Dr. Carroll H. Long
1999 George L. Carter Award

Long is a graduate of Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania College of Medicine, and Tulane University. In the course of that education, he was exposed to some of the best men of medicine, not only in the United States but also abroad. He studied at the University of Edinburgh medical school in Scotland for two years before finishing his training at the University of Pennsylvania and a residency at Jefferson Medical College Hospital. Long then returned to Johnson City in 1932 and became a family physician on staff at the Appalachian Hospital.

At the Appalachian Hospital, Dr. Long made great strides in improving the quality of medical procedures. He served as the hospital's first pathologist and also organized the first treatment of chest disease in Washington County. Later, he sought more training and received an appointment as Fellow in Surgery at Tulane University. Engaged in research, study, and teaching, Long earned a master's degree and published several papers.

Although he was involved in a busy practice, Long found time for other commitments. As a graduate of Science Hill High School, he was deeply interested in furthering the school's excellence. He began by being elected to the Johnson City School Board, and later to the City Commission and the office of mayor. During this time, he was able to collaborate with others in bringing peaceful integration to the public schools.

Always interested in education, Long taught at East Tennessee State University's School of Nursing from 1949 to 1951. For more than 30 years, he has been a trustee of Emory and Henry College, Hiwassee College, and Tennessee Wesleyan College -- all Methodist colleges. As an active member of the United Methodist Church, Long was instrumental in the establishment of the first retirement home in Tennessee. After serving as medical missionaries in India, Long and his wife have been engaged in a long-standing campaign to raise funds for a Methodist mission hospital.

Of Long's many honors, the latest is the establishment of the Carroll H. Long Chair of Excellence in Surgical Research. This is a fitting tribute to a pioneer of surgical practice in the Appalachian area, and who is today the oldest active physician in the area. This Chair of Excellence was felt to be the best way to pay homage to someone who has dedicated his life to medicine.

Long has been married for 70 years to Lou Ann Strong, whom he met while both were students at the University of Edinburgh. They have six children: Hardy L. Frank; Jane Wells L. Hardin; Carol Ann Long, deceased; Edwin Atlee Long; Francis Lucinda Long; and Jerome Edward Long. Ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren complete the Long family.

May 7, 1999