, Bijou Theatre board of directors. “This year we are kicking it up a notch with the food, the beer and wine pairings, and the amazing auction items. What I love is that it all relates back to great eras in the history of the Bijou.”

At 7 pm the park, located on Gay Street in the heart of downtown, will be transformed into an open-air vaudeville theater under a big-top tent. It will come alive with the music of the Big Orange Banditos, who will grab the crowd’s attention throughout the evening, directing them to 12 distinctive silent auction packages for everyone from spa lovers to wine enthusiasts to concertgoers. Ticketholders are also sure to be delighted by the buskers, wandering tarot-card reader, and a magician.

Laura Sohn, owner of Mockingbird Events, said, “You know you’re in for a good time as an event producer when the party is so much fun to plan. With beer and food pairings, belly dancers, and the crazy brass band stylings of the Big Orange Banditos, I can’t wait for the party under the big top. The Jubilee! is quickly becoming the party of the year!”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.knoxbijou.com/jubilee.

“Just 1 More Bar & Grille is a bar and lounge redefined,” says owner and local entrepreneur, Robert Weed.

A veteran of over 26 years in the food and beverage industry, Robert is most familiar to Knoxvillians as the former manager of another popular West Knoxville nightspot for nearly 10 years.

“Because I’ve always valued the opinions of all my customers, I’ve made a point of listening carefully to their comments, questions, and concerns over the years,” says Robert. “Just 1 More Bar & Grille represents a totally redefined concept based on their many recommendations. Recommendations that you felt would result in the perfect destination for meeting friends in a bar/lounge setting.”

Quickly becoming Knoxville’s favorite local hot spot, Just 1 More offers its patrons an upscale yet casual ambiance featuring premium liquors and gourmet sliders created by local Chef Hana, including Crab Cake Slider, Lamb Slider, BLT Slider, Italian Slider, and Vegetable Slider. Other menu items include a wide assortment of starters, including Scotch Huevos, Garlic French Fries, and Just One More Salad. And when you need Just 1 dessert, treat yourself to Enfant Funnel Cakes: small, crisp funnel cakes topped with Tahitian vanilla mascarpone cream and served with market berries and a tart red wine and cherry reduction.

After dinner enjoy your favorite wine, liquor, martini, or draft or bottle beer. Just 1 More has 10 imported and domestic beers on tap.

Just 1 More Bar & Grille is also the perfect venue for entertainment with live music on Friday and Saturday evenings and Jazz every Thursday night. Visit just1morebarandgrille.com for a complete calendar of events and daily specials.

Just 1 More Bar & Grille is located in the Market Place Shopping Center at 9355 Kingston Pike between Home Depot and Hearth and Patio. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 4 pm until midnight; Friday and Saturday, 4 pm until 1 am; closed Sunday.

To rediscover the quality dining and lounge experience you remember and the exceptional level of customer service that you have come to expect from Robert Weed and team, visit Just 1 More Bar & Grille tonight.

Just 1 More Bar & Grille
9355 Kingston Pike, Suite 5
Knoxville, TN 37919
865.769.1500
www.just1morebarandgrille.com

An evening with Knoxville’s only airborne reporter, Pete Michaels

By Cindi Alpert

Recently my husband and I had the pleasure of joining Pilot’s Pilot Pete “Michaels” Lancellotti and his wife, Jean, for dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant, Altruda’s. Within just a couple of minutes, we quickly realized we had a lot in common with Pete in addition to our love for fine Italian food. For one, I got my start in broadcasting as a traffic reporter for a company called Metro Networks. I joked with Pete about some of my on-air names back in the day including Lane Weaver, Elaine Change, Ivana Merge and my personal favorite, Helen Wheels. My husband, Jeff, also my business partner at Momentum Broadcasting, is a pilot. As you can imagine, there was no lull in conversation as the evening went on.

We’ve known Pete for a couple of years now as he has been a recognizable voice reporting the traffic every weekday on both of our radio stations, 106.1 The River and 104.9 Q-Country, but after a very entertaining and interesting conversation, we got to know the founder of Metro Skywatch a little better.

Cindi: How did you get into traffic reporting?

