Williamson County, TN, is a Medical Magnet

Hear from four people who chose to build their careers in health care in Williamson County, TN.

By Patsy B. Weiler on November 15, 2023

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Like a magnet, outstanding medical professionals are attracted to Williamson County, TN, for its vibrant communities, top-notch schools and proximity to Music City. Four physicians, each in different fields, took time from their busy schedules to share why they chose to practice in Williamson County and call this beautiful area home.

Dr. Andy Russell, Williamson Health

Almost two decades ago, after finishing an emergency medicine residency at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Andy Russell and his wife, Nancy, moved to Williamson County and began his career in the Williamson Medical Center Emergency Department. Today, he is the chief medical officer at a hospital that is recognized by Newsweek as one of the World’s Best Hospitals.

“I love being a part of this community, getting to know my patients, seeing them out at a restaurant or at church or while strolling downtown,” Andy Russell says.

The Russells share their home with dogs Moose and Winnie and enjoy hiking and walking with them along Williamson County’s charming country roads.

“Moving to Franklin and working at Williamson Medical Center has been the best decision that Nancy and I have made,” Russell says. “I have appreciated working here and watching the hospital and emergency department grow. Ideally, I will retire from Williamson Health at some point and watch our future grandchildren grow up in Franklin.”

Dr. Matt Ducey, Brentwood East Family Medicine

Dr. Matt Ducey is a primary care and family medicine physician at TriStar Medical Group Brentwood East Family Medicine, where he has been practicing for eight years. He resides in Nolensville with his wife and four daughters and is an active community member at his church and as a soccer coach. He enjoys living in a thriving and vibrant community known for its excellent schools, strong community and growing businesses.

“As a primary care physician, I love building connections with my patients and advocating for them on their health care journey,” Ducey says. “It’s important for me to be a part of the community that I practice medicine in, and there is no better place than Nolensville and Brentwood.”

Originally from Wareham, Massachusetts, Ducey attended medical school at the University of Massachusetts. He completed his family medicine residency at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, where he served as chief resident. The family physician values shared decision-making and sees patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Dr. Amit N. Keswani, Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Franklin

Dr. Amit N. Keswani, an interventional cardiologist at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Franklin, had planned on becoming an engineer. After Keswani’s father suffered a heart attack, a nearby community hospital helped save his dad’s life. The event changed the trajectory of his future, helping him find his calling and purpose.

“I really find a lot of satisfaction helping patients going through a traumatic event because I’ve personally gone through that experience,” says Keswani, a graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine.

Keswani recalls that when he, his wife, Nicole, a clinical pharmacist, and their two young boys visited Williamson County, the community just felt right.

Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Franklin provides cardiac services for residents of Franklin and surrounding communities, with a location on the Williamson Medical Center campus.

“Williamson Medical Center has a tradition of excellence in patient care,” Keswani says. “It is changing from being a smaller hospital to a world-class regional health care center.”

Dr. Michael Diatte, Vanderbilt Primary Care Spring Hill

Dr. Michael Diatte is a graduate of Loma Linda School of Medicine and a primary care physician at Vanderbilt Primary Care Spring Hill. He moved to Williamson County with his wife, Lauren, a pediatrician, to be close to family.

“We have two little girls, and we were drawn to Williamson County because it is near our relatives, but love how family-friendly it is here,” says Diatte, a Brentwood resident. “My wife loves trying new restaurants, and I like to eat hot chicken at Outlanders Southern Chicken in Nolensville. Our daughters love Granny White Park.”

He also enjoys creating educational YouTube videos.

“The amount of medical information and differing opinions in our world today can be overwhelming,” Diatte says. “I have a passion for explaining complex medical topics in an easy, understandable way. I want to help my patients be aware of the full range of options available to treat their medical conditions.”