January 24, 2025- In an effort to differentiate Southwest Virginia in its efforts to invest in urological services, including Bristol, Abingdon and surrounding communities, Ballad Health is announcing the creation of The Quillen Center for Urological Services, based at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Virginia.
According to the American Urological Association, 60% of counties in the United States lack a practicing urologist, a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary tract and reproductive system. Additionally, the existing urology workforce is aging with about 30% of the workforce being age 65 or older, and half being over the age of 55. The shortage of urologists is worse in rural and non-urban communities. Only 7% of younger urologists under the age of 45 are practicing outside of metropolitan areas, meaning that absent a focused effort, access will continue to deteriorate in these communities.
In the Appalachian Highlands, there remain exceptional urologists practicing in Kingsport and Johnson City. However, consistent with national trends, and despite efforts to recruit, the number of urologists practicing has decreased, and access has become more of a challenge. With only 300 urologists entering the workforce each year throughout the United States, rural communities will continue to struggle with recruitment of newly trained specialists.
This new center is made possible through a gift of $1 million from Mike and Debbie Quillen for the purpose of establishing the center, recruiting leadership and creating a center of excellence model supported by technology and innovation.