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MEET OUR SPECIALISTS

John E. Blake III, M.D. — Chattanooga, TN — Specialists In Pain Management

John E. Blake III, M.D.

Specialists in Pain Management

John E. Blake III, M.D.

John E. Blake III, M.D. is the President and Medical Director of Specialists in Pain Management. Dr. Blake has practiced pain medicine in Chattanooga TN since 2009. Dr. Blake’s practice is multi-disciplinary, treating all types of pain. His specialty is minimally invasive interventional pain management and spine procedures.


Specialists in Pain Management utilizes Physical Therapy, Medications, minimally invasive procedures and psychological counseling to treat and manage pain.


Dr. Blake’s professional commitment to the practice of pain management leads him to serve in various capacities of state wide committees and as President of The Tennessee Pain Society.

Hospital Affiliation

  • Parkridge Medical Center
  • Parkridge East Hospital
  • Erlanger Medical Center
  • Memorial Health Care Services
  • Healthsouth Chattanooga Rehab
  • Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehab

Education

2008-2009 Pain Management Fellowship at University of Alabama Birmingham

2005-2008 Anesthesiology Residency at University of Alabama Birmingham

2004-2005 Preliminary Surgery Internship at Carraway Hospital

2000-2004 University of Alabama School of Medicine

1995-1999 Bachelor of Science in Biology with minor in Psychology, cum laude

Professional Certification and Membership

  • Specialty Certification in Anesthesiology-The American Board of Anesthesiology
  • Subspecialty Certification in Pain Medicine-The American Board of Anesthesiology
  • Tennessee Medical Association
  • American Medical Association
  • American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
  • Tennessee Pain Society
  • Tennessee Society of Interventional Pain Physicians

Academic Appointments

Assistant Professor: University of Tennessee; Department of Medicine

Professional Duties

2015-Present President Tennessee Pain Society

​2015-Present Chairman TN Neurospine Committee

2013-2014 Vice President Tennessee Pain Society

Board Member TNSIPP

Chairman of TMA Prescription Opioid Committee

TMA House of Delegates

Member of TN Department of Health Prescription Guidelines Committee

2009 President of the University of Alabama Residency House Staff Council

2008 Anesthesiology residency representative to University of Alabama House Staff Council

2007 Antonio Aldrete award for most outstanding resident in pain management

2004 Robert Goodloe McGahey award for the most outstanding student in Anesthesiology

1999 Rotary International scholarship

1998 Dean’s List Honor Society

1998 Alpha Epsilon Delta Honors Society

1995 President Honors Scholarship to 

Birmingham-Southern College

Kevin Smith, MD

Specialist in Pain Management

Dr. Smith is the founding Physician is board-certified in both anesthesiology and pain management.   

Dr. Smith completed his medical training at Indiana University, then moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, nearly five years, developing a multidisciplinary pain clinic and deepening his skills. He practice 20 years in Denver, Colorado where he developed a thriving practice. Dr Smith has been a leader in the field, Participating as an elected officer of the Colorado Pain Society for over ten years. His move to the Chattanooga area has allowed him to bring his interventional, medical, and multidisciplinary chronic pain management treatment to Eastern Tennessee. 



Dr. Smith for years has worked closely with a world renown specialist in Neuromodulation, learning how to treat the most complex pain conditions with spinal cord and peripheral stimulation. 

 
Because of his strengths in diagnosis, many primary care physicians refer their patients to Dr. Smith when conservative pain relief falls short. He has treated everything from intercostal neuralgia and complex regional pain syndrome to shingles and whiplash injuries.  Dr Smith is very experienced in opioid sparing procedures such as spinal cord stimulation for permanent treatment of neuropathic pain, radiofrequency ablation for long term treatment of spinal arthritic pain, or various neck or back steroid spinal injections.

Ryan Bearer, DO

Specialists in Pain Management

Ryan Bearer, DO

Dr. Bearer chose a career in pain management to help his patients make good choices regarding ways to improve their quality of life.


Dr. Bearer has been with Specialists In Pain Management since 2022. His focus is wide ranging; treating conditions from arthritis to complex cancer pain. He completed his undergraduate and Master of Science degrees at Wayne State University in Detroit. Dr. Bearer then went on to get a Master in Public Health in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the Boston University School of Public Health. He completed medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He came back home to complete his residency in anesthesiology and his fellowship in Pain Medicine at Henry Ford Hospital, where he served as the chief resident. He has served as a consultant for Stryker and Nevro medical device companies.


In his free time, Dr. Bearer enjoys time with his family, cooking and living an active lifestyle.

Todd Stanford, PA — Chattanooga, TN — Specialists In Pain Management

Todd Stanford, PA-C

Specialists in Pain Management

Todd Stanford, PA-C

Todd Stanford, PA-C, brings over 16 years of exemplary experience to the forefront of medical care, specializing in psychiatry-rehabilitation, neurosurgery, and chronic pain management. His journey in the medical field began over a decade ago, where he honed his skills and expertise across various roles, starting as an EMT, LPN, and Registered Nurse before transitioning to Physician Assistant training.


Todd's educational background is as diverse as his professional experience. He pursued his passion for healthcare at the University of Utah's P.A. Medex Program, earning a Certificate of Completion in 1998. Prior to this, he worked diligently as an LPN at S.N.F. Bountiful, UT, between 1993 and 1996. Todd's academic pursuits also led him to Weber State University in Ogden, UT, where he embarked on a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in 1993. His commitment to education is evident through his time at Salt Lake Community College, where he obtained a Certificate in LPN and an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in RN in 1991, following which he pursued General Studies at the University of Utah in 1990.


