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Meet Our Providers

Chipola Medical Associates, LLC

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Dr. Gay is also the Medical Director for Hospice of Emerald Coast and Kindred Home Health Care in Marianna, demonstrating his dedication to providing compassionate care for patients at every stage of life. A proud Jackson County native and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Dr. Gay’s diverse educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of South Florida, a Bachelor of Science from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Science in Biomedical Science from Barry University, and a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Miami. He completed his residency at the University of North Carolina, further honing his skills in internal medicine.

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Dr. Gay’s approachable, patient-focused philosophy and decades of experience make him a trusted and respected physician in the community.

Dr. Joe Gay, MD with Chipola Medical Associates, LLC

Joe H. Gay, MD

Dr. Joe Gay is a dedicated and highly experienced physician committed to providing compassionate, expert care to his patients. As a certified Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and Board Certified, Dr. Gay brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his practice. He holds medical staff privileges at Jackson Hospital in Marianna, FL, where he has also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chief of Staff, reflecting his deep commitment to the local healthcare community.

​​​​​​​Julie Harris, DNP, is a caring and experienced Family Nurse Practitioner certified by the

American Nurses Credentialing Center. Since 2002, she has been a valued member of the

team at Chipola Medical Associates, LLC, where she is known for her compassionate, patient-

centered approach to care.

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A native of Jackson County, Dr. Harris began her nursing journey as a Registered Nurse in the Special Care Unit at Jackson Hospital in Marianna, FL, providing critical care to patients in need. Her dedication to excellence and lifelong learning has been a hallmark of her career. Dr. Harris earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Family Nurse Practice from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, where she was honored with the Excellence in Practice Award. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL.

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With deep roots in the community and a commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare, Dr. Harris combines her extensive training with a warm and approachable manner, ensuring her patients feel heard, supported, and cared for every step of the way.

Dr. Julie Harris, DNP with Chipola Medical Associates, LLC

Julie Harris, DNP

Dr. Susan Smith, DNP with Chipola Medical Associates, LLC

Susan Smith, DNP 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

was recognized when she was honored as the 2000 Nurse of the Year. In addition, she shared her expertise with future nurses as an adjunct clinical instructor at Chipola College.

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Her educational journey includes a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a Master of Science in Nursing specializing in Family Nurse Practice from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University in Tallahassee.

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Known for her approachable and attentive care, Dr. Smith is deeply committed to helping her patients achieve their health goals. With her extensive experience and warm demeanor, she strives to create a supportive and empowering healthcare environment.

Susan Smith, DNP, is a compassionate and highly skilled Family Nurse Practitioner certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She has been an integral part of the team at Chipola Medical Associates, LLC since 2003, earning the trust and respect of her patients and colleagues alike.​

 

Dr. Smith began her nursing career at Jackson Hospital in Marianna, FL, where she excelled in direct patient care and as a nursing supervisor. Her exceptional dedication

​Virginia Fleener, APRN, is a highly skilled and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner

certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Since joining Chipola Medical

Associates, LLC in 2006, she has been dedicated to providing exceptional primary care with

a focus on preventive health and managing chronic conditions.​

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Mrs. Fleener began her nursing career as a critical care nurse in the ICU at Jackson Hospital, where she

honed her clinical expertise in caring for patients with complex needs. She later shared her knowledge and passion for nursing as an instructor at Washington Holmes Technical College. After earning her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama, she joined a local surgical practice, gaining valuable experience in minor office procedures and comprehensive patient care.

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A proud graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Mrs. Fleener is known for her approachable and caring manner. She is committed to helping her patients lead healthier, more fulfilling lives by offering attentive, personalized care in a supportive environment.

Virginia Fleener, APRN with Chipola Medical Associates, LLC

Virginia Fleener, APRN

Heather Tatum, APRN with Chipola Medical Associates, LLC

Heather Tatum, APRN

 

 

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In 2008, she completed her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of South Alabama, transitioning into her role as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She began her NP career at Marianna Pediatrics before joining Chipola Medical Associates, LLC in 2009, where she continues to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to patients of all ages.

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Beyond her clinical practice, Heather is passionate about medical mission work and international travel, using her skills to make a difference in communities worldwide. With her approachable nature and extensive experience, she is a trusted provider dedicated to improving the health and well-being of her patients.

Heather Tatum, APRN, is a dedicated and highly skilled Family Nurse Practitioner certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Born in Donalsonville, Georgia, and raised in Jackson County, Florida, she has deep roots in the community she serves.

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Heather earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University in 1999 and began her career as a Registered Nurse at Jackson Hospital, where she gained valuable experience in Medical/Surgical units and the Operating Room. She later expanded her expertise in Cardiovascular ICU care at Bay Medical from 2006 to 2008.

Tyler Ellerbee, APRN, is a compassionate and skilled Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. He has been a valued member of

the team at Chipola Medical Associates, LLC since 2016, where he provides attentive and

personalized care to his patients.

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Tyler earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chipola College and went on to complete his Master

of Science in Nursing at the University of South Alabama in 2015. His advanced training equips him to care for adult and geriatric patients with a focus on improving their overall health and quality of life.

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Outside of his practice, Tyler enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and cheering on his favorite college football teams. Known for his approachable and friendly demeanor, Tyler is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where his patients feel heard and cared for.

Tyler Ellerbee, APRN with Chipola Medical Associates, LLC

Tyler Ellerbee, APRN

Kate Tyler, APRN, has an approachable nature and exceptional listening skills, which allow her to truly understand and address her patients' health concerns. With her easy-going personality and genuine care, Kate fosters a welcoming and supportive environment for her patients.​​

Kate Tyler, APRN with Chipola Medical Associates, LLC

Kate Tyler, APRN

Since joining Chipola Medical Associates, LLC in March, Kate has been a fantastic addition to the team.Her diverse background includes experience in walk-in care and specialized patient care at a Pulmonology practice in Pensacola, providing her with a broad skill set to meet the varied needs of her patients.​

 

Kate’s warm and attentive approach, combined with her dedication to delivering high-quality care, makes her a trusted and valued provider within the practice and the community.

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Megan’s compassionate approach, flexibility, and dedication to patient care make her a valued member of the team, and she looks forward to building even stronger connections with her patients and the community.

Megan Milton, APRN

Megan Milton, APRN with Chipola Medical Associates, LLC

Megan Milton, APRN, is a dedicated healthcare professional is know for her exceptional ability to balance multiple roles. She is deeply committed to her work as an APRN, providing high-quality care to the community, while also cherishing her role as a devoted mother and family caregiver.

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For the past four years, Megan has been an integral part of the Chipola Medical Associates, LLC team, stepping in as a backfill APRN to ensure seamless care during her colleagues’ vacations and scheduled time off. Starting in January, she will transition to a regular schedule, seeing patients two days a week at the practice.

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New Patients

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