Faculty and Staff
David Linville, MD, EdD
Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs
Vice Dean for Academic Affairs
Professor, Medical Education
David Linville, MD, EdD is the Vice Dean for Academics and Professor in the Department
of Medical Education. Dr. Linville also serves as the Associate Vice President for
Clinical Affairs for ETSU Health, the academic health sciences center at the university
that includes the colleges of nursing, medicine, pharmacy, public health, and health
sciences. His prior leadership roles include Senior Associate Dean and Chief of Staff
at Quillen after spending time on the main ETSU campus as the university’s Executive
Vice Provost and its inaugural Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
He holds a baccalaureate degree in chemistry from the University of Tennessee, a doctor
of education in higher education leadership from East Tennessee State University,
and is a graduate of the Quillen College of Medicine.
Caroline Abercrombie, MD
Sr. Director of Experiential Learning
OSCE Dir., Office of Academic Affairs
Dir. of Community Engagement, Interprofessional Education
Associate Professor, Department of Medical Education
Dr. Abercrombie received her MD from Mercer University School of Medicine, where she also did a year of general surgery residency training and served on faculty as an Instructor of Anatomy. Within ETSU Quillen's Dept. of Academic Affairs, she serves as OSCE Director, Transitions to Clinical Clerkships Course Director, M3 OSCE Competency Director, and Co-Director of the fourth-year ethics electives: Clinical Ethics and the Profession of Medicine, Physicians & End of Life Care, Anatomy Ultrasound elective. For the Academic Health Science Center, she serves as Director of Community Engagement for Interprofessional Education to place teams of interprofessional students in facilities to practice collaborative care. She also holds appointments in the Dept. of Biomedical Sciences and Dept. of Physical Therapy as an adjunct teaching faculty. She has overseen integration of technology into the anatomy laboratory and adoption of the soft embalmed teaching model for surgical and procedural training. Working with the Office of CME and educators in the region, she strives to develop interactive Educational Conferences and Skills Workshops in an effort to provide continuing educational opportunities for regional healthcare providers.
Dana Bailey
Manager
Ensures administrative support and coordination is available to implement the activities and operation of the Office of Academic Affairs; interacts daily with departments and organizations external to Academic Affairs and the university; oversees and implements the Clinical Preceptorship program for first- and second-year medical students; maintains the Academic Affairs' budget.
Andrew Berry
Manager, Center for Experiential Learning
Works directly with simulation director to maintain and direct all aspects of the Simulation Laboratory; initiates use of patient simulator ensuring all systems are operable for the scheduled scenario, including programming the simulator experience through high fidelity simulation and medical task trainers; monitors patient simulator systems, providing or scheduling needed maintenance; assists in the scheduling of Simulation Laboratory space and simulators. Andy has a diverse background in EMS and was previously employed by the Bristol TN Fire Dept., where he performed duties in both fire and EMS.
Stephen ‘Brock’ Blankenship, MD, FAAEM
Director for the Center for Experiential Learning
Brock is a Tennessee native and veteran of the US Armed Forces. He trained and worked in the special operations community as a USAF Pararescueman. After graduating with honors from the University of Tennessee, he attended Quillen College of Medicine and graduated - AOA Class of 2004. Dr. Blankenship trained in emergency medicine at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center where he was recognized with teaching accolades. He is board-certified through the American Board of Emergency Physicians and Fellow - American Academy of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Blankenship continues to train medical students and resident physicians in his clinical practice at several sites in Virginia. While working as an attending emergency medicine physician, he has served in several capacities to include Chief of Staff at Johnston Memorial Hospital - Abingdon, VA. In 2016, Dr. Blankenship joined the QCOM/ETSU team as the Director for the Center for Experiential Learning which oversees inter-professional simulation and standardized patient medical education.
Douglas Brtalik, DO
Emergency Medicine Clerkship Director
Dr. Brtalik is a graduate of Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. He is board certified through the American Board of Emergency Physicians, and has practiced in East TN for the last 9 years. He serves as the Director of the Emergency Medicine Clerkship, where he precepts third-year students while on their EM clerkships, all while maintaining sufficient work life balance to spend time with his wife, kids, and dogs.
Perry Ann Butler
Standardized Patient Manager
Responsible for the recruitment, hiring, training and scheduling of individuals to fulfill the need of standardized patients for the simulation of health problems for all levels of students and all departments of learning; handles all scheduling, training, tracking of hours, scheduling of facilities needed for training and testing.
