East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine is now accepting applications for two summer programs that give high school students from rural and underserved areas the opportunity to explore medicine through hands-on learning, campus experiences and mentorship from health professionals.

Sponsored by the Tennessee Center for Workforce Development, Ballad Health and ETSU, the three-day Rural High School Medical Camp introduces rising high school seniors and recent graduates to the disciplines of medicine and provides immersive learning experiences and admissions guidance.

The Rural High School Medical Camp will also be offered twice this year for the first time – once from June 8-10 and again from July 20-22. Applications are open until April 24.

It is open to students from rural high schools in Tennessee and from nearby counties in North Carolina and Virginia.

In addition to experiential learning, this free camp includes tours of ETSU’s main campus and the Quillen College of Medicine, as well as interactive sessions and lectures. Housing and meals will be provided at no additional cost.

“Doc for a Day” is a free, one-day program for rising high school juniors that introduces students to ETSU and the Quillen College of Medicine through discussions with admissions counselors, tours of the anatomy lab and simulation center, and opportunities to meet Quillen leaders.

The program will take place on June 6, and applications are due by April 24.

“ETSU and the Quillen College of Medicine are committed to expanding opportunities and strengthening the health care workforce in the communities we serve,” said Dr. Thomas Kincer, associate dean and director of Rural and Community Programs. “These camps give students a real look at medicine through hands-on experiences, campus immersion, and mentorship so they can picture themselves on this path and understand the steps to get there.”

As the flagship institution of Appalachia, ETSU works to strengthen the region through education, service, and health care. These camps reflect that mission by opening doors to medicine for students from rural and underserved areas early, hands-on and at no cost.

Both programs are part of the college’s Extending Quillen to the Underserved through an Integrated Program (EQUIP) initiative. EQUIP seeks to identify, mentor and educate students to become primary care physicians who are committed to serving in rural and underserved areas.

To learn more and apply, visit https://bit.ly/3Q0gJpt.