SOFHA’s Healthcare Heroes 2026 Honorees

Healthcare Hero Nomination – Dr. Grover E. May

For nearly three decades, Dr. Grover E. May has dedicated his career to advancing healthcare throughout Northeast Tennessee while shaping the future of women’s health on a national and international level. Since joining State of Franklin Healthcare Associates (SOFHA) in 1996, he has become a trusted physician, respected surgeon, mentor, and visionary leader whose commitment to excellence has transformed the lives of countless patients and colleagues. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. May has served on the SOFHA Board of Governors since 2010 and, as President since 2025, he has provided thoughtful, steady leadership during a time of significant organizational transformation. While continuing to care for patients, he has strengthened physician collaboration, enhanced organizational stability, advanced strategic initiatives, and remained focused on ensuring patients throughout Northeast Tennessee continue to receive exceptional, locally led healthcare.

Throughout his career, colleagues have repeatedly entrusted him with leadership roles on physician, hospital, educational, and community boards, where he has helped shape healthcare policy, improve quality initiatives, strengthen physician leadership, and invest in the future of healthcare across our region. His contributions have been recognized through honors including the Mountain States Quality Champion Award, Outstanding Private Physician by ETSU Quillen College of Medicine, and leadership of Franklin Woods Community Hospital during its recognition as a Truven Top 100 Hospital.

Dr. May’s influence extends far beyond Northeast Tennessee. As President of the vNOTES USA Society, he is internationally recognized for advancing minimally invasive gynecologic surgery through physician education, surgical training, research, and innovation. He has authored and contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and educational resources while training surgeons around the world through his work with Applied Medical. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to improving women’s healthcare by expanding access to specialized services, mentoring the next generation of physicians, and championing clinical excellence. His unique ability to balance exceptional patient care with organizational leadership and global surgical innovation has established him as one of the region’s most respected physician leaders.

Dr. May embodies the true spirit of a Healthcare Hero. Few physicians successfully balance clinical excellence, organizational leadership, community service, and international influence with the humility and dedication that define Dr. May. His legacy is measured not only by the lives he has touched, but by the stronger healthcare system and future physician leaders he continues to inspire. His contributions to the advancement of healthcare in our region make Dr. Grover May deserving of recognition as a Business Journal Healthcare Hero for the Distinguished Service Award.

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Healthcare Hero Nomination – Kim Jackson

Kim Jackson is a licensed social worker and inpatient case manager who is one of the most compassionate healthcare professionals I have ever had the privilege of working with. She has a true gift for helping patients and families navigate some of the most difficult decisions they will ever face. Kim pours her heart into every patient interaction, and her ability to guide patients, families, and caregivers through some of the most difficult moments of their lives is truly a gift.

Whether discussing palliative care, hospice, or end-of-life planning, Kim has a remarkable ability to explain complex and emotional decisions in a way that makes patients and families feel supported rather than overwhelmed. She works closely with patients and their loved ones to determine the most appropriate level of care after hospitalization, whether that is a rehabilitation facility, skilled nursing facility, nursing home, or a safe return home. When a patient chooses to return home, Kim often develops a contingency plan in advance so that, if additional care becomes necessary, the transition can occur quickly and seamlessly with minimal stress for the patient and family.

Kim is incredibly knowledgeable about community resources, advanced directives, insurance benefits, placement options, hospice services, and all the logistics involved in transitioning care. More importantly, she uses that knowledge to advocate for every patient and ensure they receive the care, resources, and support they need. In one instance, she assisted a patient that required a costly infusion therapy that was not adequately covered by insurance. Through her knowledge of payer resources and community partnerships, Kim secured the treatment at no cost to the patient, ensuring they received the care they needed without the added burden of financial hardship.

Beyond her work with patients, Kim is the person many of us turn to when our own family members need help. She has guided several SOFHA team members through hospitalizations, end-of-life decisions, advanced directives, paperwork, and countless situations that most people simply don’t know how to navigate. She never hesitates to help, even when it falls outside of her normal responsibilities.

Kim truly exemplifies a servant’s heart. She treats every patient, family member, and coworker with kindness, compassion, and dignity, and respect while serving as a tireless advocate for those who need her most. I honestly cannot think of anyone more deserving of recognition as a Healthcare Hero than Kim Jackson.

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Posted in Community Focus