Ask a student
Have any questions? The students below have volunteered and would love to answer your questions! All emails go directly to the students and will remain confidential. No correspondence goes to the College of Medicine.
We'll try to get back to you as soon as possible. However, remember that some weeks are busier than others and it may take us a couple of days to get back to you. We look forward to hearing from you!
M2
Katie McCall
Class of 2018
Hometown:
Greenfield, TN
Undergraduate School:
University of Tennessee at Martin
Major:
Biology
Field of interest:
Family Medicine (not 100%)
Marital Status:
Not Married
Why Quillen?
At first, I thought that I wanted to stay closer to home for medical school. After my initial visit to Quillen, though, I discovered that I no longer intended to pursue any other school. Even though Johnson City is on the other end of the state from my home, I knew that Quillen was where I would fit in the best. The Quillen family has been wonderful and welcoming since day one. I cannot imagine going through medical school anywhere else and am happy that I can call Quillen home.
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
I am a member of CMDA and am currently serving as the president of the Family Medicine Interest Group. In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis, basketball, intramurals, running, hiking, attending church, and painting.
Sara McHenry
Class of 2018
Hometown:
Jacksboro, TN
Undergraduate School:
Carson Newman University
Major:
Psychology and Biochemistry
Field of interest:
Psychiatry, internal medicine
Marital Status:
Not Married
Why Quillen?
I chose Quillen because of the schools I was accepted into it was the most affordable and welcoming. It seemed like Quillen faculty and students made a great effort to ensure that my transition into medical school accused with no problems. It's also just a few hours from my family.
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
Neuroscience student Interest group, medical students for choice (school related), being outside doing almost anything, reading, my hammock, good beer and/or wine, and music
Lauren Allen
Class of 2017, Class President
Hometown:
Kingsport, TN
Undergraduate School:
University of South Carolina
Major:
Chemistry
Field of interest:
Pediatrics
Marital Status:
Not Married
Why Quillen?
As soon as my interview at Quillen was complete, I knew that I had to come to school here. I visited many schools around the Southeast, and nothing compared to my impressions of Quillen. I loved the smaller class sizes and the wonderful facilities. You'll hear the term "Quillen Family" frequently when people describe the environment here. It truly does feel like a family. I couldn't have chosen a better school!
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
Spending time with friends, watching movies, reading, traveling, and playing with my dog, Lucy
Will Brooks
Class of 2017
Hometown:
White Pine, TN
Undergraduate School:
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Major:
Biology
Field of interest:
Orthopedic Surgery
Marital Status:
Married
Why Quillen?
Quillen gave me the best opportunity to be successful in medical school. East Tennessee is my favorite place to be, and I knew I would perform better in an environment in which I felt comfortable. There are plenty of outdoor activities nearby and other awesome cities such as Knoxville and Asheville only a short drive away. After touring other schools, I was impressed with Quillen's top-notch facilities and friendly staff. I also felt the small class size better fit my personality and gave me a better opportunity to connect with my peers. Overall, Quillen checked every one of my boxes and I firmly believe no other school could fit me better.
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
Spending time with my wife and our black lab, weightlifting, football and other sports, traveling, outdoor activities, and reading.
M3
Kyle Boden
Class of 2018
Hometown:
Knoxville, TN
Undergraduate School:
Emory & Henry College
Major:
Biology
Field of interest:
Sugery
Marital Status:
Not Married
Why Quillen?
Quillen fosters a learning environment that develops students into physicians. The emphasis Quillen places on the intangible qualities that separate a doctor from a patient-centered physician stood out when talking to current students and physicians in the community. I also appreciate the family environment and the interaction students have with faculty and staff.
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
I am currently involved with the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA), the Organization of Student Representatives (OSR), the Orthopaedic Surgery Interest Group, and the Surgery Interest Group.
In my free time, I enjoy exercising at the recreation center, playing intramural sports, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
Joshua Wienczkowski
Class of 2017
Hometown:
Grand Rapids, MI
Undergraduate School:
Middle Tennessee State University
Major:
Biology and Physiology
Field of interest:
Something surgical.
Marital Status:
Married
Why Quillen?
I chose Quillen because I didn't feel I had a choice in the matter; I applied to 14 schools with 13 backups. I was initially drawn in because of how passionate admissions were (and still are) about their school; secondly, because of how eager students were to mentor me; thirdly, because of how highly physicians spoke of Quillen graduates. I also wanted a place that would support my passions outside of medicine while mentoring me in the evolution from student to physician.
