Fertility Specialist
Dr. Joey Bird’s first intended specialty was retinal surgery, but a rotation with a reproductive endocrinologist while attending East Tennessee State University’s James H. Quillen College of Medicine changed his mind. He "fell in love with the patients and the way the doctor became a part of their stories.”
Of his work as a fertility specialist, Dr. Bird says, “Every case is interesting and rewarding in its own way. I’m never bored.” Throughout treatment, he encourages his patients to find hope. He says, “Successful outcomes require the ability to count on something you can’t see.”
His hobbies involve a range of interest that span from piano playing, singing, pickleball, snowskiing, and most importantly, playing with his grandchildren. He tells his kids frequently if he knew early on how much fun it was to be a grandparent, he would have started there. Now, he also gets the pleasure of working professionally with his son, Joseph, who has recently joined the practice.
Dr. Barry Donesky graduated from Loma Linda University school of medicine in Southern California in 1987. Following his graduation, he completed a four year residency in obstetrics and gynecology. During his residency he had a couple of patients who were not ovulating properly and helped them become pregnant. The patients were very grateful and Dr. Donesky was hooked on infertility as a speciality.
Through a gentle, understanding nature and dedication to his patients, he tries to make their journeys to parenthood a little bit easier. He says, “Changing someone's life through helping them achieve their dreams of parenthood is extremely rewarding, and I feel very fortunate to get to do that every day."
Outside of the office Dr. Donesky is active in his church, enjoys playing the piano and trumpet, occasionally plays some golf, and loves spending time with his wife, their six children, and their families.
Fertility Specialist
Dr. Joseph Bird graduated from Southern Adventist University with a degree in Computer Science for his premedical degree. He used this knowledge throughout medical school at Loma Linda University with a focus on integration of technology and medicine. He continued this during his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga College of Medicine by optimizing the electronic medical records to help provide more patient centered care.
After his residency in 2023, he began his apprenticeship in fertility medicine through the Fertility Center. He splits his time between the Chattanooga and Knoxville clinics to assist patients achieve their pregnancy and hormonal goals. He desires to cultivate an environment of patient centered care at the Fertility Center.
While not at work, he enjoys playing pickleball with his wife and being a father to his two boys. He also enjoys running and mountain biking for exercise. He has an increasing interest in precision spinning tops which he uses to focus and reduce stress after difficult cases.
Nurse Practitioner
Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Katie Murchison holds a BS degree in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University and a Masters of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing.
Katie has practiced in Women’s Health for over 20 years with specialization in both Fertility and Menopause and Hormone Management for over 15 years. She values her patients as individuals and holds a passion for establishing meaningful patient relationships with women in all seasons of their lives. Katie lives on Signal Mountain with her husband and two daughters. She is a fitness and college football enthusiast.
Nurse Practitioner
Certified Nurse Practitioner Kristen Clouse received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Tennessee in 2018 and her Master’s degree in Nursing from Tusculum University in 2020. Prior to joining the fertility center, Kristen has a 13- year nursing background developing a wide range of skills from emergency medicine, cardiac rehab and women’s health. While watching those around her struggling to create a family, Kristen was drawn to be a part of the Fertility Center.
Kristen commits herself to providing excellent care, establishing a positive environment, and extending compassion for her patients as they go through this journey to establish their family.
Outside of the office, Kristen is active with her husband and five children, managing a small farm, and many sporting/fitness activities. If you do not find her in the office, she is likely on the sidelines of a field/court cheering on her children.