MURFREESBORO, TN - Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital has announced its 2025 honorees for outstanding accomplishments in clinical leadership, recognizing three physicians whose dedication and service have set a high standard for patient care in the community. This year’s recipients include Dr. David Whetstone, named Physician of the Year; Dr. Chip Bell, recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award; and Dr. Edward “Dunk” Eastham, honored with the Dr. Olin Williams Distinguished Service Award.
Hospital President and CEO Daphne David praised the honorees, noting their compassion and commitment to the hospital’s mission. “We are proud to recognize these extraordinary physicians who consistently deliver exceptional, patient-centered care,” she said. “Their leadership and dedication set the highest standard for our medical community.”
Dr. Whetstone, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, has served Rutherford County for more than 18 years. Known for his integrity and empathy, he has played a vital role in improving care delivery and inspiring colleagues across the organization. His recognition as Physician of the Year highlights his long-standing impact on patients and peers alike.
Dr. Bell, a vascular and interventional radiologist, was awarded the Clinical Excellence Award. With training from Loyola University, Baylor, and Rush University, he has built a reputation for collaboration and mentorship. Colleagues describe him as consistently available, supportive, and deeply knowledgeable, qualities that embody the spirit of clinical excellence.
Dr. Eastham, a graduate of the University of Tennessee Memphis, received the Dr. Olin Williams Distinguished Service Award. Since joining the medical staff in 2001, he has held numerous leadership roles, including chief of staff and interim chief medical officer. His work with the Tennessee Medical Foundation and his mentorship of physicians facing addiction-related challenges have left a lasting mark on the medical community.
These honors reflect the hospital’s broader mission of advancing patient care through leadership, collaboration, and service. Ascension Saint Thomas, part of one of the largest Catholic health systems in the nation, continues its 125-year tradition of delivering personalized care with special attention to those most vulnerable. With 18 hospitals and 320 sites of care across Tennessee, the system serves millions annually while investing in community benefit programs, including $2.1 billion in care for those living in poverty in FY2024.
