East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine: An Overview
The East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU Quillen College of Medicine) is a public medical school located in Johnson City, Tennessee. Established in 1974, the college is dedicated to training primary care physicians, particularly those interested in serving rural and underserved communities. With a mission centered on improving healthcare in the Appalachian region, ETSU Quillen College of Medicine emphasizes a student-centered approach, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Purpose of This Overview
This article aims to provide prospective students with essential information about ETSU Quillen College of Medicine. Whether you are just beginning your journey toward a medical career or are in the process of applying, this guide will help you understand the school’s mission, admissions process, curriculum, and strategies to enhance your application. The goal is to equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to increase your chances of gaining admission to this esteemed institution.
Key Statistics
- Location: Johnson City, Tennessee
- Year Founded: 1974
- Total Enrollment: Approximately 307 students
- School Type: Public
- Tuition & Fees (2023-2024):
- In-state: $38,706 per year
- Out-of-state: $49,650 per year
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
- Median MCAT Score: 509
- Median GPA: 3.85
- Combined Degree Programs: MD/MPH, MD/MBA
- Class Size: Approximately 77 students per year
- Primary Application Service: AMCAS
- Early Decision Program (EDP): Available
Acceptance Rate
ETSU Quillen College of Medicine has a selective admissions process, emphasizing the recruitment of students who are committed to primary care and serving rural and underserved populations. While the exact acceptance rate may vary each year, the school typically receives around 4,000 applications and admits approximately 77 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of about 2%. The majority of admitted students are Tennessee residents, but out-of-state applicants with a strong alignment to the school’s mission are also considered.
Prospective students should showcase a strong academic background, relevant healthcare experiences, community service, and a demonstrated interest in primary care and rural medicine. The admissions committee conducts a holistic review of each application, considering both academic metrics and personal attributes.
Mission Statement
“The primary mission of the Quillen College of Medicine is to educate future physicians, especially those with an interest in primary care, to practice in underserved rural communities. The College is also committed to excellence in biomedical research and is dedicated to the improvement of health care in Northeast Tennessee and the surrounding Appalachian region.”
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This mission reflects ETSU Quillen College of Medicine’s dedication to addressing healthcare disparities in rural areas by training compassionate and competent physicians. The school places significant emphasis on primary care disciplines and encourages students to engage in community service and outreach programs throughout their medical education.
Accreditation
ETSU Quillen College of Medicine is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the recognized accrediting authority for medical education programs leading to the MD degree in the United States and Canada. This accreditation ensures that the college meets rigorous standards for medical education quality, including curriculum, faculty qualifications, student services, and institutional resources.
Admission and Interview Guidelines
- Primary Application Deadline (AMCAS): November 15, 2024
- Secondary Application Deadline: 14 days after receipt of the invitation
- Early Decision Program (EDP) Deadline: August 1, 2024
- Earliest Acceptance Notice: October 15, 2024
- Latest Acceptance Notice: June 30, 2025
Interview Format
- Mode: Virtual interviews via Zoom
- Components:
- Two one-on-one interviews with admissions committee members (one structured, one unstructured)
- Introductory meeting with admissions staff
Admissions Policies
- Holistic Review: The admissions committee evaluates academic preparedness, MCAT scores, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, healthcare experiences, and alignment with the school’s mission.
- Acuity Insights (Altus Suite): Applicants invited to complete a secondary application are required to take the Casper Situational Judgment Test and complete Snapshot and Duet assessments.
- Early Decision Program (EDP): Available for both in-state and out-of-state applicants; EDP applicants are notified by October 1, 2024.
Medical Programs Offered
Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program
The Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at ETSU Quillen College of Medicine is specifically designed to produce physicians who are not only well-versed in medical sciences but also deeply committed to serving rural and underserved populations. The program structure emphasizes a seamless blend of foundational medical sciences, early clinical exposure, and interprofessional collaboration. From the first semester, students are introduced to patient care scenarios, fostering a practical understanding of medical application. The curriculum also ensures that students are equipped with lifelong learning skills, vital for keeping pace with advancements in medical science and practice.
