Our Mission
Our goal is to not only bring you ethical and modern pain management therapies, but to also provide you with a customer service experience that eases your worries.
Atlas Pain and Spine was founded to help Kentuckians live a better quality of life. The unique circumstances that affect the Appalachian region are well-known to Dr. Whealton, who has done most of his training in Eastern Tennessee, Eastern Kentucky and the mountainous areas of West Virginia. Our goal is to provide local care for the local population. We create individualized treatment plans unique to each patients’ needs, using the most modern treatments available.
Start your journey to a pain free life today.
We’re here to act not just as your pain management providers, but as your partners. We’ll help you leave the pain behind and get back to the life you deserve. Contact us, and let’s see how we can work together.
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Our Staff
physician
Dr. Thomas Whealton
Dr. Thomas Whealton is board certified in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Management. With his advanced training, he is able to utilize cutting edge treatments to help reduce or eliminate the need for pain medicine and improve the quality of life for his patients. He has co-authored research papers on Radiofrequency Ablation, Peripheral Nerve Pain and Hormonal Effects of Long-term Opioid Use.
Before his medical studies, he graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he majored in Political Science and the University of Kentucky where he earned his Law Degree.
Education
Medical School
University of Pikeville,
College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency
Anesthesiology,
West Virginia University
Fellowship
Interventional Pain Management Fellowship,
University of Cincinnati
CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Dustin Ammerman, PA-C
Dustin Ammerman, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant who graduated from the University of the Cumberlands in 2020. He graduated with his bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky in 2013. He has been with Atlas Pain and Spine since 2020. Dustin was born in Clearwater, Florida but grew up in Appalachia. He enjoys helping patients with chronic pain achieve a higher quality of life in our medically underserved region.
Dustin lives in London, Kentucky with his wife and enjoys reading, spending time with family, and traveling.
CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Ana Stone, MSPAS, PA-C
Ana Stone, MSPAS PA-C, is a certified physician assistant who graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2022. Prior to PA school, Ana also obtained a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Kentucky. Ana was president of Phi Theta Kappa honor society throughout undergrad.
Ana grew up in southeastern Kentucky and has always had a passion for rural medicine. She volunteered with Remote Area Medical, UK Center for Excellence in Rural Health, and other local organizations to help bring healthcare to those in underserved areas.
Before joining Atlas, Ana worked as a PA at multiple urgent care clinics around the state, and also as a vaccinator during the COVID-19 pandemic. “My goal is to combine my medical knowledge with my compassion for patients to provide the best care possible.”
nurse practitioner
Ashley Early, APRN, FNP-BC
Ashley Early, APRN, FNP-BC, is a 2024 graduate from Chamberlain University. She received her bachelor’s degree in Nursing through Chamberlain University in 2022 and her associate’s in Nursing at Somerset Community College in 2016.
Prior to completing her master’s degree, Ashley was the sedation nurse for Atlas Pain and Spine since early 2023. Before that, Ashley worked as a Registered Nurse in Emergency Medicine for a little over seven years.
Ashley was born and raised in Whitley County Kentucky where she still resides. She is excited to serve the population of Southeast Kentucky and looks forward to giving back to her community.