JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. -

East Tennessee State University's top medical school leader is stepping down -- Dr. Philip Bagnell, the Dean of the James H. Quillen College of Medicine, announced Tuesday he will retire this summer.

Bagnell became a faculty member more than two decades ago. He was the school's first full-time pediatric gastroenterologist.

School officials called Bagnell a highly respective leader and true champion for medical education and interdisciplinary learning.

Bagnell said he feels the College of Medicine and the university are in a good place right now. "We are attracting the brightest and best in east Tennessee. And that gives us the best chance for the future," he said.

Bagnell will continue to serve as dean until he officially retires July 31.

Bagnell, who is from Canada, said he and his wife are looking forward to moving back to Nova Scotia and being full-time grandparents.

Go here to read the rest:

ETSU medical school dean stepping down