Moments in Medicine

Q u i l l e n C o l l e g e o f M e d i c i n e

Fall/Winter 2013

CHAMPIONS!!! D r ag o n B o a t s a n d
Masquerades
A D ay i n t h e L i f e o f Q C O M

G e rm a n y, A f ri c a , India and Beyond

W h at W e D i d L a s t S u m m e r

Why Quillen Rocks

And Other Reflections on Life

Table of Contents
1. Dragon Boats and masquerades 4 a. Dragon Hearts Can Take the Heat 4 b. Masquerade: Cadaver Ball 2013 4 c. Halloween isnt Halloween without the Halloweenie roast 8 2. Scholarship And community Service 10 a. Students Take on Prescription Drug Abuse in Tennessee 10 b. Quillen leads the way in providing support for its students 11 c. Laughing Willows Chili Luncheon and Fundraiser 12 d. FMIG in the Community 12 e. AMSAs National Primary Care Week 13

Look

Happ
forwa

f. Growing Mo for Movember 13 3. Congratulations 16 4. Germany, Africa, India, and beyond 19 a. Himalayan Health Exchange 19 b. He Said/She Said: Rostock, Germany 20

rd to s eeing you in new y the ear!

y Hol

idays!

c. Addiction Medicine at Rutgers 22 d. Medical Missions in Haiti 22 e. Wilderness Medicine in the High Alps 22

f. Emergency Medicine 23 5. Reflections 24 a. The Legacy of a Deceased Mentor 24

b. Sand In My Hands 25 c. Quill and Ink on Being a Quillenite 26

Dragon Hearts Can Take the Heat

C o n g r at u l at i o n s !
The History of Dragon Boat Races
The Dragon Boat Festival is one of Chinas most spectacular traditions. According to legend, Qu Yuan, a well-respected counselor of the Emperor, decided to drown himself in the Miluo River rather than live under the laws of a corrupt government. Onlookers frantically pounded the water with their oars and paddles to keep evil spirits away from his body. Today, this legend is re-enacted by Dragon Boat Festivals all around the world.
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States Dragon Boat Festival has been become one of the most successful regional events raising well over $600,000. Many difBy Maranda Williams, MS2 ferent areas of Mountain States Mountain States Dragon Boat Health Alliance have benefitted Festival celebrated its eighth year from the fundraiser, and this on September 7, 2013. With 42 year MSHA Oncology Services rowing teams competing for the was the recipient. Dragon Hearts fastest time, the Quillen Col- raised over $1500 for the event lege of Medicine team, Dragon while the events total funds Hearts, paddled through three raised equals over $89,000. heats before claiming their championship title. In the final round, they beat their previous two heat Masquerade: Cadaver times by ~2 seconds, paddling Ball 2013 their champion-making 200 meters in 53.95 seconds. The team By Landon Pratt, MS2 consisted of 9 second year students, 8 first year students, a PhD Cadaver Ball 2013 was a fantasstudent and 3 family members. tic success, with an incredible Of those, only 7 had ever com- turnout from M1 and M2 classpeted in a Dragon Boat compe- es, and quite a few M3s and M4s. tition previously. This is Quillens This years event was masquerfirst time winning the competi- ade themed and was held at the Kings Center downtown. The tion but hopefully not its last. open bar seemed to be well reStarted in 2006, the Mountain

ceived and the dance floor was rockin. Dr. Blackwelder and Dr. Kwasigroch turned out in style (as always), giving the students a chance to interact with them in a much more relaxed environment - so relaxed in fact that James Bailey (MS2) was finally able to pronounce his long-time fondness for Dr. Blackwelders beard. Unfortunately for James, Dr. Blackwelders beard is already in a relationship. Special thanks go to Madeleine Garren (MS2), Catherine Voorhees (MS2), and Maranda Williams (MS2) for their assistance with the setup and planning of the event (and clean-up the next day...ouch). If you would like to re-live the amazing videos produced for the event, click this link: youtu.be/ LnMSl7xy6Pc

h o w w e re l a x
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A Day in the Life of Quillen College of Medicine

D r ag o n B o at s a n d m a s q u e r a d e s

A Day in the Life of Quillen College of Medicine

C at h e ri n e V o o r h e e s , J o h n B u A b b u d , M e g a n E a d s , C o ri P h i l l i p s

D r ag o n

H e a rt s p r e p a ri n

g for th e h e at .

