About Us

Welcome to the Department of Internal Medicine

Department of Internal Medicine

Building 1

The Department of Internal Medicine is housed in the historic Building 1 on the Mountain Home Veteran’s Administration Campus in beautiful east Tennessee; the white brick, with red trim, building originally dates from 1903.  A modern medical research facility designed with local red brick and white trim was added in the 1970’s with the formation of the Quillen College of Medicine.  The development of the College of Medicine brought a new vitality to East Tennessee State University, The Mountain Home VA Center, along with Johnson City and the surrounding region.  If you are a first-time visitor to this area, we welcome you to come explore the university and the surrounding region and experience what we are best known for - southern hospitality! 
 
Johnson City is located at the junction of three states, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia.  Our mountainous terrain makes us a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.  Hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, car racing, golf, fishing, boating and skiing (both water and snow), are just some of the activities that residents of the region enjoy.  
Our Appalachian heritage is reflected in the history of the region; a history predating the formation of the United States.  Settlers to the original American colonies moved over the Appalachian Mountains and set up communities just a few miles from Johnson City.  The indigenous Native Americans and our original Scottish and Irish immigrants formed a culture rich with music and arts that survives to this day.  This arts scene is filled with live music of world class quality ranging from rock to roots, Celtic to country and avant-garde to classical.  Large arts and crafts communities exist around the Smoky Mountains which is just a short drive from Johnson City.  Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town, is located just 5 minutes west of ETSU.  The historic buildings in Jonesborough are now filled with galleries and restaurants that welcome visitors daily. 
 
The Appalachian Highlands are more than just a geographical location, it’s a state of mind.  To residents of the region, the term “Appalachian Highland” is a cultural connection that joins diverse communities across three state lines.  As a native of the area, our Research Lab Manager has travelled the backroads of this region documenting and photographing the highlights.  If you are wondering what there is to do in East Tennessee, Western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia, let us take you on an armchair travelogue and explore what’s around the next bend in the road.  If we have managed to elevate your curiosity, you might want to explore the links below that offer more in-depth information about this region.  Millions of visitors come to this region every year and we hope these photographs show you what makes the Appalachian Highlands so special. 
 
Kenton Hall – Research Lab Manager, Author and Photographer 

 

Highlights of the Appalachian Highlands

A Pictorial Crossroads of Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina

Appalachian Highlands Part 1: A Brief History of our Region Appalachian Highlands Part 2: High Country Destinations
Appalachian Highlands Part 3: National Parks and Other Destinations Appalachian Highlands Part 4: Waterfalls & Evening Events
  • Bloodroot is a spring wildflower found throughout our region

    Bloodroot Flowers, wildflower found throughout the Appalachian Highlands

  • Historic covered bridge in Elizabethton Tennessee constructed in 1882. It is 134 feet long and crosses the Doe River.

    Historic Covered Bridge in Elizabethton, TN

  • A view of one of the rock walled slot passages found on top of Clinch Mountain in the Channels.

    Limestone slot passage found in the Great Channels of Virginia

  • A group of hot air balloons are in a park for an after dark illumination. When the gas is turned on to inflate the balloons, they glow from within and show their colorful designs. One of the balloons is shaped like a clown’s head.

    Hot air balloons glowing after dark in Kingsport, TN Funfest festival

  • Three ducks are swimming in a pond. A male wood duck shows off his beautiful colored feathers.

    Wood ducks swimming

  • Low Clouds are passing through the mountains with trees showing their fall colors

    Fall Colors with clouds, Big Stone Gap, Virginia mountainside

  • Caesars Head State Park is located on the border of North and South Carolina. It is known for its long-range views of the North Carolina mountains falling in elevation to the piedmont lowlands of South Carolina.

    Caesars Head rock formation in Caesars Head State Park, Cleveland, South Carolina.

  • Several large fireworks explode in the sky for the Fourth of July Celebration in Kingsport, Tennessee.

    Fireworks on Fourth of July Celebration in Kingsport, Tennessee

  • A view of the spiral ramp leading to the top of the viewing tower on Kuwohi Mountain. This is the highest elevation in the park at 6643 feet. The tower, built in 1959, is noted for its mid-century design.

    The spiral ramp leading to the highest point in the Great Smoky mountains National Park on Kuwohi Mountain

  • Ice and snow cover the trees on the drive up Beech Mountain in the high country of North Carolina

    Ice and snow on Beech Mountain, NC

  • The viewing tower on Kuwohi. This is the highest elevation in the Great Smoky mountains National Park at 6643 feet of elevation.

    The viewing tower on top of Kuwohi, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 6,643 ft. elevation

  • A view of the Appalachian Trail as it crosses Round Bald. Rhododendrons are in bloom next to the AT. There are other mountain peaks visible in the background.

    A view of the Appalachian Trail as it crosses Round Bald in Roan Mountain, TN

  • Rhododendron blooming alongside the Appalachian Trail in Roan Highlands with mountains in the background

    Rhododendron in bloom along the Appalachian trail, Roan Highlands

  • The original Mast General Store that opened in 1883. This historic location now sells all types of items from outdoor clothing, shoes and gear, plus tin toys and nostalgic candy that is hard to find elsewhere. It’s a fun stop if you are near Valle Crucis, NC.

    The original Mast General Store which opened in 1883, located in Valle Crucis, NC

  • Viking mountain on a fall day showing lots of orange leaf colors in the tree leaves. There is also rime ice on the trees from the cold damp fog of the night before. Blackstack Cliffs are in the distance.

    Rime Ice on Camp Creek Bald, also known as Viking Mountain, Greeneville, TN

  • A mountain stream cascades over rocks in the Roan Highlands region.

    Mountain stream cascade in Roan Highlands

  • The Moses Cone Estate is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Moses Cone developed the fabric called denim and sold it as workwear for miners.

    The Moses Cone Estate, Flat Top Manor. A beautiful park found on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 294

  • A rhododendron plant with over a dozen blossoms in full bloom. The flowers are a pink-purple color

    Rhododendron Blossoms in Roan Mountain, TN