Pathways into Rural Medicine

Program for students from rural counties

Launched in 2022 by East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine, EQUIP (Extending Quillen to the Underserved through an Integrated Program) is designed to create more pathways for high school and college students who are interested in careers in medicine to serve rural and underserved communities.

“Quillen College of Medicine has an exceptional history of increasing access to health care, specialty care, and medical knowledge for our region,” said Dr. Tom Kincer, Associate Dean for Rural and Community Programs. “EQUIP is an exciting continuation of that mission, allowing Quillen to attract a more diverse student body and create a pathway that brings broader medical care coverage to all.”

Rising seniors or recent graduates have an opportunity to participate in the week long Rural High School Medical Camp on ETSU’s campus, and rising juniors can participate in Docfor-a-Day a single-day event focused on introducing students to medicine

EQUIP enhances the student’s ability to successfully navigate the process for medical school admission. An integral portion of the program is the opportunity to develop relationships with Quillen’s faculty, staff, and medical students.

“EQUIP harnesses two of Quillen College of Medicine’s greatest strengths – its faculty and its long commitment to serving rural and underserved communities – to literally equip future physicians to serve where they are needed most,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The program also includes the Appalachian Preceptorship