Ivy A. Click, EdD
Assistant Dean for Curriculum
Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine
Dr. Click holds three degrees from ETSU including an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership as well as B.S. and M.A. degrees in Psychology. As Assistant Dean for Curriculum her responsibilities include oversight of the quality of the curriculum and curriculum evaluation process, curriculum management and mapping, and working in collaboration with the Vice Dean to ensure the curriculum meets all standards of accreditation. Dr. Click also serves as Chair of the Medial Student Education Committee (MSEC). She has a faculty appointment in the Department of Family Medicine where she advises students, residents, and faculty on research and quality improvement methods.
Kortni Dolinger, MS
Clinical Medical Education Director
Serves as a member of the Medical Education administration team to support the management of the third- and fourth-year curriculum, and to ensure that all activities are in full compliance with AAMC and Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accreditation requirements. Responsible for supporting and facilitating the design, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of the M3 and M4 undergraduate medical education program.
Megan Eads
Technician, Center for Experiential Learning
Megan comes from a background in Emergency Medical Services and holds a Marketing Degree from ETSU. Working directly with the simulation lab manager to maintain and operate all aspects of the simulation laboratory; duties include operation of high fidelity simulation mannequins and use of medical task trainers, maintaining supplies for the simulation laboratory, and scheduling for simulations and debriefing.
Sandy Greene, AS
Secretary III
Provides support to the Executive Associate Dean as needed and serves as secretary to the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs; assists with the QCOM New Faculty Program and the Faculty Development Program; assists with scheduling faculty training workshops; conducts web-based and library research in support of Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs; compiles student data for analysis and survey purposes; maintains Faculty Development web pages. Provides secretarial support for the Career Explorations course and for coordinators as needed. Responsible for maintaining and purchasing supply inventory. Maintains departmental key inventory and issues keys for access to COM facilities.
Esther Hathaway
Office Coordinator
423-439-8005
Provides administrative and coordination support to the Executive Associate Dean. Serves as liaison between the Executive Associate Dean, University departments, administrative offices and divisions, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the general public. Manages the database and logistics for the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accreditation survey visits. Monitors LCME Standards and Elements for changes in accreditation requirements. Participates in monthly LCME Connecting with the Secretariat Webinars. Manages the yearly faculty evaluation process for all QCOM faculty. Manages the medical student exchange program and the summer school for first-year medical students with the University of Rostock in Germany. Manages clinical affiliation agreements and professional service agreements for the Office of Academic Affairs ensuring LCME requirements are included in agreements. Serves as timekeeper for the Office of Academic Affairs.
Amy D. Johnson, EdD
Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
Dr. Amy Denise Johnson has more than 20 years of experience in continuing higher education, adult degree programming, teaching and faculty development. As Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, her work is devoted to improving the quality of work for all faculty within the college. Her primary duties include faculty development, managing faculty evaluation sessions, and leadership development. Historically, her scholarship has focused on the science of student learning, success factors for adult and non-traditional students, and, more recently, on interprofessional education and training. She has a long history of service to the International Association for Continuing Higher Education, having served as in many roles including President of the Association. Dr. Johnson earner her B.A. from the College of William and Mary in Virginia and a M.A. and Ed.D. from East Tennessee State University. As a person, Amy also values spending time with her son and husband. She enjoys a good campfire that is surrounded by good conversation, a few guitars, and lots of singing voices. She is a big fan of Americana and Folk music, low brow novels, true crime podcasts, and almost all HBO series.
Thomas G. Kincer, MD
Associate Dean for Rural and Community Programs
Professor, Department of Family Medicine
Dr. Kincer is a graduate of Berea College and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed his residency in family medicine at the UAB-Selma Family Medicine Residency. He is responsible for the oversight of the Rural Primary Care Track, the EQUIP pipeline, and the Underserved Medicine clerkship, as well as building trusted relationships with our medical community partners. Additonally, Dr. Kincer precepts family medicine residents and teaches medical students clinical-based medicine.
Heather Love, BFA
Secretary III
Provides secretarial support for The Practice of Medicine, Introduction to Physical Exam Skills and Clinical Transitions courses; assists with preparation / distribution of course material; serves as proctor for exams; coordinates meetings, arranges appointments; serves as contact for faculty / staff / students in tracking technology service requests; serves as secretary for the Human Patient Simulation Lab; serves as receptionist / contact person for the Office of Academic Affairs which includes providing secretarial support to various Academic Affairs' offices and designated Course Directors; Facility Scheduling web pages; schedules use of classrooms, auditoria, study rooms, teaching labs, computer lab and mezzanine areas.