Pete: While in school in NYC, I worked at NBC as a script runner. My first radio job was in Syracuse in the late sixties. I’ve been reporting in Knoxville since 1976 and going on my 36th year with radio and live reports on WVLT.

Jeff: What type of aircraft do you fly?

Pete: I fly in a Cessna TR-182-RG Turbo Charged Retractable. I also am licensed for commercial, instrument, and multi-engine aircrafts.

Cindi: As a traffic reporter, I’ve seen some interesting things from the air. Once in Columbus, Ohio, a truck carrying live animals turned over and there were pigs running all over the interstate. What are some of the craziest things you have seen from the air?

Pete: Just about everything. High speed chases, train derailments, fires, weather damage, you name it.

Cindi: While cruising at about 1,000 feet above the city, do you gain a different perspective of the way things look around you?

Pete: I am always taken aback by the beauty of East Tennessee and the fact that very few people have the opportunity to enjoy this on a daily basis. Many of our sunrises and sunsets are truly stunning.

Jeff: Based on the testimonials I have read, you have done an excellent job producing results for your advertisers. What advice do you have to offer business owners when it comes to radio advertising?

Pete: The real secret to success is repetition, repetition, repetition! It doesn’t matter how clever your ad is or how well you placed the buy, if you do not have the budget to stay on the air consistently, you are not creating and keeping the momentum you need. Make sure when you are putting together your budget, you think long term.

Cindi: We agree wholeheartedly. That’s why we built a radio station in this market that competes with the big corporate stations but at a fraction of the price. Our mission is to offer a platform that is affordable for the small business owner, but at the same time deliver a product that competes in terms of quality of sound, content, and popularity with the big stations and yet maintain local flavor by supporting and playing local musicians. Based on what you’ve told us, it seems we are on the same page when it comes to making advertising affordable. How does advertising with Metro Skywatch work?

Pete: It’s so easy to do. Businesses can advertise on all the top radio stations in the Knoxville market with just one phone call, and it’s very affordable. Also, you can change your copy in just minutes with no production charges or talent fees. Reach all demographics and have your message heard by over a half million people weekly in just one media buy.

For advertising information, call 865-531-4070 or email Pete@AirTraffic.com.

By Tom Irmen

No matter where you stand politically, this year promises to be filled with political rhetoric that, if you’re not careful, can sideline you and your small business. Add to that the current health care debate and you might discover yourself talking to, or yelling at, the various talking heads on your television.


One of the potentially biggest costs confronting small business today is the cost of inaction that results in missed opportunities. And the fact is that the cost of these missed opportunities resulting from indecision may actually be far greater than the cost of making a bad decision.

Here’s an example. Recently an otherwise successful small business owner told me that very little progress can be expected to occur economically this year as most Americans remain transfixed on the nation’s presidential election. Rather than continue to successfully differentiate and promote his company’s clear competitive advantages, he has instead decided to embrace the status quo until after the election.

The cost of such indecision? It’s difficult to say. But if I were his competitor, I would use this period of inactivity on the part of my competitor and market leader to differentiate my own competitive advantages to gain market share and possibly catapult myself ahead of my competitor who has chosen to take his eye off the ball.

Don’t drive from your rearview mirror! Looking backwards in time to see how things “shook out” is a formula for disaster.

Get gutsy! The economy has materially changed your customer. What are their new perspectives, ideas, marketplace responses, and suggestions? Gather the data, make some assumptions about future marketplace direction, and make some bold decisions.

Build relationships! The number one reason for losing a customer is not quality or price, but indifference. People don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care. Demonstrate to your customers your sincere desire for them to benefit from the goods and services that your small business provides. Put the customer first. And don’t merely “mouth” it; back it up with action.

Differentiate your small business. If your target customer can’t differentiate you from your competitor, then clarify your message. A SWOT Analysis is a great and inexpensive way of achieving this objective. Don’t allow yourself to become a commodity when you possess clear competitive advantages.

What are you waiting for? Why not take some bold action to put some space between your small business and the competition by acting today while your competitors are watching the 2012 Washington D.C. halftime show?

It’s time to lead.

