DR. BRIAN MICHAEL KALLA
1962 - 2015
DR. BRIAN MICHAEL KALLA
1962 - 2015
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BRIAN KALLA Obituary
DR. BRIAN MICHAEL
Age 52, of Chattanooga, TN passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015. Dr. Kalla was born June 11, 1962, in Pittsburgh, PA and was a graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School. He attended the University of Michigan where he received his Bachelor Degree in biology. He attended medical school at the University of Texas, School of Medicine in Houston. He completed residency training in Internal Medicine at the same university before moving to Chattanooga. He completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine based at Siskin Hospital in Chattanooga, including an additional year as Administrative Chief Resident. He was board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. As a staff physician at Siskin Hospital in 2001, he was also an instructor with the Chattanooga Unit of the University of Tennessee, College of Medicine residency training program in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Kalla was currently practicing at Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, and Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga. He specialized in spinal cord injury and orthopedic rehabilitation, wound care management, and acute pain management. Dr. Kalla was a member of the Tennessee Medical Association, the Chattanooga and Hamilton County Medical Society, and the Association of Academic Physiatrists. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Liner Kalla; two sons, Brandon Travis Kalla, Joseph Houston Kalla; daughter, Sarah Caroline Kalla; parents, Dr. Richard and Alice Kalla of Pittsburgh, PA; brothers, Dr. David (Eileen) Kalla of Norwich, CT, Mr. Mark (Kim) Kalla of Cape May Court House, NJ, Mr. Robert (Lesa) Kalla of Golden, CO; several nieces and nephews. At Dr. Kalla's wishes, his body was donated to the University of Texas, School of Medicine in Houston, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, 1 Siskin Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37403. Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family. Arrangements are by HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
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Donovan Castleberry
February 1, 2017
Dr.Kalla was a great doctor and I miss his cheerful demeanor. You helped me get into a different stage of my life after suffering the loss of a healthy body from a spinal cord injury. You taught me that life would be difficult but it would be manageable and you found a regimen to allow to live through the acute pain. I feel the loss every time I am forced to encounter a Dr. as I am still trying find a Dr to fill the empty place you left behind. My condolences to your family as I feel certain they are suffering still as well.
P Mark Glencorss
June 26, 2015
Brian was a favorite of all his fellow residents at Siskin during his training. He made us laugh and smile when we were tired and grumpy and we were just his friends. I can only think of all the patients he must have similarly touched.
Debbie Price
May 13, 2015
I am deeply sorry for the loss of one of the best doctors I've ever had the privilege of knowing and working with. I can't pretend to know the pain of Suzanne, Joey and Sadie. He worked as medical director on the SACU at HMC through your marriage and the birth's of the children and I know he loved you all deeply.
Semi-Formal
Erica Fox Zabusky
May 12, 2015
Receiving the news of Brian's death took my breath away, and it has taken me some time to process it. It's never easy to lose a friend, but the loss of someone who was one of the first to hold your heart in those tender high school years leaves a little hole. Some classmates who have posted here will recall what an unlikely couple we were, and I smile to think of how we confounded them. Despite his utterly cool and sometimes crusty exterior, I was fortunate to see a side of Brian that many people never saw, his kindness, sweetness and generosity. You and your family also helped me feel welcome in your home, despite frequent teasing from the older brothers. Even though it has been several months, I send my condolences to you and your family now, and hope the pain of this loss will ease somewhat with time.
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Damon Brown
January 17, 2015
My condolences to a great childhood friend. Brian rest in peace as you have done your work here on earth. To the family, my sincere condolences to you in these trying times.
Zylphia Ford
January 17, 2015
Deepest condolences to the Kalla family.
Doris Aaron
January 16, 2015
Dr.Kalla
You were the best Doctor ever .there will never be another one like you.you will be greatly missed.
January 15, 2015
Dear Kalla Family, I am very saddened by the news about Brian. Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Bob Seiner - Allderdice '80
January 14, 2015
He has the same smile in that photo that I remember him having as a kid, and as a teenager, which is probably when I last saw him. And he always seemed to be smiling. My condolences to his family. Lee Sapira
January 14, 2015
Dear Alice and Richard. Sharon just told me about Brian. I am heartbroken for you both. Even though I haven't seen you in such a long time, you have been in my thoughts often, and now more than ever. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Much love, arlene port
January 13, 2015
Dear Alice and Richard, All of us on the Summertrios Board were saddened to learn of the recent passing of your son Brian Michael. We know this is a great loss for you and is especially painful because it was unexpected. Everyone on at Summertrios sends their deepest sympathies to you and your entire family at this very sad time. sincerely, Laura Mendelsohn on behalf of the Summertrios Board
Karen Wald
January 10, 2015
Dear Alice and Richard,
I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the pain you are going through. You are in my thoughts.
Weir Strange
January 10, 2015
Alice & Dr. Richard-- so sorry to hear this. My warmest condolences to your whole family and his. Nothing but strong, vibrant memories of Brian, from poring over the Beatles and Chicago(& eventually Hendrix) in your side study, to long games of Risk there; to 'oh, that's how you feed 4 growing boys-- cheerios!'; to yes, the guy who shared my first cigarette with me... Was just remembering the rumble seat in your garage out loud about a week ago... His friendship and the warmth of your household were instrumental in my childhood. Please take a virtual hug here, be well in this difficult moment.
Henry Spinelli
January 9, 2015
Dear Alice and Richard, I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your son Brian--a beloved family member and a distinguished public servant take away much too soon. I will keep him and his family and you in my thoughts and prayers, and I offer the best of strength and courage at this most challenging time.
January 9, 2015
Alice and Richard our sincere condolences on this loss...thinking way back to your four little boys visiting across the street from our little boys and girls, on Jackson st.
Ange and Marge Runco so sorry
Cleo
January 8, 2015
Dr Kalla, will be greatly missed. You made work a fun place to be. No one could" brighten" up a room like you. Praying for the Kalla family !
Locke & Jeannette Davis
January 7, 2015
So sorry for your loss. He will continue to give back through the care provided by the medical professionals he guided and mentored over the years.
Tamara Artman
January 7, 2015
I will always think of Brian in his big blue down coat with the embroidered sun on the back, floppy hair in his face. Oh, the crush I had!
January 7, 2015
I was very saddened to read of the passing of my high school friend with whom I shared a birthday. Please accept my sincere condolences on this way-too-early loss. - Jeff Pollock, Esq., Sq. Hill
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7454 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
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