In The News

PDMD ‘truckers clinic’ chain shuttered, Dr. John says it will reopen

A chain of truck stop medical clinics that serves only truckers has been closed at least temporarily as it works out a loan issue.

Dr. John McElligott, an OOIDA Member who founded the Professional Drivers Medical Depots – said Monday that the five-clinic chain is closed while PDMD investors work with a bank to try to reopen the clinics.

McElligott told Land Line Magazine that he welcomes any trucker who had an appointment or needs to see a doctor to call his cell phone at 865-548-7684. McElligott said late Monday that he expected the clinics to be open later in the week.

McElligott said PDMD has a loan worth $1.5 million with FSG Bank that investors had agreed to pay off in order to bring new investors into the fold. The bank, he said, appeared to be choosing not to release the liens on bank assets including clinic facilities and equipment.

Key managers at PDMD leaders spoke with bank officials in April, thinking “everything was hunky dory,” McElligott told Land Line. By mid-April, however, PDMD began hearing bad news about its loan, McElligott said.

“Next thing I know they won’t renew my line of credit – and then the founders and I have to take back this debt,” said McElligott.

After a meeting Monday with the bank, however, McElligott said PDMD investors worked out a deal with the bank. He hopes to reopen clinic offices this week, possibly as early as Tuesday.

“I think we got things worked out,” McElligott said. “We still need a major investor to raise $500,000 for the summer. But we’re fighting the war, and are ready to move on to the next battle.”

David Haynes, regional president of Knoxville, TN-based FSG Bank told Land Line the bank wouldn’t comment on the situation.

“I don’t know you, and it would be inappropriate for me to comment,” said David Haynes, regional president of Knoxville, TN-based FSG Bank.

PDMD has offices at TA Travel Centers and Petro Stopping Centers in Knoxville, TN; West Memphis, AR; El Paso and Laredo, TX; and Atlanta.

In 2007, FSG Bank and Haynes were listed as one of several sponsors of a flu-shot program for truck drivers.

McElligott said the clinic’s investors are fighting for PDMD to remain open. He thanked satellite radio host Dave Nemo and OOIDA for supporting the clinics.

“This is really scary,” McElligott said. “But OOIDA – you all have been our best friend.”

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