East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine

ETSU’s College of Medicine hosts a Council of Diversity and Inclusion. The council states, “It is the policy of the Quillen College of Medicine to make special efforts for recruitment from these groups in seeking faculty, students and staff through several stages of inclusion: seeking to broaden our search efforts for faculty and student applicants, engaging diverse individuals by learning more about features important to them in an institution, supporting them by preparing them as well as the environment they will be entering, and taking steps to remove barriers to their success.”

The Council of Diversity and Inclusion will “review current recruitment and retention efforts and identify opportunities to enhance diversity.”

The Quillen College of Medicine Diversity and Inclusion Policy states that it "places a special emphasis on and monitors recruitment and retention of students who are members of groups historically underrepresented in medicine...." Additionally, the policy states that the SOM "engages in ongoing, systematic, and focused recruitment and retention activities, to achieve mission-appropriate diversity outcomes among its students...."

The Quillen College of Medicine Diversity and Inclusion Policy states that "individuals and groups conducting potential student interviews are trained in appropriate interview practices, are oriented to the College's diversity/inclusion goals, and are provided leadership which modifies any practices which may unintentionally reduce the diversity of the applicant/acceptance pool."

The Quillen College of Medicine Diversity and Inclusion Policy states that it is "critical that QCOM provide and promote opportunities...for faculty and staff to increase their understanding of diverse experiences in American education, healthcare, and society while also assisting faculty and staff in working to recognize and reduce their own biases related to diverse populations."

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. We endeavor to provide specific curricular coverage for a range of societal issues that often intersect with identity and privilege.”

On June 11, 2020, the University's News section announced that East Tennessee State University Health will host 'White Coats for Black Lives,' a solidarity march and demonstration against racial injustice, on Monday, June 15." The article continued by stating that "Organizers hope that the march will promote conversations about racism as a public health concern and encourage health care professionals and students to lead the way for social change."

The College of Medicine has a Council of Diversity and Inclusion. Within the Council of Diversity and Inclusion, LGBTQuillen+ hosts resources for anti-racism, including “healthcare equity and anti-racism,” “Anti-Racist Toolkit,” and various books.

The website "Prospective Doctor" published the "East Tennessee State James H. Quillen College of Medicine Secondary Questions" for 2021-2022 medical school applicants. Question two states, "Social justice, systemic racism, and equity for all have been at the forefront of national conversations. Quillen College of Medicine recognizes that many barriers still exist for persons of color and those from historically underrepresented communities. As a physician you will have opportunities to foster an environment of change for your patients and community. Please share with us your reflections on how your life experiences have impacted the development of your values and attitudes toward others, particularly those with backgrounds or values different from your own."

Regarding faculty and staff development, the school states it will support programs “or faculty and staff to increase their understanding of diverse experiences in American education, healthcare, and society while also assisting faculty and staff in working to recognize and reduce their own biases related to diverse populations.”

The Council of Diversity and Inclusion will engage in “assessment of the Diversity Culture and Climate at QCOM.”

The Council of Diversity and Inclusion will work on the “implementation and monitoring of institutional diversity plan.”

The Council of Diversity and Inclusion will “develop data collection tools to monitor the institutional diversity profile annually and to ensure achievement of diversity goals.”

The Council of Diversity and Inclusion plans to “develop and recommend initiatives, programs, policies and practices to promote diversity among students, residents, faculty, and administration.”

On March 8, 2023, a press release was issued stating that the school of medicine responded to the Do No Harm report which works towards “exposing the infiltration of woke ideologies in Tennessee medical schools.” The College of Medicine stated that DEI ideologies “have been repeatedly proven to improve outcomes for our patients and make us better doctors” and reaffirmed the school’s commitment towards promoting DEI principles.

The Quillen College of Medicine’s Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Resident Education program states that it values and promotes diversity.