Dr. Reid Blackwelder, Linda Alexander

D r ag o n H e a rt s p u l l i n g a h e a d .

J o s h W i e n c z k o w s k i , T r av i s P o t t e r , A n a n d S a h a

M i c h a e l S t o c k w e l l , V a n e s s a F re e m a n , L i n d s e y S h a rp - D e n n e y
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h o w w e re l a x
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nd a g in s us. t a o b at n h T o g . dra nd life Member t a mps hool a , Team a h C al sc wson a ic med Casey L

A Day in the Life of Quillen College of Medicine

D r ag o n B o at s a n d m a s q u e r a d e s

A Day in the Life of Quillen College of Medicine

Halloween isnt Halloween without the Halloweenie Roast

C o n g r at u l at i o n s !
The Dragon Hearts werent the only champions this semester. Our mens ultimate frisbee team won the intramural championship for ETSU. We ARE the champions.
(Right, L-R) Kadee Hicks, Phoebe Shoemaker Curd, Leah Weatherly (Below, L-R) Josh Wienczkowski, Wyeth Lawson, Anand Saha

By Lorenzon Olive, MS2 The Office of Student Affairs and Organization of Student Representatives hosted the Annual Halloweenie Roast on October 28, 2013. We were visited by zombies (fortunately no students went missing!), long-haired hippie skier dudes, and even one of the new additions to the Quillen family! A special presentation was made to Sherrie (or Mom) - she finally received her white coat! As always, Dr. Chief Kwas held it down on the grill. The students, staff, and faculty outdid themselves.

Thanks to everyone who came out to make the roast a success.

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And other fun

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s a m t s i r h C ater s y a e S w g S n y i th Tack o N a e k Li

(L-R) Adam Del Conte, Madeleine Garren, Rusty Shults, Jonathan Boyd

A Day in the Life of Quillen College of Medicine

D r ag o n B o at s a n d m a s q u e r a d e s

A Day in the Life of Quillen College of Medicine

We presented our research at the nessee and from across the nation Tennessee Academy of Family concerning the prescription drug Physicians Scientific Assembly on abuse epidemic. October 31, 2013, and the American Medical Association Research Symposium on November 15, 2013. This was an exciting opportunity as we were able to talk with physicians from across Ten-

Quillen leads the way in providing support for its students

By Liane Gozmao, MS1 and Kyle Owens, MS1 This years AAMC conference wellness both inside and outwas held in Philadelphia, Penn- side the classroom. The four arsylvania. OSR representatives eas highlighter were the student Kyle Owens and Liane Go- study center, Committee Supzmao presented a poster titled porting Student Health (CSSH), A Comprehensive Approach to Big Sib/Little Sib program, and Student Health: Vehicle for Suc- the Professional and Academic cess. Their poster presentation Resource Center (PARC). Stufocused on the opportunities dent feedback showed that each that Quillen has implemented of these programs has proven efto support the overall health and fective in strengthening the personal health of Quillen medical students. Medical schools across the country showed great interest in all of the programs, specifically the PARC program. Quillen is one of the only schools that offers free, unlimited counseling to its students and their families.

