Thomas
Quattlebaum

In his professional roles, Dr. Quattlebaum of Family Medicine and Community Health at JABSOM considers himself a teacher first and a physician second. His teaching with students and residents takes place on a continuous, longitudinal basis in the clinical setting, focused on real-world application. His collaborative teaching approach resonates with his students in their Problem-Based Learning tutorial sessions where learners feel supported and safe in asking questions an experience greater likelihood of reaching their full tutorial sessions. The hidden curriculum in medical training is role modeling that learners will observe and repeat. “Dr. Q,” as many fondly refer to him, brings humility and openness to lifelong learning, modeling the values of: listening first for understanding; engaging in appreciative inquiry; and, cultural humility with respect to those from different backgrounds and from whom all can learn. His colleagues credit him with creating a positive learning community, innately embodying the skills of a mentor and coach, and transforming what was a historically punitive educational environment.