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
Brewing beer, hiking and travel, songwriting, running, and playing with my nieces and nephew.
Matthew Standley
Class of 2016
Hometown:
Nashville, TN
Undergraduate School:
Lipscomb
Major:
Biochem
Field of interest:
Gastroenterology
Marital Status:
Married
Why Quillen?
I was only looking to go to In-State schools because of cost. I was leaning toward Quillen because of small class size and location. I took a tour of Quillen before I applied to see what they had to offer. I was shown unparallelled hospitality from everyone I came in contact with on my visit. What ultimately made me choose Quillen was the environment. They put a big emphasis on life outside of medical school and being a well rounded person. Having interests outside of academics has made me a better student and will ultimately make me a better Physician.
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
Spending time with my wife, video games, beer, sports, movies, trying new things.
Greg Cooper
Class of 2017
Hometown:
Knoxville, TN
Undergraduate School:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Major:
Microbiology
Field of interest:
Family Medicine or Emergency Medicine
Marital Status:
Not Married
Why Quillen?
I initially chose Quillen College because it was closer to my hometown and Johnson City seemed like a great place to live. After actually attended school here, I am extremely happy with my choice. I like Quillen because not only do they have well put together classes, but the school wants you to have a life outside of medical school. As a class you work together to help each other through school and have fun outside of class.
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
traveling, running, playing intramural sports with classmates, watching movies and television
Jennifer Bowman
Class of 2017
Hometown:
Cleveland, TN
Undergraduate School:
Carson-Newman University
Major:
Biology
Field of interest:
Family Medicine, but I am definitely keeping an open mind!
Marital Status:
Not Married
Why Quillen?
I applied to several schools in TN and the surrounding states, but Quillen just seemed like the best fit for me. I was drawn in by Quillen's emphasis on primary care, the small class size, and the general area of Johnson City. During my interview day, all of the students I met genuinely seemed to like their school and their professors. I was impressed with the Anatomy lab, Sim lab, lecture halls, and student study center. I also tried to envision where I would want to live for the next 4 years of my life. East TN definitely fit the bill!
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
CrossFit, Remote Area Medical volunteering, visiting new places I have never been, staying close with my family
Emily Paulus
Class of 2018
Hometown:
Knoxville, TN
Undergraduate School:
The University of Alabama
Major:
Chemical Engineering
Field of interest:
Undecided
Marital Status:
Not Married
Why Quillen?
Out of all of the medical schools that I applied to, Quillen made me feel the most welcome. The family-like environment is undeniable after your first interaction with a faculty member, staff member, or student. The small class size allows all students to interact with the professors and to excel in the classroom. Also, Johnson City is only two hours away from my home-town of Knoxville. These reasons along with many others led me to my decision to attend Quillen. I am extremely happy with my decision and have grown both as a student and as a person while preparing to become a physician.
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
Quillen provides many opportunities to join organizations and to take on leadership roles. I am currently an officer in the Quillen High School Outreach Program and the Society of Women in Medicine as well as an undergraduate mentor and a member of the Caduceus Ceremony planning committee. Outside of school, I am involved in intramural sports and enjoy hiking, traveling, and cooking.
Becca Proctor
Class of 2017
Hometown:
Knoxville, TN
Undergraduate School:
University of Alabama
Major:
Interdisciplinary Studies- Risk Management in Rural Medicine
Field of interest:
Family Medicine, Pediatrics, or Surgery
Marital Status:
Not Married
Why Quillen?
Quillen had everything I wanted in a medical school - a close, family atmosphere, small class size, and a strong rural program. When I toured here in undergrad, I knew this was where I needed to be. I've learned the necessary sciences that any school can teach, but moreso, I've discovered the humanistic qualities it takes to be a compassionate and caring physician.
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
Cooking, running, hiking, photography, snowboarding... anything outdoors!
More about me.
I'm also involved in the MD/MPH program and Rural Primary Care Track, if you questions about either of those programs.
Ashton Fisher
Class of 2016
Hometown:
Memphis, TN
Undergraduate School:
Georgetown University
Major:
Physics
Field of interest:
Emergency Medicine
Marital Status:
Not Married
Why Quillen?
I really loved this part of the country. Everyone I talked to throughout my admissions process really seemed to love being at Quillen, both faculty and students. I also really enjoyed having a smaller class size (~70), as I've really gotten to know some incredibly awesome people from my class in the last three years and made some great friendships. I feel like I could approach anyone in my class with a problem or question and expect a friendly and helpful response.
