About
Dr. Joseph C. Cihlar grew up in the Chattanooga area, attending Baylor School before heading to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biomedical engineering, completing the university's honors program. He then earned his medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. His internal medicine residency took him to the West Virginia School of Medicine program in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
After residency, Dr. Cihlar served four years in the United States Navy before returning to the Chattanooga area to build his practice. He holds a strong commitment to patient autonomy. His clinical approach is collaborative: he presents education and options, then lets each patient decide what fits their life. He treats a broad range of conditions, including metabolic disease, thyroid dysfunction, mental health disorders, and infectious illness. Outside of medicine, he enjoys cooking, gardening, biking, weightlifting, and spending time with his kids.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Tennessee at Knoxville, B.S. Biomedical Engineering (magna cum laude, honors program)
Medical School
Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency
Internal Medicine, West Virginia School of Medicine, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Additional Training
Four years of service in the United States Navy following residency
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Cihlar right for?
Dr. Cihlar is a strong fit for adults seeking a primary care physician who covers broad internal medicine needs. Patients managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid dysfunction benefit from his proactive approach. He also treats mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. Adults who value direct physician access and want to avoid urgent care visits will find his model practical. His telemedicine-first approach works especially well for busy patients or those outside the immediate Chattanooga area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Cihlar treats a wide range of adult medical conditions. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and low testosterone. He also manages mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, and bipolar disorder. Infectious illnesses like UTIs, pneumonia, cellulitis, COVID, and long COVID also fall within his scope.
Dr. Cihlar completed his internal medicine residency through the West Virginia School of Medicine program in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He holds a DO degree from Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine and focuses exclusively on adult internal medicine.
Dr. Cihlar takes a collaborative approach to medicine. He provides patients with education and a clear picture of their options, then respects each patient's right to make their own decisions. He holds an absolute commitment to patient autonomy and nondiscrimination based on medical care choices.
Yes. After completing his internal medicine residency, Dr. Cihlar served four years in the United States Navy. He returned to the Chattanooga area after completing his service and launched Reliable Healthcare & Wellness.
Yes. Dr. Cihlar is available for corporate speaking engagements, seminars, health screenings, and conferences. You can submit a speaking request through the practice website.
Dr. Cihlar attended Baylor School in the Chattanooga area. He then earned his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, graduating magna cum laude through the honors program.
Yes. Dr. Cihlar manages a range of mental health conditions within his internal medicine scope. These include anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, and bipolar disorder. Patients who need a level of care beyond his scope receive referrals to appropriate specialists.
Dr. Cihlar makes himself directly accessible to members by phone, text, and email. He offers after-hours and weekend availability so members can reach him when issues arise outside of standard business hours.
Doctor profile last updated August 16, 2026