Dr. David E. DeVoid, MD

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Get to know Gastroenterologist Dr. David E. DeVoid, who serves patients in Knoxville, Tennessee.

A caring pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr. DeVoid is an attending physician at GI for Kids in Knoxville, Tennessee.

“It is said that if you love what you do for a living you never really work a day in your life. After 28 years working as a pediatric gastroenterologist, I am blessed to say that I still feel that way. From an early age I knew that I wanted to be a physician and specifically a pediatrician. I greatly admired my pediatrician and loved the way that he demonstrated “old-fashioned” patient centered care. The specialty of pediatric gastroenterology attracted me further because it not only allows us to improve the lives of patients with illnesses and diseases in the short term, but also allows us to make an impact on children’s future health as many gastrointestinal illnesses have at their root diet and lifestyle causes” expressed Dr. DeVoid.

Enjoying all aspects of pediatric gastroenterology, some of his specific interests include inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease and liver transplantation, pancreas disease as well as the nutritional support of patients with short bowel syndrome and those patients who have special needs.

Academically, Dr. DeVoid began his education at the University of Maryland College Park where I majored in microbiology. He was extremely fortunate to receive an Air Force medical profession scholarship to medical school and attended Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Training at one of the premier pediatric centers in the United States only strengthened his love of pediatrics and also led him to the specialty of pediatric gastroenterology. 

Following medical school, he spent 10 years in the United States Air Force achieving the rank of Major. He then went on to complete his residency in pediatrics at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center in San Antonio Texas and his fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology at Walter Reed Medical Center as well as Bethesda Naval Medical Center and the National Institute of Health.

Following his training, the doctor attained board certification in pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology through the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). The mission of the ABP is to advance child health by certifying pediatricians who meet standards of excellence and are committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Returning to Wilford Hall Medical Center, Dr. DeVoid coordinated the only liver transplant program in the United States military. After leaving the Air Force, he spent 17 years in Chattanooga Tennessee working both at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger as well as private practice for Galen Medical Group.

He had the privilege of joining GI for Kids in Knoxville in 2014, and has come to admire not only the patients which they serve, but the freestanding East Tennessee Children’s Hospital that Knoxville is so lucky to have.

Pediatric gastroenterology developed as a subspecialty of pediatrics and gastroenterology. It is concerned with treating the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas of children from infancy until age eighteen. Pediatric gastroenterologists evaluate and offer treatment plans for any kind of chronic stomach issues including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, failure to gain weight, feeding problems, constipation or dietary issues.

In his time off, Dr. DeVoid enjoys spending time with family and friends. He has two wonderful children, Shannon and Christopher, who live in the area. They enjoy horseback riding, white-water rafting, and time on the water together. For relaxation, he is an avid billiards player and enjoys bowling and playing cards.

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