About the Department of Family Medicine

The Department of Family Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina is one of the oldest academic departments in the nation. It was established in 1970 as one of the first university-affiliated departments in the country. Our residency program has trained more than 370 family physicians and currently has 36 residents and two fellows. The graduates of this program have excelled in both private practice and have become leaders in family medicine education. In addition to the residency program, the department and faculty have become nationally recognized for the electronic patient record, health maintenance reminder system, community-oriented primary care projects, sports medicine focus, and occupational medicine. Presently, our faculty possess expertise in sports medicine, Balint training, procedural skills, quality improvement, substance abuse, and women's health issues.

The faculty, residents, and staff of Family Medicine take great pride in our service to patients, dedication to continuing improvement, and commitment to academic growth and scholarly productivity. These values are reflected in our vision statement, mission statement, and strategic directions.

Vision Statement

The Department of Family Medicine strives to be recognized within the community, the Medical University of South Carolina, and the nation as an innovative leader in clinical care, primary care education, and research.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Family Medicine is to provide excellent and comprehensive interdisciplinary health care to individuals, their families, and the community. This focus on excellence in care will be blended with the educational needs of residents, medical students, and health professions students and the search for new knowledge that will enhance the practice of family physicians.

Department Organization

The Department of Family Medicine is organized into five sections:

• Medical Student Education – Department faculty are leaders throughout all four years of the curriculum. Many faculty direct and teach the various courses.
• Residency and Fellowship Education – The Family Medicine Residency Program has a long track record of graduating competent and caring family physicians. Beginning in 2024, a Primary Care Sports Medicine fellowship began training fellows to provide musculoskeletal focused care that helps patients optimize their athletic performance.
• Geriatrics – Family Medicine faculty serve as medical directors in four area Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Additionally, several of our providers care for patients in long-term care, subacute rehab, assisted and independent living. They also contribute to the education of medical students, residents, and fellows in this setting.
• Research – The Research Section includes two physician investigators and one Ph.D. level research member. Research threads include primary care for patients with cancer, cancer screening and prevention, telehealth, and care of underserved and vulnerable populations.
• Clinical Care – All of the practices in which our providers work are recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Homes. Special interest foci include sports medicine, addiction medicine, geriatrics, women's health, and acupuncture.

Where Your Support Matters

By donating to one of our dedicated funds, you are directly supporting our mission to educate the generalist clinicians, to improve patient care, and to create and study improved health care delivery systems. Every contribution, big or small, fuels our mission to provide exceptional care and education. Join us in making a lasting impact.

MUSC CARES Free Clinic

A medical student-run community clinic providing free healthcare to underserved populations. Your donation helps ensure continued access to compassionate, high-quality care.

Family Medicine General Support Fund

Supports the broad needs of our department, from educational initiatives to community outreach and faculty development.

Clive Brock Education Support Fund

Honoring the legacy of Dr. Clive Brock, who has led Balint Group training for decades, this fund enhances education in clinician-patient relationships, fostering communication skills that improve patient care.

Community Geriatrics Innovation Fund

This fund drives the integration of cutting-edge technologies and practices into improved healthcare for older adults, ensuring quality, patient-centered care.