At APEX Vascular, we believe exceptional care begins with exceptional people—and we’re proud to welcome one of the most experienced and compassionate providers we’ve met: David Drum, PA-C (physician assistant).
David joins us with an impressive 37-year career spanning multiple specialties, including:
- General and vascular surgery
- Emergency medicine
- Advanced wound care
- Hyperbaric medicine
- Sleep disorders
His diverse background and decades of hands-on experience bring a unique, well-rounded perspective to the APEX team and—most importantly—to our patients.
What is a Certified Physician Assistant?
A certified physician assistant, or PA-C, is someone who brings advanced medical training and a genuine passion for patient care to the healthcare team. After completing a rigorous master’s program and passing a national certification exam, PAs step into a role that blends clinical skill with hands-on compassion.
They’re trained to:
- Take medical histories
- Perform physical exams
- Diagnose and treat illnesses
- Order and interpret tests
- Perform procedures
They may assist in surgeries with their education following a medical model similar to physicians. This prepares them to handle a wide variety of medical situations.
In the world of vascular surgery, a PA-C becomes an essential partner at every stage of care. They’re there before the first incision-preparing patients, answering questions, and helping ease anxieties.
In the operating room, they work alongside the surgeon, assisting with procedures and ensuring everything runs smoothly. After surgery, they’re the steady presence checking in on recovery, managing follow-up care, and guiding patients through the next steps.
For vascular surgeons, a PA-C is more than just a colleague—they’re a trusted ally who helps keep the practice running efficiently and the patients well cared for. Their support allows surgeons to focus on the most complex cases, knowing their patients are in capable hands every step of the way.
With their expertise and dedication, PA-Cs help improve patient outcomes and bring a sense of comfort and continuity to the surgical experience.
David’s Journey to APEX Vascular as a Physician Assistant
David’s journey in medicine started in the field—literally—as a firefighter and paramedic. After sustaining an injury that limited his ability to stay in emergency response, he redirected his passion for helping others into the world of healthcare.
He trained as a physician assistant and began working in vascular surgery, a specialty he’s now circled back to after many years in other areas of medicine. For David, returning to vascular care feels like coming home.
“I’m excited to give back to my roots in peripheral vascular surgery,” David shares. “APEX represents a high level of class and innovation in vascular care—it’s the perfect place to connect with my origins while embracing cutting-edge advancements.”
Over the years, David has witnessed firsthand the remarkable evolution of vascular medicine—from open surgeries to today’s minimally invasive procedures. He’s particularly enthusiastic about the progress in venous technology and is passionate about supporting patients through both advanced surgical care and preventative approaches.
His philosophy on patient care is as grounded as it is compassionate. He focuses on building genuine rapport, educating patients through each step of treatment, and creating a calm, reassuring experience.
“My goal is always to help patients feel informed, heard, and part of the process. I want to make sure they’re not overwhelmed and know they’re not alone.”
How David Spends His Free Time
When he’s not working as a physician assistant, David enjoys gardening, staying current with flight simulators (he’s a licensed private pilot), as well as drone photography and videography. He loves spending time with his family, including four active grandchildren. In quiet moments, you might find him enjoying a good book or cheering on his grandkids at sporting events.
A respected colleague, a devoted family man, and a seasoned medical professional, David Drum brings both heart and skill to our team—and we couldn’t be more honored to have him here.
Please join us in welcoming David Drum, PA-C, to APEX Vascular! David brings 37 years of diverse medical experience to APEX Vascular, specializing in vascular surgery and advanced care. A certified physician assistant, he combines expertise with compassionate patient support, enhancing surgical outcomes. Outside work, David enjoys flying, gardening, and family time, enriching our team with skill and heart.
APEX Vascular is a vascular surgery and vein center with locations in Knoxville, Lenoir City, Crossville, Decatur, Harrogate, and Sevierville, TN. We are dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality care that goes beyond medical treatment. Our exceptional vascular staff, boasting extensive experience in vascular surgery, works tirelessly to elevate the standards of patient care and contribute to your overall well-being. Visit us online or call us at 865-562-3232 to request an appointment today!