( L - R ) R e b e k a h R o l l s t o n a n d C a ry n B re h m at A M A I n t e ri m m e e t i n g

Students Take on Prescription Drug Abuse in Tennessee

By Rebekah Rollston, MS2 As part of the Rural Primary Care Track at Quillen, Caryn Brehm, Logan Williams, and Rebekah Rollston, second year medical students, have had the opportunity to participate in an interdisciplinary research program with nursing, public health, and psychology students throughout the course of a year. The goal of our community based participatory research project was to assess the public health of the rural, Appalachian community of Hawkins

rate than the national average (Tennessee Department of Mental Health, 2012). To put these statistics into perspective, drug overdoses in Tennessee killed more people in 2010 than motor vehicle traffic deaths, homicides, or suicides. As part of an ongoing intervention, we plan to develop an educational curriculum concerning the effects of prescription drug abuse that we hope to implement at the fourth grade level in Hawkins County schools. Through this intervenIn Tennessee, the statistics of tion, we hope to lessen the buropioid abuse are alarming. The number of drug overdoses rose den of prescription drug abuse from 422 in 2001 to 1,059 in in this rural Appalachian region 2010, a 250% increase in almost and bring awareness to this important issue. a decade with a higher overall 10 County, Tennessee. From our interviews with various community members, including the Rogersville city mayor and Hawkins County mayor, we found that the people of Hawkins County were primarily concerned with the effects of prescription drug abuse on the community. We found that prescription drug abuse is not only a medical, social, and public health concern in Hawkins County, but also across the state.

( L - r ) M i c h a e l N e b l e t t , L o re n z o O l i v e , L i a n e G o z m a o , K y l e O w e n s at A A M C 11

A Day in the Life of Quillen College of Medicine

Scholarship And community Service

A Day in the Life of Quillen College of Medicine

Laughing Willows Chili Luncheon and Fundraiser

By Lorenzo Olive, MS2 Four years ago we began our annual chili luncheon after Jacqueline Vidosh, an M3 at the time, saw the needs of the children on the Willow Unit at Woodridge Hospital. Many children lacked basic needs such as clothing, personal hygiene products, and school supplies. Collaboration between Jacqueline and the Organization of Student Representatives initiated the Laughing Willows Chili Luncheon and Fundraiser. This years luncheon, held November 15, was a big success! Your generous support not only aids the childrens health and education on the Willow Unit, but also shows them just how much we care about their well being. Thank you for your participation! To read more about the beginning of the Laughing Willows Fundraiser, go to: www.msha.com/Articles/moved_by_ the_needs_of_young_patients_medical_students_give_back_to_woodridge_willow_unit.aspx

AMSAs National Primary Care Week

By Rebekah Rollston, MS2 Quillens AMSA (American Medical Student Association) chapter held its annual National Primary Care Week (NPCW) October 14 18, 2013, focusing on nutrition and obesity. We kicked off NPCW with a nutrition talk by Dr. Michelle Lee, ETSU professor and dietician. Tuesday was Field Day, in which nine teams competed in a decathlon of games. Quillen wit my Homies were the proud winners, which included the following team members: Greg Cooper, Brett Farmer, Richie Gibson, Scott Strickler, and Jack Whitehead. We served dinner during Field Day and were fortunate to raise $100 to donate to Rise Up!, a local mentoring organization. On Wednesday, we held blood pressure and blood glu-

( L - R ) s t u d e n t s e n j o y i n g c h i l i i n t h e at ri u m ; B e c c a P ro c t o r a n d A a ro n C a m p b e l l C h o o s e t h e i r c h i l i .

FMIG in the Community

By Kara Kilpatrick, MS2 #1 Quillen is FMIGs plot at the Carver Rec Centers Community Garden. Students have been growing organic vegetables and giving them to local food pantries for the past four years. This year our produce went to the Buc Food Pantry and Good Samaritan Ministries. Thank you to everyone who watered, weeded, and picked the produce throughout the summer and into the fall. FMIG also works at the Carver Rec through Nutrion Day, Meet the Doctor, and Anatomy on Display.

