Who is Chris Little?
Chris Little brings more than 30 years of experience as a Senior Physician Associate, retiring in January 2025 after a distinguished medical career. Throughout his professional career, Chris emphasized treating every patient with dignity, respect, and as a person, not a number.
A graduate of Elizabethton High School, Little earned a Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), a Master of Science in Sports Medicine from Illinois State University, and a Physician Associate degree from Trevecca University, where he scored in the top five percent nationally in both Surgery and General Medicine.
Chris began his career working with collegiate teams and professional organizations, including the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs. He later served five years in the Emergency Department at Johnson City Medical Center as a midlevel provider before spending 25 years as Senior Physician Associate at Arthritis Associates in Kingsport, specializing in rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases.
Chris also has extensive experience in disaster response, serving as a volunteer firefighter/EMT for more than 10 years and previously as an EMT with Hazmat and Incident Command training. He is the recipient of the Hometown Hero Award by the Modern Woodmen for his efforts in improving his community.
Little says his professional background has instilled a commitment to accountability, efficiency, and commonsense problem-solving. Since 1992, Chris has raised over $2 million in grant monies for local projects that benefited Carter County citizens.
“I strongly believe in government accountability and transparency,” Little said. “I have always been fiscally conservative and believe in being a careful steward of taxpayer money.” Chris is a penny pincher by heart and has spent 8 years attending over 90% of county commission meetings, watching how public money is spent. He will demand transparency by posting all bills and commission meeting packets online for public review. Every service contract will be put up for competitive bid, not quietly extended. He will work to ensure oversight of major expenditures and hold county government accountable to the people paying the bills.
What People Are Saying
I have known Chris for more than 25 years, both personally and through my family. For many years, he served as my father's physician while treating him for rheumatoid arthritis. During that time, my dad often said that Chris wasn't just his doctor, he was his friend. That meant a great deal to our family. Chris consistently demonstrated genuine compassion, patience, and kindness, not only as a medical professional, but as a person who truly cared about those he served. I can say without hesitation that I would vote for and support him for any office he chooses to seek. I am confident that he will serve the citizens of Carter County with the same compassion, commitment, and integrity that he has demonstrated throughout his career.
— Former Sheriff G. Scott Stanley, Dickenson County, Virginia
Chris is a wonderful person and cares about his town and always went beyond the call of duty to give his patients the best possible care. All his patients adored him and appreciated his humor but most appreciated how he treated them like a friend and not just a patient. If a patient was running behind or came on the wrong day, he would fit them in and see them anyway because he cared and he knew they needed help. Chris Little would be a great leader for our county of Carter. He is fair and he listens to what people have to say and what they need.
— Cynthia T., Former Colleague
Chris H Little was my doctor. I have numerous medical issues and conditions, some of which have me in a transplant program with a major medical facility. Chris helped guide me through this journey not only as a doctor but as a friend who was there to answer questions and give advice. Even in retirement he still provides guidance and perspective. He truly cares about people and has always gone above and beyond.
— Chris F., Patient
David had many, many physicians through the years. But very few truly cared. I remember your tears the day David shared his diagnosis with you. I just wanted to say thanks for caring for and about David. He truly thought you were one of the best.
— David H. Family