“Not just a job, it’s a calling”

Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is fortunate to have some of the most dedicated and compassionate physicians on staff. 

One of these exceptional physicians is Dr. Sonja Kelleher, a staff physician at TVHS Chattanooga VA Clinic. Kelleher has worked at the clinic for over a year and become a well-respected member of the team. Her dedication and passion for helping others is clear in the way she treats her Veteran patients.

For Kelleher, her connection to the Veteran population goes beyond her role as a physician. She refers to herself as a 'military brat' as she was born overseas while her parents served in the Air Force. Growing up, she heard stories of bravery and sacrifice from her parents and grandparents, who were also in the military. Both of her grandfathers were Pearl Harbor survivors, and their stories had a profound impact on her.

“It’s absolutely rewarding and I feel a strong connection to the Veterans personally because of how I was raised and where I came from,” Kelleher said with a smile. 

For Kelleher, being a doctor is not just a job, it is a calling. She knew she wanted to become a physician at a young age and worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality. “I didn’t join the military myself, but using my skills and gifts to serve my country by working with the Veteran population has been very rewarding,” she added.

Seeing the impact she has had on the lives of the Veterans has made all the hard work and long hours’ worth it. She is exactly where she was meant to be – caring for and healing those who had served their country.

TVHS is honored to have such dedicated physicians like Kelleher on staff. Their commitment to serving the Veteran community is admirable and deserves to be recognized and celebrated during Physicians Week. 

Physicians’ selfless dedication to their patients and their unwavering passion for their work is an inspiration to us all.

To all the physicians out there, thank you for all that you do, and happy Physicians Week.