Growing Mo for Movember

By Ashton Fisher, MS2

Top Left (L-r) Richie Gibson, Jack Whitehead, G re g C o o p e r , B re t t F a rm e r , S c o t t S t ri c k l e r T o p R i g h t ( L - R ) M i c h a e l F. N e b l e t t I I , R e b e k a h R o l l s t o n , E l i z a b e t h J a c k s o n , W a d e D av i s cose screenings at the Johnson City Farmers Market educating the community about eating habits, exercise, hypertension, and diabetes. National Primary Care Week came to a close with Dr. Reid Blackwelders keynote dinner event on Thursday evening. AMSAs National Primary Care Week is a great time to get students, particularly first and second year medical students, out of the classroom and active in school and community service activities. Thanks to all who participated in and supported National Primary Care Week at Quillen!
There are many reasons that a man will grow his beard or moustache: style, lack of new razors, warmth for his face. But only recently has a new reason emerged: charity. Originating13 ten years ago in Australia from a group of 30 visionaries, Movember has now grown to an international presence of over 4 million. The events goal was simple; participating men would shave clean for November 1st, then grow only their mous-

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A Day in the Life of Quillen College of Medicine

Scholarship And community Service

A Day in the Life of Quillen College of Medicine

Just for you

Growing Mo (cont.)
tache (in any of the infinite varieties imaginable), all the while raising funds that would go towards awareness and research for prostate cancer and other mens health issues. Last year, the total tally for the programs history reached 3 million participants, raising $433 million for 581 different mens health projects. tribute to that total. While campus may have been a bit creepier as the blondes and baby-faced among us cultivated beautiful lip brooms, the end product was something to be proud of: a group of learned medical students with (mostly) manly moustaches. This is the 3rd year that Quillenites have participated in Movember, and its hoped Raising a grand total of $3,224 this year, the 36 that the tradition will continue through the years Mo-Bros and Mo-Sistas of Quillen helped con- with ever-increasing success.

Save the Date!

A Day in the Life of Quillen College of Medicine

Secrets to Step One Success

MIM sent out a survey to the M3 class asking polling them on what worked and didnt work for their Step One study. Here are the results:
Top 3 USMLE Study Sources: (Source and % of Respondents) 1. USMLE World 2. First Aid 62 59

3. Pathoma 31 Top 3 USMLE Study Suggestions: 1. Do questions. More questions=better score. 2. Understand concepts, not just facts. Understand material the first time through. 3. Dont focus on what others are doing, stick to your plan. The respondents had variable starting times; some starting 6 weeks out, some starting 8 months out. Nearly all recommended doing more questions, and then reading the explanations. Its important to use the questions and explanations to learn and retain information. Understand concepts the first time they are presented in class. Move to details as your studying progesses. 16

COMING SOON!
Quillen Showcase
Talk to Sue Russell if youd like to be in on the act!
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Weddings:
Faris Bakeer (MS2) married Cady Stallings June 15, 2013 in Bolivar, TN. (1) Brittany Funderburke Matney (MS2) married Nick Matney June 15, 2013 in Hampton, TN. (2) Kip Weaver (MS2) married Emily Harlow June 29, 2013 in Memphis, TN. (3)

Engagements:
Stephen Kinser (MS2) got engaged to Emily Louise Ruff on July 4, 2013. Their wedding will be March 15, 2013 (4) Sadie Marnon (MS1) got engaged to Cory Yesensky on July 8, 2013. Their wedding will be July 12th, 2014. Hicks Manson (MS2) got engaged to Amber Overguard on September 7, 2013. (5) Luke Stanley (MS2) got engaged to Kelly Hadden on October 19, 2013. (6)

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Births:
Mary Jean Denney was born on July 6, 2013 to Lindsey (MS2) and Tim Denney. (7) Ann Marie Gill was born on September 9, 2013 to Christopher (MS2) and Christie Gill. (8) Amelia Rose Colangione was born on December 1, 2013 to David (MS1) and Karen Colangione. (9)

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We wish you the Best!

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A Day in the Life of Quillen College of Medicine

Congratulations

A Day in the Life of Quillen College of Medicine

Germany, Africa, India, and beyond

What we Did last summer
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(L-R) Wisdom and Megan Roberson, M2, in Ghana.