A hallmark of the MD program is the Rural Primary Care Track (RPCT), which provides specialized training for those aiming to practice in underserved areas. This track integrates tailored educational experiences and mentorship opportunities to prepare students for the complexities of rural medicine. Additionally, the program’s Institutional Educational Objectives (IEO) guide students in achieving competency across key areas such as patient care, professionalism, and personal development, ensuring a holistic approach to medical education.
Key Features:
- Integrated curriculum combining foundational sciences with clinical exposure.
- Early patient contact beginning in the first semester.
- Rural Primary Care Track (RPCT): Specialized training for rural and underserved healthcare.
- Focus on professionalism, interprofessional collaboration, and personal development.
The core curriculum is designed to help accomplish the mission of educating future physicians, especially those with an interest in primary care, to practice in underserved rural communities. Added to that core curriculum are special experiences to prepare students for the unique challenges and rewards of practice in smaller rural communities, particularly in a primary care specialty.
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The Quillen College of Medicine has an experienced and qualified faculty in the biological, behavioral, and clinical sciences.
Accelerated 3-Year MD Program
The Accelerated 3-Year MD program at ETSU Quillen College of Medicine is designed for driven, focused individuals who have identified a clear career path in medicine. This program provides a streamlined education while maintaining the academic rigor expected of a traditional four-year MD degree. Students in this program must complete all graduation requirements by the end of their third year, allowing them to begin residency training earlier than their peers. The curriculum ensures that students acquire the same foundational medical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competencies as those in the traditional track, but with a more condensed timeline. This efficiency benefits students who are eager to enter their chosen specialty and reduces the financial burden of an additional year of study. The program also fosters close mentorship relationships, as students receive personalized guidance throughout their accelerated journey. The Accelerated 3-Year MD program is particularly appealing to students with a strong sense of purpose and a clear vision of their medical career goals.
Key Features:
- Designed for highly motivated students with a specific specialty focus.
- Students complete all graduation requirements within three years.
- Reduces time and cost of medical education without compromising quality.
Combined Degree Programs
The combined degree programs at ETSU Quillen College of Medicine provide students with the unique opportunity to integrate medical education with expertise in public health or business administration. The MD/MPH program focuses on equipping future physicians with public health knowledge to address population health challenges, improve health equity, and enhance preventive care strategies. This program is ideal for students interested in combining clinical practice with broader public health initiatives. The MD/MBA program, on the other hand, is tailored for those aspiring to take on leadership roles in healthcare administration, policy, or innovation. By integrating business principles such as management, finance, and strategic planning with medical training, the MD/MBA program ensures graduates are prepared to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Both programs emphasize interdisciplinary learning, fostering collaboration among students from diverse academic backgrounds. These dual degree options expand career opportunities for graduates, enabling them to pursue impactful roles at the intersection of medicine, public health, and business.
- MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
- Focus: Integrates medical training with public health principles.
- Prepares students to address health disparities and implement community health initiatives.
- Application Timing: Must first gain acceptance into the MD program.
- MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- Focus: Combines medical education with leadership and business training.
- Benefits: Equips students for administrative and policy-making roles in healthcare.
Specialized and Rural Programs
ETSU Quillen College of Medicine is deeply committed to preparing future physicians for the unique challenges of rural and underserved healthcare. Its specialized rural programs aim to cultivate a pipeline of healthcare professionals who understand the social, economic, and cultural factors influencing health in these communities. Initiatives like the EQUIP Pipeline Program introduce high school and college students from rural backgrounds to careers in medicine, inspiring early interest in healthcare fields. Similarly, rural high school career fairs and medical camps provide immersive experiences that demonstrate the possibilities of a career in healthcare. For college students and prospective medical students, ETSU offers enrichment programs that focus on skill-building and preparation for medical school admission. The goal of these programs is to address the shortage of medical professionals in underserved areas by creating a workforce dedicated to improving health equity. These initiatives reflect ETSU’s broader mission of fostering community engagement and addressing healthcare disparities in rural populations.
Programs for Rural and Underserved Communities:
- EQUIP Pipeline Program: Prepares high school and college students for healthcare careers.
