Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) is thrilled to welcome back Dr. Gregory "Wayne" Cox, an exceptional alumnus whose inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a skilled surgeon and dedicated educator is a testament to perseverance and passion. Cox’s story reflects a profound commitment to serving underserved communities and mentoring the next generation of physicians. His return to LMU-DCOM as an Assistant Professor of Surgery represents not only a homecoming, but also a powerful example of how resilience and a dedication to helping others can transform lives.
Cox graduated from South Doyle High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, and began his higher education at Berea College. He then completed a Master of Science degree from LMU before earning his medical degree from LMU-DCOM in 2018. Following medical school, he pursued a transitional year residency at Orange Regional Medical Center, now known as Garnet Health Medical Center, where he also completed his general surgery residency.
Cox's calling to rural surgery was shaped by his experiences in medical school. "From my experience in rural surgery during my medical school years in Harlan, Kentucky, I found rural surgery to be inspiring because you did not have the benefit of having sub-specialties at hand, giving me the opportunity to be a well-rounded surgeon,” he said. “After my third-year surgery rotation, I knew I wanted to be a rural surgeon. Furthermore, from my military training, I found rural surgery to be most similar since there is limited access to supplies/equipment on location. I am able to be an all-around surgeon helping as many as possible.”
Cox currently serves his country as a Captain in the Tennessee Army National Guard's 208th Area Support Medical Company, based in Smyrna, Tennessee. He joined the military while still in medical school to help support his family during challenging times.
Cox’s path to success was not without obstacles. He faced adversity growing up, including financial hardships and family struggles, but his resilience and determination carried him through. He was raised by his mother in a mostly single-parent household, and he said she worked tirelessly to provide for him and his four younger siblings. Cox watched her do whatever it took to support the family, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
“My dad has a heart of gold when he’s clean; however, he was in and out of the prison system while growing up and was fighting addiction and demons himself, which often lead to lack of monetary support for the family," Cox added.
Despite not being accepted into medical school or surgery residency on his first attempt and below average test scores, Cox's tenacity and work ethic earned him a place in his residency program.
"My program doesn't interview people with scores under 600 except on special occasions. The only reason they interviewed me was because I was a transitional year resident there,” he said. “Luckily, I worked very hard and showed them I am more than just a board score.”
It was during his residency that Cox discovered a passion for teaching. He was honored with the Resident Teacher of the Year award from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Middletown, New York, during his chief year, an acknowledgment of his dedication to educating future doctors. This led him to pursue a dual career in academia and rural surgery. Returning to teach at LMU-DCOM, along with working at Preferred Surgical Associates in both Tazewell, Tennessee, and Middlesboro, Kentucky, has provided the perfect environment for him to thrive in both roles.
“I love allowing students to get fully immersed in medical care from obtaining a patient history/physical on their own to doing procedures while I supervise them,” Cox said. “The excitement I see from students’ faces when they get the right diagnosis or do a procedure for the first time can be life-changing for them. I enjoy being part of that journey, helping them find their passion!”
Cox is also passionate about giving back and hopes to inspire others who come from challenging backgrounds. He aspires to become a motivational speaker and create programs that encourage underprivileged children to believe in their potential, much like he did.
"[I want] to encourage them not to let others limit their success,” he said.
Cox's return to LMU-DCOM marked the beginning of an exciting chapter, where he continues impacting the lives of students and patients alike with his expertise, compassion and dedication to serving others.
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, and at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 7082, email dcom@LMUnet.edu, or visit us online at http://med.LMUnet.edu.
