Our Story
Dolly Parton Children's Hospital - Oak Ridge Pediatrics provides a wide range of high-quality primary care services. We are committed to the health care of children and adolescents in Oak Ridge and surrounding communities.
We continue the legacy of Dr. Lewis F. Preston who was a medical officer in the army. Dr. Preston came to Oak Ridge in 1943 during the Manhattan Project to establish his practice.
Our physicians, nurse practitioners, and staff are involved in many local community service activities. Do not be surprised when you see us not wearing scrubs!
If you want caring, compassionate staff and doctors who always strive to do the right thing, then schedule an appointment for your child. You will notice that our providers enjoying working together. We treat each other like family as we see patients, educate parents, and empower families to make good decisions in their lives.
We would be delighted to welcome you into our family.
Meet Our Providers
Our team is committed to helping your kids stay healthy and reach their full potential. We invite you to get to know our providers and learn why they enjoy practicing medicine.
Paul Barongan, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Watching my parents practice internal medicine in rural southwest Virginia, I had the opportunity to see the difference they made in their patients' lives. I also wanted a career that would have a positive impact in my community and allow me to pursue my interests in science and math. I enjoy the relationships that I have established with our families over the years. Watching my patients grow up, and later entrust their own children to my care, has been one of the most satisfying aspects of my career.
EDUCATION
- Undergraduate: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.
- Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.
- Residency: University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, Tenn., Pediatrics
- Certifications & Memberships: American Board of Pediatrics, Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital medical staff, Partners in Pediatrics
INTERESTS
When I’m not playing piano, guitar or violin, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching musicals and going to sporting events. I am also known for having a major sweet tooth.
Allison Byrd, M.D.
Dr. Byrd is from Decatur, GA, and received her Medical Degree at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. She received Residency training at John H. Stroger Hospital in Chicago and now has decided to live and work in Oak Ridge, TN. She looks forward to getting to know the kids and parents in her new community.
EDUCATION
- Undergraduate: BS, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC
- Medical School: MD, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN
- Residency: Pediatrics, John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL
INTERESTS
Dr. Byrd loves books, and has many favorite authors. As an "introverted extrovert," she loves hanging around with people just as much as she does curling up with a good book. One thing her father always taught her was, "Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest until your good gets better and your better is your best!" She also loves potatoes, however they are cooked!
"I am excited to come back to Tennessee, the place that started my medical journey. I look forward to serving the families of East Tennessee as the newest pediatrician at Oak Ridge Pediatrics."
Sarah Nichols, DO
I’m incredibly blessed and grateful for the opportunity to care for the children and families at Oak Ridge Pediatrics. I can’t wait to get to know my patients, build meaningful relationships, and be part of their journey for years to come.
EDUCATION
- Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN
- Residency: East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Frances Pisano, M.D.
My profession puts me in the position to empower and serve patients and their families. I enjoy getting to know families and their children while giving my patients the attentive care they deserve. I am very proud of our Oak Ridge Pediatrics staff and providers. Practicing medicine is a lot more satisfying when you’re surrounded with people whom you can count on.
EDUCATION
- Undergraduate: Brown University, Providence, R.I.
- Medical School: Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
- Residency: State University of New York, Syracuse, N.Y., Pediatrics
- Certifications & Memberships: American Board of Pediatrics, Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital medical staff, Methodist Medical Center medical staff, Partners in Pediatrics
INTERESTS
My interests include being outside, birding, hiking, trying to stay in shape, visiting friends and family, cooking, reading and gardening.
Kara LaRue, PNP
Each stage of a child’s development is exciting to witness and can bring its own physical and emotional challenges. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, I’m grateful for the opportunity to support my patients and their families as they navigate every chapter of childhood. A child’s innate innocence, curiosity, and limitless imagination make pediatrics an especially meaningful and rewarding field to be part of.
EDUCATION
- Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN
- Graduate: Master of Science in Nursing Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Maryville University, St. Louis, MO
Katelyn Liles, RN, FNP-BC
I went into medicine because I wanted to take care of people and help them live healthy lives. Taking care of pediatrics patients is not just a job, it's something that I absolutely love! My favorite part of working at Oak Ridge Pediatrics is getting to know families and watching them grow from infants to young adults. I am so proud to be part of the Oak Ridge team and Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.
EDUCATION
- Undergraduate: BSN, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN
- Graduate: MSN, Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing, Hyden, KY
- Certifications & Memberships: RN, FNP-BC (ANCC Board Certified), CPR, DEA
INTERESTS
When I'm not in the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three kids. I love being outside, hiking, watching and playing all things sports, singing, cheering on the Vols, baking, and being involved with my church.
Terri Moran, NP
EDUCATION
- Graduate School: Tennessee Technological University
- Undergraduate: University of Tennessee
The following providers from our partner practices are sometimes available at Oak Ridge Pediatrics on the weekends:
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| Jessica H. Crowe, M.D., F.A.A.P.
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Melissa Hood, M.D.
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Nicole Beavers, C.P.N.P.
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| Lindsey Bull, D.O.
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Mallory Brooks, N.P.
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| Hannah Cline, MD
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