The oldest of four sons born to Jimmy and JoAnn Cates in Cookeville, TN, James W. Cates, M.D., graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, TN. Excelling both academics and sports, Dr. Cates was chosen his senior year by the faculty as Battalion Commander for the entire corp, graduated with honors, and was a varsity letterman in both football and track. After high school, Dr. Cates attended undergraduate programs at UTK, UCLA, and TSU, where he earned his Bachelor of Science. In 1985, Dr. Cates graduated from medical school at Meharry College of Medicine in Nashville and subsequently completed his three-year residency at the UT Medical Center in the Family Physician Program. Dr. Cates has experience in cancer research at the UT Medical Center, microbiology work at UCLA, and in the Department of Endocrinology at Vanderbilt. In 1987 he began practicing emergency medicine at Cookeville Regional Medical Center and also gained experience while working at Livingston Regional Hospital from 1988-1998, and at Mid State Sports Medicine with Orthopedist Dr. Richard Williams. He studied “ImPACT” at the University of Pittsburgh in 2006 and implemented the testing and training to help patients recover more quickly from concussions. As a Credentialed ImPACT Consultant (CIC), Satellite Med is established as a referral center for the entire Upper Cumberland area. In 2016 Dr. Cates joined 49 other physicians at Harvard Medical School for leadership training and in 2017 he attended the Tennessee Medical Association’s (TMA) Leadership Training. In 2018, Dr. Cates became President of the Upper Cumberland TMA Chapter. He was elected to the Board of Trustees for the TMA in 2018 for a 2-year term. He served an additional year as Vice Chair, and in 2021 Dr Cates was elected as Chairman of the Board. During his time being involved at the state level, he spent many hours discussing and problem-solving the challenging obstacles of practicing medicine in Tennessee. The TMA works closely with Tennessee legislators passing or blocking bills, making laws, and overturning policies that handcuff physicians to practice independently of big pharma and corporate medicine. He was personally involved in writing the bill to require telemedicine reimbursement to pay as equally as a face-to-face visit. He also helped to initiate legislation to push back on burdensome prior authorizations required by third-party payors from physicians on behalf of their patients. Dr. Cates achieved medical board re-certification in 2022, pushing his certification into 2030. Dr. Cates is board-certified in Family Medicine and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice (FAAFP). Dr. Cates is the Supervising Physician of all Mid-Levels at Satellite Med.

I’m honored to join the Satellite Medicine Team and look forward to serving you and your family. My healthcare journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from Valdosta State University (1997), followed by a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from Austin Peay State University (1998), and a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University (2000), and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Arkansas State University (2025). With over 19 years of experience in orthopedic care, I eventually opened my own practice and partnered with Dr. Hudson at the Occupational Health Center (OHC). I’m now excited to extend that care as a part of the Satellite Med team. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Margie, and our three children—Amelia, Lily, and Nolan. We’ve been active members of The River Community Church for more than 20 years. In my free time, I enjoy CrossFit, snow skiing, and beach trips. My clinical interests include men’s health and bioidentical testosterone replacement and HRT therapy, primary care, trauma and injury care, musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions, hypertension management, OSA, and occupational medicine. I’m passionate about developing long-term, trusted relationships with my patients and supporting them in reaching their health goals.

Larissa worked as a scribe at Satellite Med while attending Tennessee Tech University. She completed part of her South College clinical rotation at Satellite Med. Larissa is from Hermitage Springs, TN but has lived in Cookeville since 2012. She attended Tennessee Tech University for three and a half years to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology & Health Sciences. She then graduated from South College's Physician Assistant program in Knoxville, TN. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and returning home to spend time with her family.

Cora is from Rickman, TN. She attended Tennessee Technological University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with concentrations in Exercise Science, Physical Education, and Wellness. Cora then attended Milligan University in Elizabethtown, TN, earning a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, going to the lake, and spending time with her family and friends.

Becca is originally from Murfreesboro, TN. She attended the University of Tennessee, earning her Bachelors of Science in Education with a concentration in Kinesiology. Following graduation, she worked as a medical scribe in an orthopedic office before attending PA school at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville Tennessee. In her free time, she enjoys going to UT football games and cheering on the Vols!

Emily O’Neill, PA-C, is a certified Physician Assistant, committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals and families of all ages. Originally from New Jersey, Emily completed her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Psychology before moving to Tennessee to earn her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Middle Tennessee State University. Emily’s clinical interests include dermatology, women’s health, acute care, and family medicine. She strives to help patients feel comfortable, informed, and supported, with a strong emphasis on preventive care and overall wellness. Outside of medicine, Emily loves spending time at the beach and scuba diving with her dad. She also enjoys staying active, working out, and being with friends and family.

Ancillary Services

Hi, I’m Shandi, and I’m excited to be a part of the team as your Integrative Nutrition Coach! My passion is helping people take control of their health by addressing the root causes of common health issues through personalized nutrition and holistic lifestyle changes. Whether you’re struggling with energy, weight management, digestion, or other metabolic health issues, I’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your unique needs and lifestyle. Together we’ll focus on sustainable changes that can lead to real improvements in your health, including tracking important biomarkers like blood sugar, cholesterol, and overall wellness. I’ll be here to support you every step of the way, helping you set achievable goals and offering the guidance you need to reach them. No matter where you are in your health journey, I’m here to help you feel your best. I’m looking forward to meeting you and being a part of your journey to better health. Let’s get started!

Christina has spent the past 30 years serving as a professional educator, with three degrees in education and a passion for serving special needs children and their parents. In addition, she has worked side-by-side with her husband, Dr. Craig Green, as a pastoral counselor—which is the area of specialization in her latest degree—a Master's in pastoral counseling. Christina has served as the Special Education Supervisor for the Overton County School System for the past five years. She will always be an advocate for those who can defend themselves least. God has ordained a new season of service for Tina—one free from constraints to openly share the One and only One who truly defends the weak and who truly heals the wounded—Jesus Christ the Lord. With deep trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring real and lasting healing, Tina will gently and lovingly engage her clients as they receive the healing available in areas such as:

Depression
Anxiety
Autism
Asperger’s Syndrome
ADD, ADHD
Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Juvenile delinquency
Conflict resolution
Grief counseling
Marriage Counseling (Pre, Present, Post)
Sexual abuse counseling
Eating disorders and Self-harm
Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD)