Erlanger Neurology
Giving Hope and Relief
As someone who had personally suffered with migraines her whole life, Ruth Kennedy is passionate about educating her patients and giving them hope for a migraine-free life. “Migraines are frustrating because they’re invisible and have been stigmatized/ignored for so long,” Kennedy says. “But we’re finally getting more research, new drugs, and better visibility in medicine.” Kennedy’s philosophy is to be a knowledgeable and empathetic caregiver, with one of her biggest strengths being her ability to connect with patients as well as personally understand the pain and stigma of migraines. “I think being an open and good listener goes a long way to figure out where people are at. You never know what’s going on with someone.”
Never assume anything. Always listen, investigate, and ask all of the questions. This not only helps you understand the patient better, but it helps to ensure you don’t miss important details.”
My Credentials
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse:
Graceland University – Lamoni, IA
Certifications:
Family Nurse Practitioner, AANP
My Specialties
Headache and Migraine
1. How long have you been in your current role?
I’ve been treating headaches and migraines for the past
five and a half years, but I am new to Erlanger and new to the Chattanooga area. I started here in January of 2024.
2. Can you tell me a little bit about your profession? What does your day-to-day look like?
I work in the neurology department treating patients with headaches and migraines. Migraines are the most common neurological disorder, affecting 1 in 5 women. So even though this is a very focused specialty, I stay very busy.
3. What is one of your happiest professional moments?
When I have patients who haven’t had a headache-free day in years – sometimes 10 or 20 years – finally get relief, I just want to scream it from the rooftops.
4. Do you believe in miracles? Why or why not?
Absolutely – I see the everyday miracles of science and medicine. Our great-grandparents would never believe what we can do now! And I’ve seen the truly unexplainable. Healthcare is full of mysteries, surprises, and infinite possibility.
5. What do you love most about your profession?
I love treating migraines so much because it can make such a huge difference in somebody’s life. A small piece of what I do is helping patients understand what is happening in their brain when they get a migraine. It sounds basic (it is), but it is so helpful to know that this otherwise invisible disease is REAL. And obviously treating the migraines and helping patients get control of their attacks is so rewarding.
- 423.778.9001
- 979 E 3rd. St., Suite C-830 Chattanooga, TN 37403
- erlanger.org/medical-services/neurology