- Rural High School Careers Fair: Introduces rural students to opportunities in medicine.
- Summer Programs: Skill-building initiatives for prospective medical students.
In keeping with its original mission to provide primary care physicians and medical care for the people in the surrounding region, the Quillen College of Medicine has developed the Rural Primary Care Track (RPCT). The RPCT was initiated through a grant provided by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation’s Community Partnership Program to train medical, nursing, and allied health professions students in an interdisciplinary team approach.
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The Quillen College of Medicine endeavors to meet community and regional health needs by identification, creation, and execution of the necessary programs through utilization of its diverse resources. The college is a major health care provider for East Tennessee. In view of this responsibility, the college emphasizes primary care as the focus of medical practice and training programs. The primary care physician is defined as the physician of first and continuing contact, coordinating the entire care of the patient. Primary medical care is a function rather than a discipline. This care is provided by family physicians, general internists, general pediatricians, and obstetricians/gynecologists.
Residency and Fellowship Programs
ETSU Quillen College of Medicine offers a diverse range of residency and fellowship programs to train future specialists in various fields of medicine. These programs emphasize hands-on clinical experience, mentorship from seasoned faculty, and a focus on serving the unique needs of rural populations. Residents and fellows benefit from advanced training in facilities that reflect real-world healthcare challenges, particularly in underserved areas. Programs like Addiction Medicine and Pulmonary/Critical Care provide specialized expertise in high-demand fields, while offerings such as Family Medicine and Internal Medicine align with ETSU’s focus on primary care. Fellowship opportunities in areas such as Infectious Diseases and Medical Oncology allow graduates to contribute to cutting-edge research and patient care. The residency and fellowship programs at ETSU are tailored to produce compassionate, skilled, and community-oriented physicians who are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern healthcare.
Residency Programs:
- Internal Medicine
- Family Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Surgery
Fellowship Opportunities:
- Addiction Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Oncology
- Pulmonary/Critical Care
The Quillen College of Medicine sponsors several residency and fellowship programs overseen by the Office of Graduate Medical Education. These programs are sponsored by the departments of the college and utilize the resources of the college and affiliated hospitals. All residency programs and fellowships are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (www.acgme.org) and its designated Residency Review Committees (RRC). The College’s institutional oversight of residency programs is conducted through the Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC) and the Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education.
Accredited residencies are currently offered in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and General Surgery. Accredited fellowships are offered in Infectious Disease, Cardiovascular Disease, Gastroenterology, Medical Oncology, and Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine.
Research and Institutional Affiliations
Research is a cornerstone of medical education at ETSU Quillen College of Medicine. The institution is committed to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care through cutting-edge research initiatives. Students and faculty collaborate on projects addressing critical healthcare challenges, such as cancer treatment and infectious disease management. ETSU’s affiliations with renowned research institutions, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center Network, provide unparalleled opportunities for students to engage in meaningful research. These partnerships allow access to state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship from leading scientists, and involvement in groundbreaking clinical trials. Through these affiliations, ETSU not only enhances the educational experience of its students but also contributes to impactful medical advancements on a national and global scale. The research environment at ETSU fosters innovation, critical thinking, and a commitment to lifelong learning, equipping students to become leaders in medical discovery.
Key Research Affiliations:
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Pediatric and oncology research.
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center Network: Advanced cancer research and clinical trials.
Facilities and Resources
Quillen College of Medicine enjoys an expansive array of modern, state-of-the-art teaching facilities. Most pre-clinical academic coursework is provided in Stanton-Gerber Hall on the Veterans Administration campus. First occupied in 2002, this joint venture of the VA and the State of Tennessee provides over 180,000 square feet of teaching, laboratory and office space. Classrooms provide a pleasant learning environment and are equipped with modern teaching technology. Labs are modern and provide equipment appropriate to the teaching/research enterprise. Teaching labs include a simulation laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art simulators and a standardized patient laboratory. A newly renovated historic VA building will become the hub for interprofessional education in the fall of 2018.
