Marc Heincelman, M.D., Named Division Director of Hospital Medicine

Marc Heincelman, M.D., MPH, has been appointed as the new director of the Division of Hospital Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Dr. Heincelman has been serving as the Interim Director since the division's establishment in October 2020, and his exceptional leadership and dedication have made a significant impact during this time.

The division’s interdisciplinary team of 49 physicians and 10 advanced practice providers care for hospitalized patients on five teaching and eight direct patient care services, orthopedic and neurosurgery spine co-management services, and other surgical consultation. The care team also participates in a large preoperative clinic with the intent of improving surgical outcomes and provides telehospitalist support to two rural hospitals in South Carolina with the goal of providing clinical expertise while keeping patients in their home community.   

Dr. Heincelman's journey to this prestigious position is marked by his dedication to teaching and clinical excellence. Having completed his internal medicine/pediatrics combined residency at MUSC in 2014, Dr. Heincelman's passion for education earned him selection as chief resident. In 2015, he joined the MUSC internal medicine faculty and is currently an Associate Professor and Vice Chair for Quality Improvement in the Department of Medicine.

Dr. Heincelman's expertise in clinical education is evident through his various leadership roles at MUSC, including Director of the Internal Medicine Clerkship and Sub-internship, and recent past positions including Master Clinical Skills Teacher and Co-Chair of the Clinical Sciences Planning and Evaluation Committee (CSPEC).

During his tenure as Clerkship Director, Dr. Heincelman has achieved significant milestones, such as introducing a new two-week ambulatory clerkship and implementing an innovative Observed Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) to evaluate student clinical competencies post-internal medicine clerkship. Most notably, he has taken on the challenging task of developing clinical reasoning curriculum for third-and fourth-year medical students. Clinical reasoning is one of the most complex skills for students to hone during their undergraduate medical education phase and arguably one of the most challenging cognitive processes to teach. Beyond curriculum development, he provides support to students identified as needing remediation in clinical reasoning. By establishing rapport with these students, Dr. Heincelman guides them through the intricacies of clinical decision-making in a supportive environment that promotes discussion and enhances critical thinking skills.

His dedication to mentorship and creating a supportive learning environment for students has earned him numerous teaching awards and accolades, including the MUSC Teaching Excellence Educator Mentor Award, College of Medicine Golden Apple Clinical Years Excellence in Teaching Award, and the Outstanding Mid-Career Clinician Educator of the Year award from the Department of Medicine.

“We believe that Dr. Marc Heincelman's extensive expertise, leadership, and commitment to medical education make him the perfect fit for the role of Director of the Division of Hospital Medicine at MUSC. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Heincelman to his new position, as we look forward to the continued growth and success of the division under his guidance.”

--Dr. Ben Clyburn, Chair, Department of Medicine

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Heincelman is a devoted family man. Originally from Maryland, he now resides on James Island with his wife and twin sons. His personal experiences provide him with a deep understanding of the importance of compassion and patient-centered care.

“We believe that Dr. Marc Heincelman's extensive expertise, leadership, and commitment to medical education make him the perfect fit for the role of Director of the Division of Hospital Medicine at MUSC,” said Ben Clyburn, M.D, chair of the Department of Medicine. “Please join us in welcoming Dr. Heincelman to his new position, as we look forward to the continued growth and success of the division under his guidance.”