Rita Renee Claxton, MD

Dr. Rita Renee Claxton has joined CenterWell as a fellowship-trained, board-certified internal medicine specialist and a certified diplomate of the Board of Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Claxton completed her internal medicine residency and medical oncology fellowship at James H. Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University, where she also earned her medical degree. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Claxton is a member of the American College of Physicians, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Before joining CenterWell in 2023, Dr. Claxton was an internal medicine hospitalist with Piedmont Henry Medical Center Hospital in Stockbridge, GA, and academic hospitalist at Erlanger Hospital, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, in Chattanooga, TN. Dr. Claxtons dedication to seniors stems from her warm interactions throughout her career. She believes in the importance of active listening to improve a patients health and quality of life, and addressing lifestyle measures to include exercise and nutrition to control, prevent and reverse chronic illness, a philosophy aligned with CenterWells patient-centered approach to care. Dr. Claxton chose medicine out of a passion for helping others and serving the community. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys cycling, traveling, exploring whole food, plant-based nutrition, and appreciating music and art.