The Endoscopy Center is an outpatient endoscopic facility specializing in colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and upper endoscopy.
We are committed to safe, high-quality, patient-centered care delivered by a highly engaged team.
We believe in compassionate medicine, where patients feel reassured and unrushed. We hold ourselves to the highest of standards, as our center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Patient satisfaction is our primary goal.
Our experienced, board-certified physicians have dedicated themselves to caring for their neighbors across Knoxville with three convenient locations: Weisgarber Road (central), west Knoxville in the Turkey Creek area and off Emory Road in Powell.
When you walk through the door, you’ll know you’re in good hands.
Key Staff
Our staff at The Endoscopy Center is committed to making sure you receive the best care by guiding you through your process from start to finish.
Get to know our dedicated, talented staff below.
Jeff Dew, CPA, CMPE, Chief Executive Officer
Jeff Dew is the chief executive officer for Gastrointestinal Associates. He was the financial administrator for GIA for many years prior to becoming CEO. Jeff, a native East Tennessean, completed his undergraduate degree in business administration from Tennessee Technological University and subsequently obtained certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). In addition, he recently completed his Master of Arts in Christian Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary.
Jeff and wife Ramona have been married for 25 years and have two daughters. He is an active volunteer in his church. Leisure time is spent enjoying family and occasionally playing golf.
Susan Cox, Clinical Division Supervisor
Susan Cox has been employed by Gastrointestinal Associates for 39 years and supervises the clinical staff at all locations of GIA. She is a graduate of Holston High School and attended the University of Tennessee, where she majored in medical technology. Susan was honored to be chosen by her peers as GIA Nurse of the year in 2006.
Susan and her husband, Tim, have been blessed with two wonderful daughters and two grandchildren. She is an active member of her church and sings in the choir. In her spare time, Susan enjoys working out, gardening and bird-watching.
Lenny Dockery, IT Director
Lenny is a Microsoft Systems Engineer and has been with Gastrointestinal Associates for over a year. He provides first-level support for computer network and peripheral systems, applications and environmental infrastructure components.
Lenny has three active daughters and enjoys spending time with them. He enjoys travel, working out at the gym and watching or participating in all types of sports.
Kathy Karnes, RN, Quality Director
Kathy Karnes currently serves as the quality director for Gastrointestinal Associates. In addition, she serves as the clinical trials coordinator and has served as the study coordinator for multiple clinical trials past and present. Kathy graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee in 1978, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in nursing and was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the honor society of nursing.
Kathy has two grown children and loves to grow herbs and flowers, entertain family and friends and attend theater productions. In her free time, she loves to travel and spend time outdoors, enjoying the beautiful mountains and lakes of East Tennessee.
Debbie Simerly, Operations Director
Debbie Simerly is the operations director at Gastrointestinal Associates. A native East Tennessean, she began working for Gastrointestinal Associates more than 32 years ago. She has served in various capacities over the years and currently supervises the scheduling and medical records staff and oversees day-to-day operations of the practice and facilities.
Debbie and her husband, Frank, enjoy camping, outdoor and church activities. In their spare time, they raise beef cattle on the family farm.
Julie Sharp, Center Director
Julie joined Gastrointestinal Associates in 2011 and is The Endoscopy Center’s Ambulatory Surgery Center Director. After earning her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from The University of Tennessee, she began her career as a floor nurse on a medical/surgical oncology floor.
When Julie decided to become a nurse, she didn’t know there were so many facets available but knew she liked helping people and wanted a challenging career. Today, she continues to receive satisfaction from investing her time in an industry that enriches patients’ lives along with her own. She attributes fantastic mentors throughout her career who have helped to shape her into the nurse she is today.
In her leisure time, above all else Julie enjoys traveling with her husband. Other hobbies include watching movies, reading, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.