Jordan Kim and Megan Roberson spent June in Ghana, Africa, while Adam Del Conte and Rusty Shults spent July in Kathmandu, Nepal.

What we Did last Summer

(L-R) Adam Del Conte and Rusty Shults, M2s, with t h e i r i n t e rp re t e r f ro m H e l p i n g H a n d s , N e p a l .

J o rd a n K i m , M 2 w i t h ( L - R ) W s d o m a n d C h ri s t o p h e r i n G h a n a .

Himalayan Health Exchange

By Landon Pratt, MS2 In June this year I traveled to northern India in the state of Himachal Pradesh to work with Himalayan Health Exchange providing medical services to remote villages in the Himalayan mountains. The organization began providing health expeditions in 1996 and provides health care to many villages that are inaccessible due to snow for six months of the year. We saw approximately 1200 patients during the 3 week expedition, conducting one to two day clinics in small villages along the way, did some amazing hiking, and met some beautiful people. If you are interested in participating in a medical expedition with the group, check out himalayanhealth.com.

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Germany, Africa, India, and beyond

He Said/She Said: Rostock, Germany
By Anuj Patel, MS2, and Dana Williams, MS2

What we Did last Summer

( L - R ) J a c o b A l l re d , A n e w f ri e n d , K e n t s t a rk w e at h e r , n at h a n p ag e , a n d a n u j p at e l .
were very nice. They showed us around and took us to all their favorite bars and clubs. The weekend trip to Berlin was very interesting because we learned a lot of history from the German perspective, very eye-opening if youre not a history buff. was just enough to do in two weeks that I felt like I was able to get a good slice of what German culture is all about. For the price of a plane ticket, I returned with a lifetime of memories and wonderful experiences. about German healthcare from talking to the medical students when we went out with them than in class.

tape, and my pride, which was not so easily repaired. were heading home from a late night function and Niti asked if I would give her a piggy back ride. Of course, I was happy to oblige! As we were heading down the rocky cobblestone streets, a 1. What was your most stone grew out of nowhere and I tripped and fell. Niti had a sumemorable experience? perman moment and went flyAnuj: Its hard to choose just ing, and I fell into a parked car. one experience on which to Miraculously, the only damage comment. To tell the truth, Ill was to my glasses, which were never forget the time that we easily repaired with some pink

MIM asked students, who traveled to Rostock, Germany, to answer a few questions about their experiences this summer. . .

visited other parts of Europe before or after the 2 weeks in Rostock. I went to Amsterdam with a few others for 4-5 days before Rostock and it was so much fun. I wish I had traveled more while I was there.

Dana: Several people

3. Would you recommend Rostock only is pretty inexpen- Anuj: Dankeschn, wein, entsive since the school pays the fee, schuldigung - Thank you, wine, this trip to others? Why?
tock was one of the best experiences of my young life. The people, culture, and education were top notch. The program itself was well structured and there

Dana: Absolutely! Going to

4. If you could only use 3 words to describe the trip, what would they be?

2. What did you like most about the German culture? Anuj: It was easy to have a cer-

Anuj: I can safely say that Ros- only have to buy your plane tick- words I used while in Germany!
et. The classes were hit or miss, Dana: You should go! there were a few I really enjoyed. But the trip is more about seeing another country than getting a lot out of class. I learned more

which includes the hostel. You sorry - the three most common

tain stereotype of the German people going to the country, (L-R) Dana Williams, Val Hansen, and Madeleine but I was pleasantly surg a rre n at P e rg a m o n m u s e u m i n b e rl i n . prised how welcoming and warm the people were. German folks seemed to take pride in their rich history and booming future. Rostock itself was a beautifully quaint city with grand historical buildings and scenic landscapes.

