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Before I went to work with the group at Eastman, I thought that Id save money and perhaps someday pursue a career as a physician. But life happens and I put those dreams on the back burner, Watson said.

Joey got married and when his wife became pregnant, he found himself going to her prenatal appointments and his interest in medicine was rekindled. As any engineer would do, Joey decided to test the waters by volunteering at local hospitals and shadowing doctors to see if his curiosity was still there and if his youthful plan was still viable. When he confided to those around him, including his wife, and sought their opinions about changing careers he received support from everyone.

I was encouraged to go visit the admission staff at the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine and they were just as encouraging as everyone else so I decided to apply to see if I would be admitted, he said.

The first of many doors opened when he was admitted to the Medical School at ETSU to begin his journey toward the medical field. I truly feel that God had his hand on this entire process, shared Dr. Watson. He opened each door along the way and I entered and passed through them all one step at a time. Being a physician is a calling and I believe Ive been led to the point where I find myself today.

Dr. Watson discovered that engineering and medicine are more alike than you might think.

Its about problem-solving, he explained. The main difference is that medicine has the human element that makes it more challenging and satisfying personally for me. Helping patients with health goals and preventative medicine helps them to achieve a good quality of life. For me thats gratifying.

Dr. Watson believes that his demeanor and training in communication skills developed by the ETSU College of Family Practice Medicine has provided him with the tools that set him apart from many other physicians.

Im a good listener, I am committed to understanding the patients needs and desires, and I work diligently to help them deal with difficult situations, he said.

As a non-traditional medical student, Dr. Watson found colleagues who were also older with whom he developed close friendships.

Its never too late to make a career change if youre curious and truly interested in another profession. I think people need to be willing to try new experiences especially volunteering opportunities so that they can determine if a career change is a good fit for them, he added.

Dr. Watson attributes much of his successful journey to his wife, Cindy, who he said, sacrificed a great deal throughout the entire process. She went above and beyond to care for our family during my long hours of residency. She was my biggest supporter whose encouragement kept me going.

Dr. Watson is now accepting patients at Mountain Region Family Medicine where he provides quality medical care for families and patients of all ages here in his hometown.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Watson at Mountain Region Family Medicine's downtown Kingsport office, call 423-230-2801. The office is located in the Press Building at 444 Clinchfield Street.

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Kingsport Times-News: Dr. Joey Watson took a circuitous route to ... - Kingsport Times News

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