Karol Sanders, Office Manager

Karol Sanders is the Administrator of Associates in Gastroenterology. She has been with the practice from inception in September of 1995. Karol is a registered nurse with over 30 years of experience, with most of that time in the field of gastrointestinal diseases. She works diligently to maintain a work environment that is open, friendly, and most of all, a practice that strives for a high quality of care for all patients. She does this by encouraging each employee to excel to his or her highest potential; encouraging education and learning opportunities. Karol enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She loves to get away from the day-to-day by escaping to the nearest beach for a little R&R as often as possible. What do you like about working here? "The physicians in this practice are wonderful people, as well as talented physicians. They treat all patients and employees with the utmost respect. They make our jobs easy by promoting an environment of team work, respect, and quality."

Tammy Yates

Tammy has a passion for, and has worked in, the medical field for 30 years. She has served as the front office manager for Associates in Gastroenterology for the past six years. All employees and their actions are held to the highest standard, which allows AIG to offer the highest quality patient care. In her free time, Tammy enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, being outdoors, and taking pictures to preserve memories.

What do you like about working here?

"I work for five physicians whom I respect and with whom I enjoy working."

Jessica Ayers

Jessica has been with Associates in Gastroenterology for five months. Her role is to assist her patients with check-out procedures following their appointments. Jessica is happily married with two wonderful stepchildren. She loves to go shopping and spend time with her husband and stepchildren in her spare time.

What do you like about working here?

"In the time that I have worked for Associates in Gastroenterology, I have found that they have a wonderful team. Everyone likes to help one another, and the doctors and nurses make you feel like they need you just as much as you need them to ensure great patient care!"

Christy M. Graves

Christy started with Associates in Gastroenterology in July of 2010. She also serves in assisting with post-appointment check-out for her patients. She is the mother of three boys, and Christy enjoys watching and traveling to see Major League Baseball games.

What do you like about working here?

"The reason that I like working here is that I am given the opportunity each day to make a difference. I feel that the entire team, from check-in to our doctors, we are all focused on making a difference through the patient's experience and interactions for care."

Kim Hodge

For three years, Kim has been responsible for scheduling, data entry, and insurance verification for Associates in Gastroenterology. She is married, has three wonderful children, and two Labs that are just like her children. She enjoys shopping, lounging in her pool, and boating with her husband.

What do you like about working here?

"I enjoy working here for the friendly environment."

Kathi Pominville

Kathi is the nurse manager of the clinic (AIG). She works directly with Dr. Lazas. She also oversees the other nursing staff in their day to day responsibilities. Kathi has a vast knowledge of GI nursing as she has previously worked in the surgery center, and the hospital. She has 17 years of nursing experience with 11 of those years being with AIG.

What do you like about working here?

"I have a lot of respect for all of our physicians. They are very "good" people who just happen to be physicians. They are very respectful to their patients and staff. The team work environment at Associates in Gastro makes coming to work each day a pleasure. "

Teresa Bryan

Teresa works as a medical assistant in our office. She works directly with Dr. Patil. She has been an employee of our practice for over 10 years. She is a wife, mother and grandmother and enjoys time with her family.

What do you like about working here?

"I enjoy working here as a part of a team doing our best to provide excellent care for our patients."

Christy Kirchner

Christy joined the practice in February of 2011 to serve as the Billing Office Manager. She has 17 years of experience working in Insurance, Billing, and Collections.

What do you like about working here?

"I love the family feel of the office, and I look forward to a long relationship here, helping the company to grow even more."

Stacy Baker

Stacy has been with the company for four years. She is responsible for insurance verification, collections, as well as various other duties within the billing office.

What do you like about working here?

"I enjoy the close family-like environment that we have at Associates in Gastroenterology."

Trish Holt

Trish has been with Associates in Gastroenterology for over 12 years and has been a Certified Medical Coder for 10 of those 12 years. A lifelong resident of Middle Tennessee, Trish is devoted to her family, which includes two precious granddaughters. She is a Christian and tries to live that in all aspects of her life - home, work, and recreation.

What do you like about working here?

"I enjoy working here because I feel our physicians and my fellow co-workers genuinely care about our patients. I enjoy helping patients and assisting with problem solving."

