Yao named Quillen College of Medicine’s Dishner Chair of Excellence

Dr. Zhi Q. Yao, division chief of research and director of East Tennessee State University’s Center of Excellence in HIV/AIDS in the Quillen College of Medicine, has been named the college’s Paul Dishner Chair of Excellence in Medicine. 

Established in 1989, the primary focus of the Dishner Chair of Excellence in Medicine is to enhance research efforts in the Quillen College of Medicine. 

He is well-suited for the task. 

During his time at ETSU, Yao has brought more than $10 million in grant funding for his research either as the principal or co-principal investigator on numerous research projects and has published more than 100 peer-reviewed studies. Yao was awarded ETSU’s Distinguished Faculty Award for Research in 2012. 

Yao is among the many ETSU professors who regularly produce elite research, often winning competitive grants such as the university’s first major COVID-19 research grant – a team led by Yao. 

“Being named the Dishner Chair of Excellence was my main career goal before I retired, as it gives me the opportunity to help live out the mission of ETSU of helping improve the quality of life for the people of our area and beyond," said Yao.  

Yao, who also serves as the director of the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center’s HIV and Hepatitis Program, has been with the Quillen College of Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine for nearly two decades. He obtained his medical degree in 1985 and completed his Ph.D. in infectious diseases in 1991 at the Fourth Military Medical University in China.

“Dr. Yao brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, having enjoyed an extensive history of successful research at ETSU,” said Dr. Bill Block, dean of the Quillen College of Medicine and ETSU’s vice president for Clinical Affairs. 

To learn more about the Quillen College of Medicine, visit etsu.edu/com/. 

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East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.