Department of Pathology

University of Tennessee Health Science Center

John K. Duckworth, a native Tennessean, is the Director of the Pathology Residency Training Program at UT.  He is a graduate engineer, a former U.S. Naval Officer and a veteran of the Korean War.  After military service, he received his MD degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine and practiced Family Medicine for several years.  He received his Pathology training at UT Memphis, becoming Director of Laboratories at Methodist Hospital (Memphis) one year following completion of his Pathology training and AP/CP Board Certification.

While at Methodist, he held many leadership positions within the medical staff organization, including Directorship of the Methodist Pathology Residency Program.  He practiced pathology at Methodist until 1989; meanwhile founding the Duckworth Pathology Group (DPG).  DPG now serves several different hospitals in the Mid-South and is comprised of 18 members.  During these years, he was active in the College of American Pathologists serving as National Chairman of the Laboratory Accreditation Program which now accredits more than 7,000 labs world-wide.  He also served six years on the CAP Board of Governors.  He is the recipient of many national and local awards.

During his career, he has held several positions with the UT College of Medicine including the Vice Chairman of the Department of Pathology, Director of Laboratories and President of the College of Medicine Alumni Association.  He has also been active in several other professional associations including local and state medical associations.  He served as Chairman of the Board of the Methodist Hospital Foundation from 1982 to 1997.

Following retirement from Pathology, he was asked to return to Methodist in a part time capacity to plan and create a Department of Clinical Research.  During this time, he helped to plan, create and operate the Medical Education and Research Institute located in Mid Town Memphis.

Selected Publications:

1.  Scruggs, Fenton L., M.D., John K. Duckworth, M.D., Don D. Duke, M.D., and Joseph A. Rothschild, M.D.  "Toxic Dilatation of the Colon in a Case of Amebiasis" New England Journal of Medicine Vol. 275, pg. 926-28, October 1976.

2.  Deutsch, Alice R., M.D. and John K. Duckworth, M.D. "Mycosis Fungoides of the Upper Lid" American Journal of Opthalmology Vol. 65 June 1968, pg. 884-88.

3.  Hoeltge, Gerald A., M.D. and John K. Duckworth, M.D. "Review of Proficiency Testing Performance of Laboratories Accredited by the College of American Pathologists" Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med., Vol 3, November 1987 pg. 1011-14.

4.  Harrington, O.B., John K. Duckworth, M.D., et. al. "Silent Aspiration After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting" Amer. Thorac. Surg. 1988 Vol. 65, 1599-1603.

5.  Wagner, R. Lloyd et. al. "In Pursuit of Excellence: The College of American Pathologists 1946-1996" Ch. 6 Laboratory Accreditation William B. Hamlin, John K. Duckworth, M.D. 1997 Published by CAP