Clinical instruction is provided through the hospitals and clinics associated with Quillen. These include a number of modern hospitals throughout the Tri-Cities (Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City) and in our rural teaching locations. In addition, on the VA campus is the Mountain Home VA Medical Center and directly across from Johnson City Medical Center on State of Franklin Road are the P.L. Robinson Clinical Education Building and the Clinical Education II Building. These modern facilities provide a broad patient base with exposure and training in both primary and tertiary care medicine. Specialized units include two level-one trauma centers, complete cardiac care, women’s health units, neonatal and pediatric intensive care, cancer treatment, a psychiatric hospital and a children’s hospital. Nearly every area of modern medicine is practiced through our affiliated hospitals and additional experience is available at hospitals/health centers in our rural training locations. James H.
Library Resources
Most resources can be accessed remotely using a valid ETSU username and password. Additional print resources are available in the library facility. The library facility includes a computer lab, group study rooms, white boards, study carrels and tables, vending machines, copy/scanning equipment, conference/meeting room, print books/journals, and exercise room. The library provides free coffee during regular hours on the first floor. The library is located in VA Building 4 and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to midnight; Saturday, 10:00 am to midnight; and Sunday, 1:00 pm to midnight. For more information, contact the information desk at 423-439-6253.
Department of Biomedical Communications
The Department of Biomedical Communications is located on the second floor of the Quillen College of Medicine Library, Building 4, on the grounds of the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mountain Home. This department assists students, residents, faculty, staff, and others within the health care community by providing graphic design and production in support of teaching, research, patient care, public service and promotional programs.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
The Quillen College of Medicine has made a commitment towards pursuing several DEI initiatives, such as ensuring its curriculum will reflect ideals about diversity, inclusion, bias, and privilege. The school has a Council of Diversity and Inclusion which implements the school’s diversity plan. The school is reviewing its efforts towards recruitment and retention as well. ETSU’s College of Medicine hosts a Council of Diversity and Inclusion. The Quillen College of Medicine states, “QCOM recognizes the need for explicit engagement in the medical curriculum with aspects of identity, diversity, inclusion, and bias. The College of Medicine has a Council of Diversity and Inclusion.
Alumni and Giving
College of Medicine alumni are invited and encouraged to participate in society activities which include alumni reunion weekends; local and regional alumni gatherings; and an alumni recognition program. In cooperation with the Office of Continuing Medical Education, the office promotes alumni participation in CME programs. The Alumni Society also cooperates with the Offices of Academic and Student Affairs to encourage alumni volunteer opportunities as preceptors and mentors in support of current medical students.
Charitable contributions to the ETSU Foundation by alumni and friends are requested and encouraged through the annual fund, major gift opportunities, and planned gifts. Donors can choose from a menu of existing endowments and restricted funds or they may work with a development officer to establish new endowments and funds to benefit Quillen College of Medicine students, residents, faculty, and staff. The ETSU Foundation is a 501c(3) organization established to support the university.
Committees
The standing committees of the Quillen College of Medicine are listed below with a brief description of each committee’s function.
- Criminal Background Administrative and Drug Screen Committee: This committee evaluates and determines an appropriate course of action if concerns are unresolved after the reviewing physician evaluates the results of all drug screens. The CBADSC is comprised of the Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
- Diversity Council: Serves as a college-wide resource that brings together expertise, experience and innovation to advance diversity and inclusion throughout the college. Members of the council are appointed by the Dean.
Evaluation System and Policies
The Quillen College of Medicine employs a multi-faceted evaluation system to maintain its programs at a high level of quality. Elements of this system include the evaluation of faculty, courses, curriculum and the assessment of students.
East Tennessee State University makes available to prospective students and employees the ETSU Security Information Report. This annual report includes campus crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years and various campus policies concerning law enforcement, the reporting of criminal activity, and crime prevention programs. The ETSU Security Information Report is available upon request from East Tennessee State University, Department of Public Safety, Box 70646, Johnson City, TN 37614-1702.
East Tennessee State University is fully in accord with the belief that educational and employment opportunities should be available to all eligible persons without regard to age, gender, color, race, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation. It is the intent of the university to comply fully with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and all other federal civil rights statutes. ETSU complies fully with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended. FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the university receives a request for access.
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