Cherokee Health Systems Announces Leadership Transitions

August 29, 2022

Media Contact: Brittany McCraw

c: 865-770-8091

brittany.mccraw@cherokeehealth.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2022

Cherokee Health Systems Announces Leadership Transitions

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- Cherokee Health Systems (CHS) is pleased to announce two leadership transitions within the company. Dr. Gail Reilly, former director of clinical quality and professional development, has now assumed the role of medical director. Dr. Cindy Perry has also been promoted to director of psychiatric services. Each leadership transition went into effect on August 15 of this year.

“At CHS, our people are our most valuable resource. The selection of our key clinical leaders is not an endeavor that was undertaken lightly or quickly. We have been working on these leadership transitions for over a year. Our medical and psychiatric services remain in excellent hands with Drs. Gail Reilly and Cindy Perry,” said CHS’ CEO Dr. Parinda Khatri.

Dr. Reilly brings an extensive amount of expertise into her new role at CHS. Dr. Reilly is a board-certified family physician who attended the University of Virginia for both her undergraduate and medical degrees. She began her family medicine career in the U.S. Navy, where she completed her internship and residency. She served as a general medical officer during Operation Desert Storm aboard the USS Santa Barbara and then Destroyer Squadron 4, ported in Charleston, SC.

Dr. Reilly’s early experiences in comprehensive primary care and physician leadership set the stage for her commitment to practice patient and provider engagement and lead teams to deliver high-quality, effective and efficient patient-centered care. In her new position, Dr. Reilly will oversee all primary care medical providers and services and will work closely with others on the leadership team to fulfill CHS’ organizational mission. 

“Cherokee Health Systems is a special place, and I am honored to be part of the leadership team. I’m extremely passionate about the work we do at Cherokee Health and am eager and excited to work to make a positive impact on the health of our patients and support the compassionate teams that provide that care,” said Dr. Reilly.

Dr. Cindy Perry is one of CHS’ most seasoned clinicians and a highly respected leader in the organization. She graduated from Memphis State University with a degree in biology and attended medical school at Meharry Medical College. She completed her residency in psychiatry at Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University. Her passion for adults with severe and persistent mental illness, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, led her to a position as a staff psychiatrist at CHS in 1997.

Dr. Cindy Perry developed CHS’ education, mentorship and support of trainees, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists when she worked as the associate director of psychiatric services. Overall, her work helped support Dr. Gregg Perry, former director of psychiatric services, who built an infrastructure for clinical practice and patient safety in psychiatric services that over time extended to medical, pharmacy and behavioral healthcare.    

“I hope to build on the work that Dr. Gregg Perry started when we began our work at Cherokee Health Systems many years ago. I strive to continue to look at patient and community needs and find a way to meet those needs,” said Dr. Cindy Perry.

To learn more about CHS, visit www.cherokeehealth.com.

Pictured L - R: Dr. Gail Reilly and Dr. Cindy Perry

About Cherokee Health Systems Since 1960, CHS has been committed to ensuring Tennesseans get access to effective, high-quality care. CHS is a Federally Qualified Health Center that serves 70,000 people annually. We offer a wide array of comprehensive health services, including primary care, behavioral health, dental, optometry and pharmacy. All of our services are available to children, adults and seniors on an ability to pay basis. CHS is a TennCare (Medicaid) and Medicare provider. In addition, CHS accepts commercial insurance for payment.