Brittany Sheehy, PhD, recently joined the College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center as the chief of staff for Executive Dean Michael Hocker, MD.
As chief of staff, Dr. Sheehy manages internal operations for the executive dean’s office.
“Brittany brings exactly the kind of strategic thinking and operational excellence we need as we expand our reach in Tennessee,” Dr. Hocker says. “Her experience and approach will be instrumental in advancing our mission to train the next generation of physicians, the majority of whom will serve Tennesseans.”
Among her responsibilities is supporting the college’s consistent need for modern educational spaces, preparing students for 21st-century medicine. This vision includes facilities fostering collaboration, integrating emerging technologies, and creating environments where future physicians can develop skills Tennessee communities require.
Additionally, a statewide focus reflects the college’s dedication to serving campuses in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Nashville in addition to Memphis, with each location playing a vital role in bringing health care to rural and underserved areas.
“We’re one College of Medicine throughout the state,” Dr. Sheehy says. “Each of our campuses matters equally, and we want to continue expanding enrollment and growing relationships.”
A key part of her work involves developing both internal and external communications across locations, ensuring consistent messaging about the impact of health care access. She explains how training physicians who practice in areas where medical care can be limited makes this coordination essential.
What particularly impressed Dr. Sheehy during recruitment was Dr. Hocker’s approach to working with others. Despite the college’s size and influence within the university, he emphasizes partnership with the other colleges as well as its partner hospitals.
“He’s very collaborative and likes to be a team with other programs just as much,” Dr. Sheehy says. “I really appreciated that. It’s best for students, faculty, and staff to have that integrated philosophy.”
She describes her own style as accessible and relationship-focused.
“The best chiefs lead with influence, relationships, and kindness. I’m trying to always be responsive and get everybody in with the dean or meet their needs.”
Before joining UT Health Sciences, Dr. Sheehy was the chief of staff for University of Vermont Health. She previously worked for the Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida and the College of Nursing at the University of South Florida. She and her husband, Mike, have two children, Mariah, 15, and Micah, 13, who are presently remaining in Vermont while she commutes between locations. The household also includes four German Shepherds.
“Family is really important to Dr. Hocker, and he’s very supportive of allowing time for me to go back to Vermont,” Dr. Sheehy says. “Anybody who knows him recognizes he’s a big family balance person.”
Memphis’ smaller city feel as well as vibrant and welcoming culture have also made the transition smooth, she adds.
Dr. Hocker credits Dr. Sheehy’s ability to balance strategic objectives with genuine care for people as making her an ideal partner in moving forward.
“She understands that at the heart of everything we do is our devotion to preparing doctors who will serve Tennessee families,” he says. “That’s what drives all our work.”