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
I'm doing the Rural Primary Care Track and am happy to answer any questions about that. Outside of school, I do a lot of hiking, video gaming, homebrewing, reading (non-medical things, of course) and movie watching. I've got a dog (boxer) named Max that likes to hike with me.
Jennifer Solomon
Class of 2018
Hometown:
Fortville, IN
Undergraduate School:
Milligan College
Major:
Biology
Field of interest:
Undecided
Marital Status:
Married
Why Quillen?
I chose Quillen because it seemed like the right fit for me. I had moved to East Tennessee for my undergraduate education and grew to love the area and its people. I came for a tour of the school and its environment was welcoming and friendly. I saw that Quillen has a genuine interest in students' growth as well-rounded physicians. The small class size makes it easy to get to know classmates, form new friendships, and create study groups. I had also heard about their Rural Track Program and wanted to know more. Being involved in this program has given me a broader, more hands-on medical school experience and kept me involved with the local community.
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
I am currently involved in several interest groups here at Quillen. I also regularly volunteer at a clinic in Church Hill and I stay pretty active in my church.
James Dorris
Class of 2018
Hometown:
Chattanooga, TN
Undergraduate School:
University of Tennessee: Knoxville
Major:
Spanish
Field of interest:
Surgery
Marital Status:
Married
Why Quillen?
Quillen is a truly unique place because of the small size of the student body and the supportive environment the staff strives to create and maintain. I chose Quillen primarily because of the culture surrounding the school. I love the fact that the school promotes having hobbies and activities outside of the classroom. I have found that I am more productive as a student if I do not spend all of my time in the classroom or studying, and I am thankful to have found a school that encourages its students to explore and enjoy life outside of the classroom. At ETSU I am able to perform well in school, spend time with my friends away from books and have time be with my wife and enjoy life with her. I do not believe I would enjoy this much freedom at any other school I could have attended.
Talk to me about the HPSP program.
I am currently a Navy HPSP scholar. By accepting a scholarship through the Navy I have effectively traded student loan debt for years of service in the United States Navy. The program is not for everyone, but it is an exciting and unique opportunity that will expose participants to areas of medicine exclusive to the armed forces as well as opportunities to serve our country's greatest patients! Please feel free to email me if you are interested in learning more about how the program works and the obligations it involves.
Parth Sheth
Class of 2018
Hometown:
Madisonville, TN
Undergraduate School:
Emory University
Major:
Neuroscience & Economics
Field of interest:
Oncology & Surgery
Marital Status:
Not Married
Why Quillen?
During my graduate studies, I had interviewed at numerous medical schools. However, I had gladly chosen Quillen over other locations as my top choice mainly because of the small class size, which is an asset that makes Quillen so unique and prestigious. Moreover, Quillen has provided its students with opportunities to access quality learning resources readily, to build long-lasting professional relations with fellow peers, mentors, and the community-at-large, and to forge unique but sound philosophies in practicing humanistic medicine.
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
Serving as the current president of Quillen's Surgery Interest Group, running a medical company, watching European football, doing medical research, playing chess, weightlifting/running, and participating in intramural sports (Volleyball, Softball, Soccer, and Ping-Pong).
M4
Pooja Jagadish
Class of 2017
Hometown:
Johnson City, TN
Undergraduate School:
Vanderbilt University
Major:
Anthropology, Women’s & Gender Studies
Field of interest:
Internal Medicine
Marital Status:
Not Married
Why Quillen?
I wanted a medical education that emphasizes minimalism and humanism while allowing me the room to define myself, develop my own style of delivering care, and grow as a person. Medical practice, to me, is about caring for patients at their core—understanding their needs and finding rational solutions to best improve their quality of life. It is about helping patients negotiate the space between what they should do for their health versus what they can or will do. Quillen, with its small class size and primarily lecture-based preclinical courses, suited how I learned. The faculty and professors serve as mentors and encourage us to seek out the education we need for us to become the best physician-leaders that we can be, and I absolutely love this about my school.
Involvements, activities, and hobbies?
-Student Organizations: Quillen High School Outreach Program, Student Women in Medicine
-Research
-Writing fiction (poetry, short stories)
-Learning about tech stuff
Words of Wisdom: Take all advice with a grain of salt; chart your own path.