About the Dean

Dr. Bill Block was born and raised in Florida before attending college at the University of the South, where he obtained a B.S. in physics. He subsequently attended medical school at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine. Upon graduation, he completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of South Carolina, followed by a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at Wake Forest University. 

He then joined the faculty at ETSU, serving in progressive roles within the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, including division director. He served as the OB/GYN clerkship director and sat on multiple committees.  

In 2004, Dr. Block relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to join Minnesota Perinatal Physicians, where he served in multiple roles, including practice director. He founded the Midwest Fetal Care Center to bring advanced fetal interventions to the upper Midwest while becoming a leading advocate of interdisciplinary care. 

Seeking to return to the full-time pursuit of academic medicine, he relocated back to East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine to serve as chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2016. He became dean of Medicine in July 2018.  In February 2020, he became vice president for Clinical Affairs and dean of Medicine for East Tennessee State University. 

During his tenure as dean, the college has undergone a successful accreditation process by the LCME and has modernized the student curriculum while increasing clinical care to the region and biomedical research. ETSU Quillen College of Medicine is nationally ranked in family medicine and for its successful missions in producing physicians for rural and primary care.

Outside of work, Dr. Block spends his time with his family and pets. His hobbies include distance running, sailing and camping.