East Tennessee Medical Group and Gary M. Mason, M.D., board certified gynecologist, are proud to offer women two new outpatient alternatives to hysterectomy called endometrial ablation and the Essure method of permanent birth control.

Endometrial Ablation is an outpatient procedure for women ages 40-50 who are finished with childbearing and wish to treat their prolonged heavy menstrual bleeding.  This is a less-invasive, lower-risk alternative to hysterectomy that is considered after medication has failed to control excessive bleeding.  This procedure does not involve removal of the uterus and it does not affect a woman's hormone levels.  Recovery takes about two hours and most women can return to normal activities quickly.

Essure is an outpatient procedure for women that causes permanent, non-reversible sterilization.  This birth control method is recommended for women over 30 years old who are certain they no longer want to have children and who seek a less-invasive way to achieve permanent infertility. 

Dr. Mason joined ETMG in 2007 after practicing at a local private practice specializing in gynecology. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine in Norfolk, Va. He received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio and his bachelor's degree in Zoology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

He is a diplomate with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He is a member of the American Medical Association and the Tennessee Medical Association. In 2003, he was chosen "Best Doctor in Blount County" by the Maryville Daily Times "Reader's Choice poll."

 East Tennessee Medical Group is a 46-provider multi-specialty medical group in Alcoa, serving Blount County for over 15 years.  Recently ETMG was recognized as the #1 HealthCare Facility in Blount County by the Daily Times Reader's Choice Awards.