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Paul T. Eberts, MD, Named Chair of the Department of Pathology

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Knoxville (UTHSC COM-Knoxville) has named Paul T. Eberts, MD, Chair of the Department of Pathology, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Eberts succeeds Stuart E. Van Meter, MD, who has led the department since 2023 and previously served as Chair from 2003 to 2011.

Dr. Eberts brings more than 15 years of pathology leadership, clinical practice, and medical education experience to the role. He currently serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at UTHSC COM-Knoxville and as a pathologist with University Pathologists, PC. Since joining the faculty in 2023, he has served as Clerkship Director for Pathology, Microbiology Rotation Director, and Instructor of Record for multiple pathology courses within the medical curriculum.

Prior to joining UTHSC COM-Knoxville, Dr. Eberts practiced as an anatomic and clinical pathologist with Innovative Pathology Services in Knoxville from 2011 to 2023. During that time, he also held numerous leadership positions, including Chair of the Department of Pathology for East Tennessee Tennova Healthcare, Laboratory Medical Director for Turkey Creek Medical Center and Newport Medical Center, and Director of Tumor Board Conferences for multiple regional hospitals.

Board certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology by the American Board of Pathology, Dr. Eberts has developed expertise in placental, breast, gastrointestinal, and head and neck pathology. His academic interests include medical education, quality improvement, and translational pathology research. He has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications and presentations and was recently recognized with the Department of Pathology Faculty Teaching Award for the 2023-2024 academic year.

"We are excited to see Dr. Paul Eberts take the helm as the new Chair of the Department of Pathology. He brings with him a wealth of clinical experience and a passion for education. His vision for the future of the department will undoubtedly strengthen all aspects of the mission of the College of Medicine-Knoxville," said Jonathan S. Wall, PhD, Interim Dean of UTHSC COM-Knoxville. "We also send our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Van Meter for his unwavering dedication to the Department as a two-time chair. Over the last few years, he has recruited excellent faculty and maintained the high clinical and educational standards and collaborative culture that we associate with the Department of Pathology."

Dr. Eberts earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and his medical degree from East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine. He completed residency training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and a Surgical Pathology Fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina, where he also served as Chief Resident during his final year of training.

"I look forward to partnering with the exceptional faculty and trainees, as well as our LabCorp partners, to cultivate a standard of excellence across clinical care, medical education, and innovative research," said Dr. Eberts.

Dr. Eberts follows Dr. Van Meter, whose leadership helped advance the Department of Pathology's clinical, educational, and research missions. UTHSC COM-Knoxville thanks Dr. Van Meter for his service to the institution and looks forward to continued growth and success under Dr. Eberts' leadership.

Posted June 23, 2026