ETSU Quillen College of Medicine

Today, we celebrated the remarkable career and lasting legacy of Dr. Beth Fox, whose leadership and unwavering commitment have shaped the Quillen College of Medicine and generations of future physicians.

A proud Quillen graduate and family physician with roots in Family Medicine Kingsport, Dr. Fox devoted nearly 30 years to serving the Quillen College of Medicine with honesty, compassion and an unwavering commitment to student success. Throughout her distinguished career, she held numerous leadership roles, including four years as chief of staff and four years as vice dean for academic affairs.

Dr. Fox is a respected leader in family medicine both at Quillen and nationally, she helped shape the future of medical education through her contributions to the TRAILS curriculum and the innovative TRI-TRAILS accelerated three-year M.D. program, which welcomed its first graduating class this year. She approached every role with professionalism, integrity and a deep commitment to helping others succeed, earning the respect and admiration of generations of students, faculty and staff.

Although we celebrated her retirement today, Dr. Fox’s dedication to serving others continues. She will transition into a new role as medical director of Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic in Sevierville, where her compassion and leadership will continue to make a difference.

Thank you, Dr. Fox, for nearly three decades of leadership, mentorship and service. Your legacy will live on for generations to come!

Family Medicine residents Drs. Blakely Graham, Morgan Levenhagen and Grace Timmis are among the first recipients of a new Tennessee program designed to help family physicians reduce student loan debt while serving rural and underserved communities.

As part of the program, they will be committing to 5 years practicing in rural areas. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and commitment to rural health care!

There's no place like Quillen. 💙💛

Join us July 31-Aug. 1 for Quillen Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2026 as alumni and friends return to reconnect, celebrate accomplishments and honor the Quillen community.

We can't wait to welcome you back to campus for the weekend!

Congratulations to Dr. Christy Lawson on being named vice chairman of education and faculty development for the Department of Surgery at Quillen College of Medicine.

Dr. Lawson is the first woman to serve in this role at Quillen and has been a dedicated leader in surgical education since joining the college in 2018. Throughout her time at ETSU, she has served as a clerkship director, associate program director and program director for the General Surgery Residency.

Thank you, Dr. Lawson, for your continued leadership, mentorship and commitment to educating the next generation of surgeons. 🏥

It's hard to believe it's been almost one month since the Quillen College of Medicine Class of 2026 graduated.

We're looking back at some of the special moments shared with family and friends after commencement.

Congratulations again, Class of 2026! We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited to see what comes next. 💙💛

The 2026 ETSU Health Annual Report is here!

The report showcases the people, programs and partnerships working to improve health across Appalachia. We are proud of the Quillen College of Medicine's role in educating future physicians, advancing research and serving our communities.

Read the report: https://bit.ly/4a5r4aP

The 2026 ETSU Health Annual Report is now available! This year’s issue spotlights the people and programs advancing health across Appalachia — from patient care and clinical progress to innovative training and research within ETSU’s Academic Health Sciences Center.

Explore the stories and see how ETSU Health is making an impact in our region and beyond at http://bit.ly/4a5r4aP

Please join us in celebrating Sissy Shipley, recipient of the Career Staff Award at ETSU's annual Staff Celebration.

For 46 years, she has been a dedicated advocate for graduate medical education, supporting generations of residents and fellows at Quillen. Her compassion, mentorship and commitment to excellence have left a lasting impact on countless physicians and the communities they serve.

Congratulations, and thank you for your extraordinary service to ETSU and Quillen College of Medicine. 💙🩺

Read more:

ETSU honors staff making a lasting campus impact - ETSU News ETSU honored outstanding staff members during its annual Staff Celebration, recognizing employees who strengthen campus every day.

Connor Belcher, a fourth-year medical student from Hartsville, Tennessee, has been recognized as the May Student Spotlight.

Outside the classroom, he enjoys hiking, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with his basset hound, Quincy. 🐶

Connor is pursuing a career in family medicine after seeing firsthand the need for physicians in medically underserved communities like his hometown. He hopes to become a full-spectrum family medicine physician who prioritizes continuity, trust and advocacy for patients who need it most.

Congratulations, Connor!

A research partnership between the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center and Quillen College of Medicine is helping advance the future of HIV treatment. 🧬

Researchers developed a potential new HIV treatment that demonstrated the ability to disrupt virus replication and expression at the genetic level — an important early step in addressing one of the biggest challenges in HIV treatment.

The study highlights the innovative research and collaboration taking place in Northeast Tennessee to improve lives locally and far beyond our region.

Read more:

VA Research Wrap Up: New findings of military separation, HIV and pulmonary hypertension | The Green Earth Gazette The Green Earth Gazette is an online news publication focusing on environment: Your top news on environment and climate

It has been a busy and exciting season for the Quillen College of Medicine Class of 2026! 🎓🏆

During this year’s commencement awards ceremony, students were recognized with more than 22 awards for excellence in leadership, research, service and patient care. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!