KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Beginning in late March, Dr. Megan Edwards will serve as Knox County's new public health officer, according to the Knox County Health Department.
Edwards is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and received her doctorate at East Tennessee State University's Quillen College of Medicine.
"This is an exciting addition to our team," Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said. "I know the health department will welcome Dr. Edwards with open arms as she hits the ground running."
She is currently working at the UT Medical Center where she specializes in infectious diseases. She also holds an academic appointment with the UT Graduate School of Medicine.
Prior to that, she practiced medicine at Maine Medical Center and in Massachusetts with Baystate Medical Center and held academic appointments at Tufts University. She is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Adult Infectious Diseases.
"Dr. Edwards has years of clinical and academic experience working in this community," KCHD Senior Director Kevin Parton said. "We are excited for her to bring skills and expertise that I know will further the health department's mission of serving the people of Knox County."
Dr. Warren Sayre has been serving as interim public health officer and will stay on until Edwards takes over in March.
"Many thanks to Dr. Sayre for his service as it allowed us to conduct a thorough search for the right full-time candidate," Parton said. "We look forward to the mentorship he will provide moving forward."