Physician Jason Martin of Nashville is on the verge of launching a campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2022, according to a source familiar with his nascent bid.

Martin, a pulmonary and critical care specialist at Sumner Regional Medical Center and a former Meharry Medical College professor, has never run for office but has grown increasingly more outspoken on health care and COVID-19 issues in recent months. He has joined other doctors in criticizing the pandemic response of Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who would be his opponent in 2022 should both win their party’s nomination.