East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine once again earned high marks in U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 Best Medical School Rankings – placing inside the top five nationally for the number of graduates practicing in underserved areas for a third consecutive year.
Since its founding in 1974, Quillen has remained dedicated to training future doctors interested in primary care and other specialties to serve in rural and underserved communities, while advancing biomedical research and enhancing health care in Northeast Tennessee and the Appalachian region.
In the 2026 rankings, the college ranked 4th in U.S. News and World Report’s “Medical Schools with the Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas” and 30th among “Medical Schools with the Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas.”
Both measures reflect Quillen’s long-standing commitment to preparing physicians who improve access to care in communities where it is needed most.
“This recognition reflects what we strive for every day at Quillen: preparing physicians who are ready to serve,” said Dr. Bill Block, dean of the Quillen College of Medicine and ETSU’s vice president for Clinical Affairs. “When our graduates choose to practice in rural and medically underserved areas, it strengthens health care access and improves lives across our region and beyond.”
It’s a mission that’s also reflected each spring during the college’s Match Day ceremony, where graduating students learn where they will head for their residencies.
The Class of 2026 celebrated a perfect 100% match rate, with nearly half of the 88-student class heading to residencies in primary care. Fourteen students will complete their residencies with ETSU Health, continuing their commitment to serve the region through team-based, patient-centered care.
As the flagship institution of Appalachia, ETSU is deeply rooted in its mission to uplift rural communities through education, health care and service. Quillen helps meet regional health needs by drawing on its expertise and community connections, with an emphasis on primary and rural health care.
Quillen has also expanded opportunities and pathways for admission for students from rural and underserved areas, reflecting the college’s commitment to building a physician workforce that understands — and is preparing to serve — the communities of Appalachia.
A hallmark of this commitment is the college’s EQUIP program, which identifies and mentors students from rural and underserved areas interested in attending Quillen. EQUIP is an acronym for Expanding Quillen to the Underserved through an Integrated Program.
Additionally, the college hosts annual summer camps that are free for students from rural areas to foster an interest in medicine through hands-on learning experiences, lectures and admissions guidance. Applications for this year’s camps are open until April 24.
“Our mission is carried forward through both outcomes and opportunity,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, ETSU provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “When Quillen graduates choose to serve rural and medically underserved communities – and when we expand pathways that help students from those communities pursue medicine – it reflects the kind of regional impact ETSU is committed to delivering as the Flagship of Appalachia.”
To view the full U.S. News & World Report “Best Medical Schools” rankings, visit https://bit.ly/4viP2sj. To learn more about the Quillen College of Medicine, visit etsu.edu/com.