I n t e re s t e d i n L e a rn i n g m o re ?
T h i s y e a r s d at e s a re J u n e 2 - 1 4 , 2 0 1 4 . C l i c k b e l o w f o r m o re i n f o rm at i o n : w w w. s u m m e r s c h o o l . m e d . u n i - ro s t o c k . d e / i n d e x . php?id=35
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Dana: Most of the medical students in Rostock

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What we Did last summer

P a rt o f t h e Quillen Contingent in Rostock G e rm a n y.

Germany, Africa, India, and beyond

Addiction Medicine at Rutgers

Wilderness Medicine in the High Alps

By Sean Ochsenbein, MS2 A group of Quillen students spent more than a week this July enjoying Breckenridge, Colorado. They were participating in the Wilderness Medical Societys 30th Wilderness Medicine Conference. There they participated

Learn more by clicking the link: www.wms.org/conferences/Jackson14/

(l-R) Na than P Ochsenb e i n , a nag e , S t e p h e n K d Lando inser, S n P r at t ea on a 14 n er.

Emergency Medicine Externship

By Sean Ochsenbein, MS2 During the month of June, I spent my time in the dorm style residence quarters of the Wellspan Hospital, in York, PA. Here I was participating in the only emergency medicine externship program in the country for medical students. I had daily workshops and shadowed both day and night. I was integrated in all facets of the ED and was even able to respond to all trauma alerts. I was also evaluated on patient H&P skills and had to give a presentation to all of the residency staff. I had a great time and will help anyone try to get a spot in the program this coming summer.

ing n administer o t s l l o R h a k Rebe

iti. a shot in Ha

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Click the link for more information www.yorkhospital.edu/ default.aspx?program=2&type=text&content=109

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What we Did last summer

learned more about the detox/ rehab process. It was an incredibly worthwhile experience and a good opportunity for someone By Luke Stanley, MS2 interested in Psych or Addiction I went to a weeklong Addiction Medicine who is seeking an inMedicine Conference for medi- expensive summer activity. cal students at Rutgers University. All of the students were paid Medical Missions in approximately $500 for travel Haiti expenses, and room, board, and meals were included. We spent By Rebekah Rollston, MS2 mornings in class with other medical students, then had dif- I traveled with Medical Student ferent lecture choices in the af- Missions, a non-profit organizaternoons (attended by cross-dis- tion based out of Indiana Unicipline health professionals). The versity, to Verrettes, Haiti in July nation-wide expert on ADD/ 2013. We held makeshift health ADHD gave my favorite lecture. clinics each day for a week and On the final day we traveled to had the opportunity to provide a Pennsylvania rehab center and medical services to a great num-

ber of people who have no access to healthcare. My time in Haiti allowed me to learn more about healthcare, and lack thereof, in impoverished regions and also reminded me how fortunate I am. It was a great experience and highly recommended!

in workshops and seminars to better prepare them for outdoor disasters. They were also able to meet Dr. Luanne Freer, who started the Everest Base Camp Medical Clinic (aka, Everest ER), and the founders of wilderness medicine. The photo is taken on one of the 58 14ers (i.e., a mountain that exceeds 14,000 ft above mean sea level) in Colorado. We all had a great time and plan to attend the conference this year in Jackson Hole, Wyoming!

What we Did last Summer

The Legacy of a Deceased Mentor

By Pooja S. Jagadish, MS1

Sand In My Hands
By Joshua A. Wienczkowski, MS1

What is in a legacy? What is the torch we bear When the candle that is life blows out And death is everywhere? Do we say goodbye and leave? Perhaps thats true for some. But many leave us legacies Lessons we learn from. He gave us not material gifts He gave us all we know. An educator in life and death With only a body to show. We know not who he was in life But his passion to teach is clear. Letting pass his final breath His motives were sincere. In his life he taught the youth So strong was his conviction That in his death he showed us truth And became our inspiration. Every day well bear this torch Lit from flickering flames That ignites to form experience And catalyze our change. Yesterday we froze in fear. We knew not who we were. Today we stand here arm in arm Thankful, strong, and sure. He gave his bones and heart and skin The template for what comes. Well build on this foundation next. Physicians we will become.

