Saad Al-Khatib, MD

Emergency medicine physician in Johnson City

“I see people in their greatest need, those in absolute crisis, and it’s rewarding to be able to take care of them and prevent them from dying,” says Dr. Saad Al-Khatib of his work at Franklin Woods Community Hospital’s emergency room. “Sometimes there are patients we can’t help. Even then, being with the family and ministering to them at that difficult time is incredibly fulfilling as a physician.”

Despite the intense situations the emergency room can bring, Dr. Al-Khatib says he knew this was the field for him when he did an emergency medicine rotation and loved it. “I like that what I see every day is so varied,” he says. “Even when patients come in for something minor they are concerned about, it’s a good feeling to be able to assure them that they’re ok.”

The Asheville native’s introduction to medicine was a natural one. “My mom is a nurse, so I grew up around medicine in general,” he says.

"I see people in their greatest need, those in absolute crisis, and it’s rewarding to be able to take care of them and prevent them from dying."

Dr. Al-Khatib attended King College and then stayed in the Tri-Cities to attend Quillen College of Medicine. Now, he and his wife are happy to call Johnson City home.

“My wife is from West Virginia so we both grew up in Appalachia and really love the Appalachian culture. The people are so genuine and friendly here,” he says. “It’s where we want to stay.”