Dr. Timothy J. Powell Receives 2025 Martin Coffey Cardiovascular Service Award

Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is proud to announce that Dr. Timothy J. Powell has been named the recipient of the 2025 Martin Coffey Cardiovascular Service Award. This award honors individuals who exemplify excellence in cardiovascular care, unwavering integrity, and a dedication to patient well-being.

Cookeville Regional Medical Center CEO Buffy Key opened the award presentation with, “‘It has been said that the greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.’ These words perfectly capture the spirit of Dr. Powell, whose dedication to exceptional patient care has left an indelible mark on CRMC and the community it serves.”

His colleagues widely recognize Dr. Powell for his calm demeanor, ethical leadership, and steadfast commitment to putting others first. He consistently goes above and beyond to expedite patient care, support his coworkers, and serve as a mentor who remains available at all hours. His compassionate approach and technical expertise make him an invaluable asset to CRMC.

Dr. Powell’s medical journey began in Memphis, Tenn., where he worked as a hospital orderly. This early exposure to patient care inspired his lifelong commitment to the field. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis and his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 1994. He then completed his general surgery residency at the University of Tennessee in 1999 and a thoracic surgery residency at the Texas Heart Institute in Houston.

During medical school, his excellence was recognized with multiple accolades, including the Outstanding Student Service Award and the Medical Student Scholarship in Surgery Award. He was also inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) National Honor Medical Society. Today, he holds board certifications in both surgery and thoracic surgery.

Before joining CRMC in 2010, Dr. Powell served as Director of Cardiovascular Services at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis. He was drawn to CRMC due to its commitment to quality care and its vision for growth. Since then, he has performed 5,195 cardiac, thoracic, and vascular procedures, continuously advancing the hospital’s cardiovascular capabilities.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Powell was the sole cardiovascular surgeon at CRMC, working tirelessly to meet the critical needs of patients. His unwavering dedication during this challenging time solidified his reputation as a leader in the field and a compassionate caregiver.

In 2025, Dr. Powell just recently successfully completed his first coronary artery bypass graft surgery using the state-of-the-art da Vinci robotic surgical system. This milestone represents a significant advancement in patient care, allowing for minimally invasive procedures, reduced risks, and faster recoveries.

“Dr. Powell’s impact extends far beyond his surgical skills. His ability to put patients and their families at ease, even in moments of uncertainty, is a testament to his deep compassion and unwavering dedication to service. It is an honor to recognize Dr. Powell with the 2025 Martin Coffey Cardiovascular Service Award, celebrating his exceptional contributions to the medical community and the countless lives he has touched to the people in our community,” said Key.

About the Martin Coffey Award:
The Martin Coffey Cardiovascular Service Award is given to an individual who has made a positive impact and best exemplifies the same dedication and loyalty in broadening the scope and delivery of quality cardiovascular care to the patients of CRMC and the Upper Cumberland region as Coffey did during his tenure as the founding director of the Heart and Vascular Center of Cookeville Regional Medical Center (1994-2007).  Coffey was instrumental in the development of creating what is known today as the Heart and Vascular Center at Cookeville Regional.