The morning I met you, I could only trace the sweat that coursed and curved across the palm of my hand. I dreamt your face to be once soft; your name slipping through my mind like sand. YOU are my first patient, you cant feel pain, by the blade pressed to my hand. Ive touched your last breath, and counted all that predecessed; only to feel your carcino crumble like toppling towers of sand. I palpate profusely poke, prod, and meander prodigiously; I learn about your life, a gift nestled in my hands. Did you cross our great divide with ease and peace? Perhaps steal serenity on eternal oceans edge and sand? Tomorrows tomorrow, I will care for those youve proffered; to pay your legacy forward, your crumbled sand in my hands
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l eR snoitcef

Id reassure myself;

Ref l ections

Quill and Ink on Being a Quillenite

In

By Joshua A. Wienczkowski, MS1 in and supported me as much as my parents. I looked high and low, contacted admissions of over twenty schools, applied to fourteen, and had another interesting conversation with Mom and Pop on the way home from my interview at Quillen. I dont care what it takes or if I get in anywhere else, if they say no, Ill do whatever they want and try again next year. how the Quillen family continues to grow closer. So, do I think leaving music for medicine and choosing Quillen were the right choices? Am I as happy as I thought Id be? Mom, Pop... no. I know I made the right choices, and Im happier than I thought Id be. Yeah, I have experienced some pretty cool stuff in my twenty-six years, but its my belief that it was all to help build me into a person that can give back in unique ways to the Quillen family I now call home. To all of you I havent met, I look forward to seeing you at a family reunion soon.

About a month ago, I was talking with my Mom and Pop. Earlier that day, we as a class said a lot of heartfelt goodbyes to our first patients and shared with each other the profound impact working intimately with donors had (and still has) on us. I remember humbly, and maybe sheepishly saying to my parents, This is the most amazing thing Ive ever done in my life. I went on to tell them I didnt realize I could grow as close as family to so many people and a community in such a short period of time. They asked me if I still thought leaving music for medicine and choosing Quillen were the right choices; they asked if I was as happy as I thought Id be. You see, guys like me get a lot of and act on a lot of crazy ideas; when I told my parents I was ready to go to college at 23 and somehow transition from a mediocre guitar player to a science geek, and ultimately a medical student, they emphatically supported it like they have everything else in my life. Without them buying me my first guitar, listening to the god-awful racket I was playing, coming to shows and supporting me whole-heartedly, I never would have found the success I did. So, when I was sitting down to find the right school for me, I knew in my heart and my head that the only way for me to succeed would be a place that believed 28

Im not sure

whom I bribed, b u t t h e y d i d n t say no, and took a chance on helping me achieve my dream of helping people through more than just words and melodies. Just like my Mom and Pop bought me guitars and came to my shows, everyone at Quillen has done everything they can to ensure my success. Meals are planned out so we dont starve. A study center just for medical students was built so wed have a place to hang our hats and keep at the grindstone. Our voices are heard and responded to in everything we do, including the curriculum, our organizations, and

Follow us on Twitter @QuillenFamily Also be on the lookout for QuillenFamily.com - our new website, coming soon
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another life, I got to do some pretty cool stuff. My mid-teens found the songs of a band I was in on the radio and in the halls of our high school. In my late teens, I watched most of the frosty Mid-West from a stage, touring in that pop-rock band as well as behind a desk and console for a record label that ultimately got indicted by the IRS and filed bankruptcy. The desk and console? Repossessed. My twenty-first birthday sailed by quickly on a tv show about fresh water sailing (pun intended). The rest of my early twenties were caught riding the crescendoing wave of a music career that I bowed out of because I wanted something bigger; I wanted to help people more than a catchy chorus or red carpet could. I thought I had experienced and seen it all.

Part of the Quillen Family?

Ref l ections

Enjoy Your B re a k . . . w h i l e you can. . .