Jennifer Bell, FNP-BC
Provider
Dr. Melanie Hoppers is a practicing physician, board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics. Dr. Hoppers completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Union University in Jackson, TN, and attended medical school at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. She completed a dual residency in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at the University of Tennessee at Regional One Medical Center and LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in 1997.
Prior to joining BHC in March 2024, Dr. Hoppers practiced at the Jackson Clinic until 2007, when she cofounded Physicians Quality Care, a multi-faceted clinic providing urgent care, primary care, occupational health, and physical therapy to patients in West Tennessee. The clinic now has two primary locations and several onsite occupational clinics as well as a mobile unit that provides occupational health onsite.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Hoppers is actively involved in numerous clinical research projects, furthering medical knowledge, and striving to improve patient outcomes. Her contributions to ongoing research initiatives underscore her dedication to advancing the field of medicine.
Dr. Melanie Hoppers is excited about developing her role at BHC as a caregiver driven to advocate for her patients. She is committed to making meaningful contributions to healthcare and improving the lives of those she serves through her clinical work, research endeavors, and leadership role.
Education and Training
| Institution and Location | Degree | Completion | Field of Study |
| Union University | BS | 1989 | Biology |
| University of Tennessee College of Medicine | MD | 1993 | Doctor of Medicine |
| University of Tennessee College of Medicine | Residency | 1997 | Internal Medicine |
| University of Tennessee College of Medicine | Residency | 1997 | Pediatrics |
| Internal Medicine Board | Recertification | 2015 | Internal Medicine |
Personal Statement
I have always loved practicing medicine. Driven by a desire to make a difference in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, I pursued training in both specialties. I began my career in acute care while balancing family life. While beginning my career solely in acute care, in 2008 I cofounded Physicians Quality Care, a multidisciplinary clinic that integrates both acute and primary care, occupational health, physical therapy, and wellness coaching. As Chief Medical Officer I helped shape a healthcare environment that continues to prioritize comprehensive well-being.
In 2015, my daughter became ill with ME/CFS, an event that completely altered my healthcare trajectory. Despite exhaustive searches, the lack of healthcare providers who had even a basic understanding of ME/CFS became glaringly evident. Fortunately, I discovered the Bateman Horne Center. Through their resources and mentorship, I gained invaluable insights into the management of ME/CFS. Immersed in an environment where every member is not only educated about the disease but is also deeply compassionate, I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of dedicated care.
What distinguishes the Bateman Horne Center is its holistic approach to ME/CFS, coupled with a steadfast commitment to patient care, research, education, and advocacy. Recognizing the disparity between patient numbers and available providers, they have endeavored to equip other healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to address the complex needs of ME/CFS patients. It is through the foresight of Dr. Lucinda Bateman that countless individuals have found hope and help beyond BHC.
My experience with BHC has been transformative and has instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude and a desire to pay it forward. The realization that many individuals continue to grapple with ME/CFS without access to adequate care motivates my desire to extend the same opportunities that were given to me. Joining the Bateman Horne Center allows me the opportunity to do this in an environment where those efforts can be best utilized. My goal in joining BHC is to help ensure that resources are accessible to patients suffering with ME/CFS and its comorbidities through the triad of patient care, research, and education.
Positions and Honors
| 2024-PR | Physician, Bateman Horne Center, Salt Lake City, Utah |
| 2013-PR | Investigator in more than 50 research trials and co-authored multiple publications |
| 2008-2024 | Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Physicians Quality Care |
| 1997-2007 | Physician, Jackson Clinic, PA |
Research Experience
| 2024-PR |
Sub Investigator at Bateman Horne Center for investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored clinical trials involving ME/CFS, Long COVID, and fibromyalgia.
