WHO WE ARE
Dr. Joshua Tate, MD
Dr. Joshua Tate, MD
Dr. Joshua Tate is a dual board-certified physician in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism and Internal Medicine, and currently serves as an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine, completed his internal medicine residency at Keesler Medical Center in Biloxi, Mississippi—where he was recognized as Resident of the Year—and went on to complete a fellowship in endocrinology at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium in San Antonio, Texas.
During his distinguished service in the United States Air Force, Dr. Tate held multiple leadership roles including Assistant Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program, Flight Commander for the Medical Specialties Flight, and Chief of Medicine at Keesler Medical Center. His exceptional contributions to military medicine and academics earned him numerous honors, including United States Air Force Physician Educator of the Year, Air Force Medical Services Physician Educator of the Year, Healthcare Operations Squadron Field Grade Officer of the Year, Squadron Field Grade Officer of the Quarter, three consecutive Medical Subspecialty Physician of the Year awards from the Keesler Medical Center internal medicine residency program. He was also awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
Dr. Tate is passionate about medical education and devotes significant time to teaching internal medicine and family medicine residents at the University of Alabama School of Medicine Huntsville Regional Medical Campus through lectures and clinical mentorship. In addition, he is a frequent speaker on endocrine and metabolic health topics, providing educational sessions for both primary care and specialty advanced practice providers, with a focus on practical, evidence-based care integration.
A dedicated researcher, Dr. Tate has authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Hepatology, Life Sciences, and Endocrine Practice. He has presented his work at major international conferences, including the American Thyroid Association, American Diabetes Association, and the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Tate enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. Together, they share a love for sports, travel, and gardening.
Dr. Francis Essien, DO
Dr. Francis Essien, DO
Dr Francis Essien is an accomplished internal medicine physician, hospitalist, and healthcare advocate with extensive experience in both military and civilian medical settings. As an active-duty Major stationed at Travis Air Force Base, he serves as a primary care physician and hospitalist at David Grant Medical Center, specializing in managing chronic diseases and providing acute inpatient care to military personnel, veterans, and their families. Dr. Essien also holds a hospitalist role at Sutter Healthcare System, where he leads medical teams in treating patients with complex conditions, such as heart failure, pneumonia, and cerebrovascular issues.
Dr. Essien’s leadership extends beyond clinical practice. He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Let’s Be Frank, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing healthcare inequalities in his home country of Ghana. Additionally, he serves as the Medical Director for MultiMedRX, a telehealth wellness and weight loss company committed to improving cardiometabolic health through holistic approaches that combine behavioral and pharmaceutical therapies.
Academically, Dr. Essien is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and a Volunteer Assistant Professor at the University of California, Davis. His dedication to education and mentorship reflects his passion for training the next generation of medical professionals.
Dr. Essien earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Keesler Medical Center, where he developed expertise in hospital-based care. He holds medical licenses in California, Connecticut, and Mississippi and is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
A prolific researcher, Dr. Essien has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, including Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease and Clinical Case Reports, where he has addressed complex medical cases and emerging clinical trends. His work has been presented at national conferences, including the American College of Physicians and the Congress of Clinical Rheumatology.
Dr. Essien’s professional accolades include numerous military honors, such as the Achievement Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal. He is a member of the American College of Physicians and has served as a conference planner and clinical champion in opioid safety initiatives.