We proudly celebrate National Women Physicians Day in honor of the remarkable accomplishments and contributions that female physicians have made since Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to receive a medical degree in America on February 3, 1849. This special day is an opportunity for us to acknowledge their tremendous achievements throughout history and recognize these trailblazing women who paved the way for future generations of doctors everywhere.

Dr. Marie Morrison
Medical Director
Supervising Physician
Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice

Today we celebrate the many accomplishments of women physicians but especially our very own supervising physician, Dr. Marie Morrison.

In 2019, Marie J. Morrison MD HMDC was commended for her dedication to improving patient quality of life when she obtained the Hospice Medical Director Certified credential from the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board. As Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice’s Supervising Physician and Medical Director, Dr. Morrison has demonstrated exceptional professional aptitude in the hospice sphere of care; a feat that earned her this esteemed recognition.

Hospice practice encompasses patient care, medication monitoring, performance enhancement, and engagement in interdisciplinary group (IDG) tasks. HMDC accreditation provides a platform for hospice physicians to demonstrate their commitment to their career by exhibiting an advanced knowledge base and practical experience. This certification offers reassurance of the reliability of service delivery while also ensuring long-term sustainability for institutions within the industry. An HMDC designation is valid for six years with renewal enabled through regular assessment tests as well as confirmation of professional competency.

Dr. Morrison is a proud East Tennessee native, having been raised in Oak Ridge. She graduated from The University of Tennessee in Knoxville with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Biochemistry. She then furthered her education at The University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis to complete medical school before concluding residency training for Internal Medicine there as well. In addition, in 2022, she earned a Master’s Degree in Palliative Care from University of Maryland. 

After her husband was diagnosed with cancer while she was in residency training, she realized the need for compassionate physicians to provide Hospice and Palliative Care. Through her personal experience with his illness and eventual death, she saw first-hand how important it is to have physicians that can care for very ill patients and communicate effectively with family during this difficult time.

After several years of general Internal Medicine practice, she was delighted to join Smoky Mountain Hospice in 2017. She has obtained Graduate Certification in Principles and Practice of Hospice and Palliative Care from the University of Maryland, is American Board of Internal Medicine certified, and a proud member of not only the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine but also Centers for the Advancement of Palliative Care as well as The American College Of Physicians.

National Women Physicians Day honors women such as Dr. Morrison for their outstanding achievements.

As an independent, non-profit certifying body, the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board (HMDCB) is devoted to recognizing excellence and enhancing the professional capability of hospice medical directors and physicians delivering palliative care. Our purpose is to alleviate pain and improve living standards through encouraging top-notch hospice medical director practice.

If you, or a loved one is in need of hospice services, or if you have any questions, please contact Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice or call us at (423) 623-0233.