Department of Medicine accomplishments made possible by our generous donors.

October 01, 2019
Richard M. Silver, M.D., vice chairman of development in the Department of Medicine.
Richard M. Silver, M.D., vice chairman of development in the Department of Medicine

To our generous donors, 

As we reflect on the past year, we would like to share with you some of our accomplishments and thank you for your financial support. We could not have made these advances without your help.  

Just to highlight a few of these accomplishments: 

  • New research led by Carol Feghali-Bostwick, Ph.D., Kitty Trask Holt and SmartState Endowed Chair for Scleroderma Research, has identified a naturally occurring protein, IGFBP-5, as a potential new therapeutic target for lung fibrosis. The study was published recently in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology.
  • MUSC rheumatologists Gary Gilkeson, M.D., and Diane Kamen, M.D., MSCR, are leading the first clinical trial in the U.S. to use allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells to treat patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The results of this trial, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), could lead to a more targeted therapy for lupus, with fewer of the serious adverse effects seen with conventional therapies.
  • The MUSC Health Palliative Care Team was awarded a Citation of Honor by the American Hospital Association and is creating a statewide, palliative care telehealth program.
  • The MUSC Health Rheumatology Program ranked No. 13 nationally in the 2019 to 2020 U.S. News & World Report list of best rheumatology programs in the country.
  • MUSC investigators in the Division of Endocrinology conducted a groundbreaking study looking at the genetics surrounding preeclampsia and diabetes. As a result of this study, physicians can potentially take a more proactive approach in diagnosing and treating preeclampsia. The findings of this important study were recently published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 

Private financial support is essential to sustaining the Department of Medicine’s commitment to patient care, breakthroughs in treatment, and medical education. I look forward to continuing to share with you the impact of your compassionate support throughout the coming year. 

Richard M. Silver, M.D.
Distinguished University Professor
Division of Rheumatology and Immunology
Vice chair of development, Department of Medicine, MUSC