Discover guilt-free travel by boarding your four-legged family members at Dream Katcher Lodge. Our guests enjoy private luxury suites with color TVs, raised beds, thick comfy fleece pads, and non-slip floors. Select suites have webcams and large picture windows with views of our courtyard, bird feeders, and koi pond.

We offer many activities to keep the kids busy. They can go for walks and take in all the scenery, lay in the courtyard and get some sun, get loved on by the Kuddlers, chase tennis balls, or play in the hose on those warm Tennessee summer days.

A Day in the Life of a Kitty Guest at Dream Katcher Lodge

My day starts very early when the Kuddlers awaken me. While I am out of my suite exploring, the Kuddlers are busy cleaning my suite, scooping my box, and fixing my toys so that everything is just the way I like it. After my food is warmed, it is served to me in Neman Marcus crystal and I am able to enjoy some of the special treats you brought for me. (Thank you!) After I enjoy my breakfast, I like to spend my mornings lounging on the cushion, washing my face, making biscuits, and rubbing my chin on the four-poster bed. Oh how I do enjoy these snuggly beds!

Midday rolls around and the Kuddlers once again wake me up to refresh my water, clean and tidy my suite, and scratch my chin. (I really like it when they do that.) For my afternoon kuddle time, I get to explore some more. This is when I usually play with the laser pointer, enjoy some brushing, snuggle into the Kuddler’s lap, or simply have lots of kisses poured on me by the Kuddlers. (I think of them as my servants because they are always checking in on me and asking if I need anything.)

Afternoons are great because I get to sunbathe and drift off to sleep while watching the bunny rabbits and bird/squirrel feeders right outside my window. You should see the squirrels hanging upside down on that bird feeder! For supper they warm some fresh food for me, clean/tidy my suite, scoop my box, and tell me how beautiful I am. (Like I didn’t already know that.) They sure do like to interrupt my naps a lot!

Last thing at night, long after dark and after my usual bedtime, the Kuddlers wake me up one more time to fill up my water bowl, kiss me goodnight, and wish me sweet dreams. Well, I am still thinking about that squirrel, so of course I will have sweet dreams! Thanks for letting me stay here – I really enjoy my time at the Lodge. Do you have to come back so soon?

Dream Katcher Lodge
11253 Kingston Pike in Knoxville
865.777.9777
www.DreamKatcherLodge.com

Mon–Fri 9am-6pm
Sat 9am-4pm
Sun 1-4pm

Out of sight, out of mind, your home consists of many hundreds of feet of air ducts that were installed during your home’s construction in walls, ceilings, and under your floors. And yes, they require periodic cleaning! In fact, proper air duct cleaning can reduce in-home allergies by as much as 84%, not to mention reducing the amount of time or frequency of dusting and house cleaning.

The truth is that most homeowners ignore their home’s heating, cooling, and air duct systems until there’s a mechanical breakdown. But the facts are that routine duct and HVAC cleaning will not only reduce the potential for premature mechanical breakdown, but can actually help your home’s heating and cooling system operate more efficiently, thereby reducing energy costs.

So who can you trust to affordably, thoroughly, and efficiently clean 100% of both your home’s air duct systems and heating and cooling air handling systems?

With nearly three decades of experience, Duct Doctor is America’s number one air duct cleaning and most trusted name in the industry. Duct Doctor’s proprietary truck-powered vacuum is up to 40 times more powerful than competitive rotary-brush systems that can actually damage your heating and cooling system.

Duct Doctor’s highly trained technicians are Air System Cleaning Specialists who are uniformed for peace of mind and safety. Their technicians insert a rigid, non-collapsible vacuum hose into all of your home’s return and supply ducts to dislodge all dirt contaminants and construction debris. Once loosened these same debris and contaminants are safely and efficiently removed outside of the home by Duct Doctor’s powerful truck-powered vacuum.

But be careful, as not all duct cleaning services are created equal. Why not trust the one company that homeowners have trusted since 1985?

Reduce indoor allergens by up to 84%, improve the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling system, and reduce your energy bills. Call Duct Doctor today. They’re safe, efficient, and affordable. They’re also nothing to sneeze at!

Duct Doctor
865.938.7776
www.ductdoctorknoxville.com