Richard M. Tanner, MD

Dr. Tanner joined University Surgical Associates as a general surgeon in September 2022. He focuses on a wide range of surgical areas and has extensive training and experience in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Dr. Tanner specializes in gallbladder surgery, complex hernia repair surgery, anti-reflux surgery, colon surgery, and breast surgery.

Prior to becoming a surgeon, Dr. Tanner had a successful career in commercial insurance. His role involved helping clients throughout the Southeast manage risk and protect assets. Despite the rewards of the corporate world, he developed the desire to serve people on a deeper level. He made the difficult decision to shift careers and pursue his dreams and attended the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, earning his medical degree in 2016.

Dr. Tanner then completed his general surgery residency at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga, graduating in June 2022. The skills he developed while analyzing complex situations, managing risk and protecting what matters to clients now serve as critical components in his surgical practice. He offers compassionate, patient-centered surgical care, thoughtfully assessing the unique health issues and determining the best course of treatment for each patient.

In his free time, Dr. Tanner enjoys grilling, exploring the outdoors with his family, and shamelessly rooting for his Ole Miss Rebels. He is an active member of First Presbyterian Church and lives in North Chattanooga with his wife, two children, and Labradoodle.

Locations and Contact Information

Dr. Tanner sees patients at USA Surgical Specialties Building (downtown Chattanooga), USA Marion County and USA East Ridge. He performs surgery at Parkridge, Erlanger Hospital, and CHI Memorial Hospital.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tanner, call 423-267-0466.

USA Hernia Center

Dr. Tanner offers hernia surgery through the USA Hernia Center. At our hernia center, we offer a collaborative approach to improve the quality of care for hernia patients.

Education

Undergraduate (2000 – 2004)
University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS)
Major: Insurance and Risk Management – graduated cum laude

Medical School (2012 – 2016)
University of Alabama School of Medicine
Birmingham, AL

Residency (2016 – 2022)
General Surgery
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Department of Surgery
Chattanooga, TN

Academic Appointments

2022 – present
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Department of Surgery
UT College of Medicine
Chattanooga, TN

Certifications

ATLS director/ instructor

ASSET instructor

PALS

ACLS

BLS

Professional Organizations

American College of Surgeons

Southeastern Surgical Congress

Richard M. Tanner, MD

Dr. Tanner joined University Surgical Associates as a general surgeon in September 2022. He focuses on a wide range of surgical areas and has extensive training and experience in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Dr. Tanner specializes in gallbladder surgery, complex hernia repair surgery, anti-reflux surgery, colon surgery, and breast surgery.

Prior to becoming a surgeon, Dr. Tanner had a successful career in commercial insurance. His role involved helping clients throughout the Southeast manage risk and protect assets. Despite the rewards of the corporate world, he developed the desire to serve people on a deeper level. He made the difficult decision to shift careers and pursue his dreams and attended the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, earning his medical degree in 2016.

Dr. Tanner then completed his general surgery residency at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga, graduating in June 2022. The skills he developed while analyzing complex situations, managing risk and protecting what matters to clients now serve as critical components in his surgical practice. He offers compassionate, patient-centered surgical care, thoughtfully assessing the unique health issues and determining the best course of treatment for each patient.

In his free time, Dr. Tanner enjoys grilling, exploring the outdoors with his family, and shamelessly rooting for his Ole Miss Rebels. He is an active member of First Presbyterian Church and lives in North Chattanooga with his wife, two children, and Labradoodle.

Locations and Contact Information

Dr. Tanner sees patients at USA Surgical Specialties Building (downtown Chattanooga), USA Marion County and USA East Ridge. He performs surgery at Parkridge, Erlanger Hospital, and CHI Memorial Hospital.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tanner, call 423-267-0466.

Education

Undergraduate (2000 – 2004)
University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS)
Major: Insurance and Risk Management – graduated cum laude

Medical School (2012 – 2016)
University of Alabama School of Medicine
Birmingham, AL

Residency (2016 – 2022)
General Surgery
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Department of Surgery
Chattanooga, TN

Academic Appointments

2022 – present
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Department of Surgery
UT College of Medicine
Chattanooga, TN

Certifications

ATLS director/ instructor

ASSET instructor

PALS

ACLS

BLS

Professional Organizations

American College of Surgeons

Southeastern Surgical Congress