His journey towards professional excellence also includes military service, during which he received accolades such as the Kuwait Liberation Medal and Overseas Medal for his service during Desert Shield/Storm in Saudi Arabia/Kuwait in 1991-1992. Additionally, he was honored with the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster for his contributions to Hurricane Hugo Medical Relief in 1989.



Todd's commitment to lifelong learning and professional development is exemplified by his participation in the Tennessee Pain Society in 2015 and his achievement as the winner of the Western Regional P.A. Programs' Medical Challenge Bowl in Portland, OR, in 1997.Beyond his medical endeavors, Todd has demonstrated leadership and service in various capacities, such as being recognized as the Canadian Chief Scout in 1980, highlighting his dedication to both personal and community enrichment.

With a rich tapestry of education, military service, and professional achievements, Todd Stanford, PA-C, continues to make a profound impact in the field of healthcare, embodying excellence, compassion, and dedication in all his endeavors.

Theresa Popas, NP-C — Chattanooga, TN — Specialists In Pain Management

Robert R. Sciulli, Jr., PA-C

Specialists in Pain Management

Robert R. Sciulli, Jr., PA-C

Robert Sciulli, PA-C, brings a extensive amount of experience and dedication to the field of healthcare. His journey began at Loma Linda University in Riverside, California, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Eager to further his education and pursue his passion for patient care, he went on to earn his Physician Assistant Degree at the Kettering College of Medical Arts in 1989.



During his time at Kettering College, Mr. Sciulli was deeply involved in university activities, serving as the President of the Physician Assistant Student Society. His leadership skills and commitment to his peers were evident even in his early years of training.


Following his graduation, Mr. Sciulli embarked on a multifaceted career that has spanned over three decades. He served as the healthcare provider for the Ferris State University hockey team, ensuring the well-being of athletes both on and off the field.


In addition to his clinical work, Mr. Sciulli has also contributed to the education of future healthcare professionals. He has served as an Adjunct Professor for Central Michigan University and an Instructor at Drake College in Ohio, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring practitioners.


Throughout his career, Mr. Sciulli has gained extensive experience in various areas of medicine, including Family Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Acute post-operative care, trauma management, chronic pain management, and GI Hospitalist services. His commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to his patients is unwavering.


In Mr. Sciulli free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and indulging in watching my favorite sports teams either on television or live at the stadium.

Theresa Popas, NP-C — Chattanooga, TN — Specialists In Pain Management

Jasmine Mason, NP

Specialists in Pain Management

Jasmine Mason, NP

Jasmine Mason, MSN, BSN, is a dedicated nursing professional with a wealth of experience and a passion for patient care. She holds both a Bachelor's and Master of Science in Nursing from Middle Tennessee State University, where she honed her skills and knowledge in the field of healthcare.


During her time as a student, Jasmine was an active member of the Tennessee Student Nurse Association from 2007 to 2009, demonstrating her commitment to her profession early on. She continues to be actively involved in professional organizations, including the Tennessee State Nurse Association, American Nurses Association, Chattanooga Area Nurses in Advanced Practice, and American Associate of Nurse Practitioners.


She joined Specialists in Pain Management in the fall of 2009. With a career spanning over a decade, Jasmine has amassed a diverse range of experiences in various healthcare settings. She has played a pivotal role in educating patients and providing comprehensive care to individuals managing chronic, thoracic, and acute conditions.


Throughout her career, Jasmine has remained committed to staying abreast of the latest advancements in healthcare and nursing practice. Her dedication to her patients, coupled with her extensive experience and knowledge, make her a valuable asset to Specialists in Pain Management.



In Jasmine free time, she enjoys attending concerts and live music events with her husband, as well as spending time with Willow, my fur baby. 

Specialist in Pain Management

Mary Frances graduated from Alcorn State University with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing science. Since completing her studies in 2010, she has dedicated herself to nursing practice, accumulating extensive experience in diagnosing and treating patients across a spectrum of illnesses, from acute to chronic.


 Her professional journey has encompassed various healthcare settings, including primary and urgent care in family practice. Mary Frances has skillfully conducted a range of physical examinations, from DOT and sports physicals to addressing minor healthcare concerns.



In her free time, she finds joy in her pursuits as an avid runner, often training for marathons. She cherishes time spent with her children and grandchildren, and she indulges her passion for gardening while also providing a loving home for rescued cats.

Theresa Popas, NP-C — Chattanooga, TN — Specialists In Pain Management

Jason Therrien, DPT

Specialists in Pain Management

Jason Therrien, DPT

Jason is a board certified physical therapist who earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the Medical College of Georgia in 2011. He is also a Certified Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS) through the International Spine and Pain Institute. His physical therapy practice is focused on the treatment of individuals with chronic, and often complex, pain conditions. Jason has developed a passion for understanding chronic (or persistent) pain, as he has seen the devastating effects of persistent pain on his patients and loved ones alike. He has undertaken extensive research and training to understand the advancements in pain science and the evolution of treatments for pain. His aim for all of his patients is to help alleviate pain and suffering, restore their function and quality of life, and empower them with knowledge, strategies, and tools to more independently manage and relieve pain, now and in the future. Jason strives to share the insights that have helped so many with patients interested in learning more as well as other healthcare providers, in order to minimize the unnecessary suffering of as many people as possible. Above all, Jason is a devoted family man to his daughter, Lola, and his best friend and wife, Amelia. His family and he are proud members of the Chattanooga community. He enjoys playing soccer, live music, Chattanooga FC matches, yoga, hiking, and meditation.

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