Phillip Madden, BS
Multimedia Manager
Provides guidance in the selection of and is responsible for purchasing, installation and maintenance of multimedia technology within classrooms and conference rooms; provides ongoing training for faculty and staff in the use of multimedia technology.
Mariela McCandless, MPH
Pre-Clerkship Medical Education Director
423-439-6755
Coordinates curriculum for all first and second year courses; coordinating the involvement of faculty and course directors in curriculum planning and annual course review; serving as Chief Proctor for administration of National Board of Medical Examiner Examinations; serving ex officio as a member of the College of Medicine curriculum committee and support to the M1M2 Curriculum Review Subcommittee.
Daniel McLellan, BS
Data Manager
Manages the student computer labs; administers file server; evaluates/recommends hardware/software purchases for faculty, student computer labs, and project proposals; works on other projects as necessary to support the information technology needs of the College of Medicine.
Skylar Moore, MPH, HCMC
Rural and Community Programs Administrator
Responsible for planning, implementing, and coordinating rural outreach health fairs for third- year medical students. Assist with developing data needed for LCME accreditation activities. Maintain and oversee budgets and accounts payable for Rural Programs and Community Medicine- Sevierville. Coordinates work of outcomes subcommittee of the Medical Student Education Committee. Responsible for coordinating the Junior Clinical Experience subspecialty rotation.
Kenneth E. Olive, MD MACP
Associate Dean for Accreditation Compliance
Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
Dr. Olive completed his undergraduate degree at Duke University, his medical degree at East Carolina University, and his internal medicine residency at USAF Medical Center Wright-Patterson AFB Ohio. He is board certified in internal medicine and geriatrics. He served as a physician in the USAF for seven years. He has previously served as a member of the American College of Physicians Board of Governors. At Quillen, he is responsible for oversight of activities to support compliance with Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accreditation standards. This includes ensuring that the LCME continuous quality improvement plan is being implemented and monitored. He currently serves as a member of the LCME. He also assists with teaching in the Doctoring courses and continues to provide clinical care on a limited basis.
Melissa Robinson, MD
Director of Rural and Community Programs
Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine
Dr. Robinson is a graduate of Quillen College of Medicine’s Rural Track, a second career after teaching high school chemistry for many years. She completed her family medicine residency in Bristol, and then practiced in rural Hot Springs, North Carolina, for five years. She returned to Quillen as the director for Rural and Community Programs in 2022. She also serves on the Medical Student Education Committee, precepts family medicine residents, and serves as medical director for a rural health department.
Aneida Skeens, MPS, BSIS, CAP-OM
Medical Education Director
Serves as a member of the Medical Education administration team managing the curriculum management system utilized for faculty performance evaluation, student assessment, and program evaluation. Oversees curriculum mapping and annual reporting of the Curriculum Inventory (CI) to the AAMC. Serves as the administrator for Medical Student Education Committee (MSEC) and its four subcommittees by providing reports, documenting committee actions, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards.
Benjamin Smith, M.Ed.
Clinical Medical Education Coordinator
Manages fourth-year students’ elective and selective schedules throughout the academic year and the visiting-student processes for QCOM students applying to away rotations and outside students applying for electives at QCOM. Supports the clinical phase of the curriculum and reports to the Clinical Medical Education Director.
Valerie Suiter
Rural Programs Executive Aide
Provides procedural information and answers general inquiries related to operational matters. Processes incoming and outgoing mail and correspondence. Maintains professional staff calendars as needed. Answers incoming phone calls and routes appropriately. Maintains office files. Uses computer applications to generate a variety of materials including correspondence. Assists with processing checks, travel requests, and ordering supplies using EBUCS. Other duties as assigned.
For more information, please visit the RPCT site: /com/ruralprograms/
Jennifer Tasso
Experiential Learning Coordinator
Supports and coordinates OSCE experiences, provides administrative support to the OSCE Director and supports standardized patient events. This include assisting with the setup and breakdown of all SP events, as well as coordination of SP’s and any support needs during the events as directed by the Simulation SP Manager.
Keara Williams, BS, NREMT-P
Emergency Medicine Clerkship Coordinator
Keara comes from a background in Emergency Medical Service as a Paramedic, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Milligan University. She supports and coordinates the third-year students through their Emergency Medicine Clerkship, provides administrative support to the Emergency Medicine Clerkship Director, and prepares reports for the Clinical Medical Education Director. In her role as Coordinator, she also aids the EM Director in providing instruction during high fidelity simulation, medical task training, and facilitates additional instruction as necessary.