NEWPORT-Dr. Thomas Vance Bolling is the new general surgeon at Baptist Hospital of Cocke County. He assumed his duties there on May 5.

Dr. Bolling grew up in the Washington, D. C. area and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland. He then attended Loma Linda University Medical School in California and completed his surgical residency at Wright State University.

Dr. Bolling most recently lived and worked in Columbus, North Carolina for over 20 years and joined Mercy Health Systems, of which BHCC is a part, in May.

"Newport reminds me of Columbus," he said, "although Newport is slightly larger.

Dr. Bolling's wife, Vana, a registered nurse, and their daughter Victoria, 6, will join him in Newport soon. "We're still looking for a house," he said. He has two other daughters, Beth, a surgeon in Johnson City, and Becky, a dentist in New Bern, North Carolina.

Dr. Bolling's office is located in Suite 201 of the BHCC professional building. Already on duty there are Amy Sprouse, receptionist, and Crickett Suggs, nurse. "We're also looking for an office manager," he said.

He is licensed to practice in several states, including Wyoming, North Dakota, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. He has traveled to Alaska 21 times as a relief surgeon. While there he has enjoyed fly fishing. He also enjoys golf and traveling.