(June 1, 2018)—Two young Chattanoogans are beginning graduate education programs in health care this fall after getting valuable clinical experience working at the Advanced Center for Sleep Disorders (ACSD).

Founder and Medical Director Dr. Anuj Chandra makes it a priority for the Center to provide medical education and training to rising healthcare professionals. Over the last several years, the ACSD has seen several employees successfully gain admission to medical school and other graduate programs. In addition, ACSD serves as a clinical rotation site for Lincoln Memorial University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

From left, Taylor Newsom and Rance Harden

Taylor Newsom, Physician Assistant Program 

This fall, Taylor Newsom will begin the Physician Assistant Program at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Taylor graduated with honors from The University of Tennessee Knoxville, where she majored in kinesiology and was a cheerleader for all four years. Over the past year, she has worked at ACSD in a multi-faceted role. She helped with administration and also assisted in the sleep laboratory.

“This has been a great experience to interact with patients. I have learned so much from the providers, and I am enthusiastic about entering the medical field,” says Ms.Newsom. “It was also inspiring to get back to my roots, working in my hometown of Chattanooga.”

Rance Harden, Medical School 

ACSD will also bid a fond farewell to their Sleep Medicine Coordinator, Rance Harden, who will begin medical school at the Lincoln Memorial University-Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, also in Harrogate. Rance completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in pre-professional Biology. He started working for ACSD as a sleep technician a year ago and was promoted to Sleep Medicine Coordinator.

“My time at ACSD was spent surrounded by incredible people—patients, staff, and providers. I felt welcome from day one,” says Mr.Harden, “and I was blessed to learn from some of the brightest minds that sleep medicine and health care have to offer.”

Vital Clinical Experience

The medical education program at ACSD provides a safe learning environment to gain exposure to the clinical field. This requires a lot of effort on the part of staff and providers to train new employees on a regular basis as these graduate school hopefuls successfully move on to pursue their educational goals. Dr. Anuj Chandra, Founder and Medical Director of ACSD, is committed to helping rising healthcare professionals and considers it a sound investment in the future of medicine and the community.

“We take on deserving candidates who are passionate about helping others, so our clinic and patients benefit from their hard work in turn,” says Dr.Chandra. “It is our privilege to teach and provide clinical training for aspiring medical professionals. I think experience in patient care strengthens their graduate school applications, and I am glad if this opportunity has played a part in their success.”