|
| A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Nitazoxanide in adults and adolescents with acute uncomplicated influenza. |
| A Phase 1-2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetics of different dosing regimens of Favipiravir in healthy adult subjects and adult subjects with uncomplicated influenza. |
| A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 3 study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of Eluxadoline in the treatment of patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. |
| A Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ranolazine Monotherapy in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. |
| A randomized, multi-center phase in an open-label, active comparator trial to assess the efficacy and safety of two regimens of Bucillamine 100mg tablets as compared to Colchicine 0.6mg tablets for the treatment of an acute gout flare in subjects with moderate to severe gout. |
| A Phase 3, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IV and oral Delafloxacin compared with Vancomycin + Aztreonam in patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. |
| A randomized, open-label, parallel group real world pragmatic trial to assess the clinical and health outcomes of Toujeo compared to commercially available basal insulins for initiation of therapy in insulin naïve patients with controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. |
| A 24-week international, multi-center, randomized, open-label, active-controlled, parallel group, Phase 3b trial with a 28-week extension to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Saxagliptin co-administered with Dapagliflozin compared to insulin Tlargine in subjects with type 2 diabetes who have inadequate glycemic control on metformin with or without sulfonylurea therapy. |
| A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Adalimumab or placebo in patients with mild-moderate COVID-19. |
| A Phase 3b, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical efficacy study of Baloxavir Marboxil for the reduction of direct transmission of influenza from otherwise healthy patients to household contacts. |
| Protocol 2020-9835: Qualitative study on a symptoms questionnaire for use in outpatients with COVID-19. |
Teaching Experience
| January 2024 | “Long COVID & Post Viral Syndrome, Dissecting the Multisystem Madness: A roadmap for diverse Long COVID & ME/CFS Management.” Sponsored by University of Utah Health, Project ECHO and Bateman Horne Center. An online series for health care providers. Hoppers, Melanie, M.D., and Alba Azola, M.D., Johns Hopkins, shared discussion of Pediatric & Young Adults |
| January 2024 | “The Patient-Doctor Partnership: Optimally Treating People with Long COVID and ME/CFS Across the U.S.” Online webinar for patients and providers sponsored by Solve M.E. Panelists were Melanie Hoppers, M.D.; William Pittman, M.D.; and Tiffany Walker, M.D. |
Research Publications
Haffizulla, Jason, MD; Aaron Hartman, MD; Melanie Hoppers, MD; Harvey Resnick, MD; Steve Samudrala, MD; Christine Ginocchio, PhD; Matthew Bardin, PharmD; Prof Jean-Francois Rossignol. (2014). Effect of nitazoxanide in adults and adolescents with acute uncomplicated influenza: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2B/3 trial. The Lancet: Infectious Disease,14(7), p609-618.
Drain PK, Ampajwala M, Chappel C, Gvozden AB, Hoppers M, Wang M, Rosen R, Young S, Zissman E, Montano M. A Rapid, High-Sensitivity SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Immunoassay to Aid Diagnosis of Acute COVID-19 at the Point of Care: A Clinical Performance Study. Infect Dis Ther. 2021 Jun;10(2):753-761. doi: 10.1007/s40121-021-00413-x. Epub 2021 Feb 24. PMID: 33629225; PMCID: PMC7904038.
Drain P, Sulaiman R, Hoppers M, Lindner NM, Lawson V, Ellis JE. Performance of the LumiraDx Microfluidic Immunofluorescence Point-of-Care SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test in Asymptomatic Adults and Children. Am J Clin Pathol. 2022 Apr 1;157(4):602-607. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/aqab173. PMID: 34668536; PMCID: PMC8973256.
Lucinda Bateman, MD, is a renowned clinician, researcher, and educator. Her Johns Hopkins University Medical School training instilled an approach to care that she has employed throughout her career - the patient comes first and the unknown or unexplained does not equate to a lack of proper and compassionate care. Since starting her own practice in 2000, she has served on six boards or committees, been the principal investigator for 45 studies, authored/coauthored 40 journal articles, served as adjunct instructor and adjunct assistant professor in the University of Utah Departments of Preventative Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Anesthesiology, and lectured around the world.