Elaine Blackburn

Elaine has been with Associates in Gastroenterology since 2001. As a billing representative and certified coder of the practice, she has acquired experience and knowledge which has enabled her to promote positive health, not only for herself, but for family and friends as well.

What do you like about working here?

"I take great pride in assisting patients with their billing and insurance needs."

Dawn Akin

Dawn has been with Associates in Gastroenterology for almost 10 years. She began with the company working at the front desk and has since have moved to the billing office, achieving her certification to be a professional coder.

What do you like about working here?

"The reason I have been here for so long is that the company is great to work for. We have a great group of doctors and management staff. They are very caring and supportive of all staff."

Fran Cummings

Fran has been with our practice for over 9 years. She has a vast knowledge of insurance billing and is an asset to our practice.

Fran enjoys spending time with her family and gardening.

Jessica Lampley

Jessica serves as the Nurse Manager and Clinical Director for Associated Endoscopy. She has been a Registered Nurse for 15 years and has spent the last five and a half years with AE. Her appreciation for monitoring and maintaining a high quality of care is her strong point. She is responsible for making sure that the standards of practice that have been set for the surgery center are not only met, but exceeded. Jessie is always willing to assist in any capacity in which she is needed.

What do you like about working here?

"This is a wonderful group of physicians and staff to work with, and I enjoy my position as Nurse Manager / Clinical Director."

Laura Johnson

Laura has been with Associated Endoscopy for six and a half years. She serves the Ambulatory Surgery Center as a Certified Professional Coder and in accounts receivable.

What do you like about working here?

"I enjoy my role within the practice because there is a new learning opportunity daily. The physicians take great pride in their jobs and give of themselves for each patient."

Marti Drake

Marti is the receptionist for the endoscopy center. She has been working with our practice for 12 and a half years. Marti is responsible for managing the check in process for the surgery center. Her pleasant smile and kind demeanor is ever present in her daily work. In her free time Marti enjoys spending time with her husband and the grandchildren. Marti says: I look forward to coming to work each day, meeting new patients and making their time in our surgery center a pleasant experience. I also enjoy working with all of my co-workers.

Shaquita Brooks

Shaquita Brooks has one of the most important jobs in our surgery center. She is the technician who is responsible for the sterilization process of our endoscopy equipment. She sets up and breaks down each procedure room before and after each case. She understands the importance of her role. "I have worked here for three years. I enjoy helping others and working with my co-workers. I treat every case as if I or one of my family members was the patient."

Nancy Edwards

Nancy is a Registered Nurse with Associated Endoscopy. She has been in the nursing field for 11 years and has been with the practice for three years.

What do you like about working here?

"I enjoy taking care of my patients and working with my co-workers."

Tammy Martin

Tammy has been with AE for almost nine years and has been a Registered Nurse for 14 years. Tammy works directly with the physicians during the procedure. She is responsible for monitoring the patient during the procedure making sure they are comfortable as well as assisting the physician with the instruments needed during the procedure.

What do you like about working here?

"I enjoy working with our patients. I attempt to make sure each patient feels that they are treated respectfully and are comfortable during their time in our surgery center."

Patricia Gardner, LPN

Patricia has been a nurse for 19 years and has been working with Associated Endoscopy for five years. Patricia's role is in the pre-op and recovery area.

What do you like about working here?

"I enjoy working with people. It is my responsibility to assure that each patient is monitored closely and that we have good communication between the patient, nurses and patients. I attempt to provide my best to each and every patient."

Angie Smith

Angie, a Registered Nurse for 10 years, has been with AE for nearly four years. Angie also works directly with the physicians during the procedures. She is a very caring and soothing with her approach to patient care.

What do you like about working here?

"The medical staff and my co-workers make working at AE a pleasure. Our team goal is to provide our patients with the highest possible quality of care in a very respectful manner."

Tracey Goodwin

Tracey has been with the practice for nine months. She is also a scope technician and nursing assistant, aiding the physicians in patients' procedural care.

What do you like about working here?

"I enjoy meeting new patients and being able to help with their needs. I have learned a lot during my brief time with the practice and hope to continue this learning process. "