Message from the Chair

In a year unlike any other, our clinicians in the Department of Surgery remained resolute in our effort to provide the best possible care to our patients.

With surgical faculty trained in the newest innovative, minimally invasive techniques, the opening of one of the most technologically advanced children's hospitals in the country, the new South Carolina Burn Center, capital investments in innovative operating rooms and five new da Vinci XI robotic surgical systems, our department was well positioned to deliver highly-specialized care even in the midst of a global pandemic.

With more clinic locations throughout the state and an increase in Telehealth visits, we were able to provide better access to care with the goal of reducing the impact of healthcare disparities invulnerable patient populations throughout the state.

Some particularly noteworthy departmental highlights from this past year include:

•    clinical growth across divisions• significant rise in robotic surgery
•    record-setting extramural research funding
•    improved surgical outcomes as a result of MUSC Health's quality improvements and the department's participation in the South Carolina Surgical Quality Collaborative
•    exciting research opportunities in artificial intelligence, thanks to a philanthropic gift from Brigadier General Harvey W. Schiller, USAF Ret., Ph.D., and his wife, Marcia
•    a new cardiogenic shock team
•    new leadership positions to create a path forward for greater diversity, equity and inclusion, health and wellness, and leadership development programming
•    impressive international and national recognitions.

As we continue to face challenges presented by the pandemic, we remain steadfast in our commitment to provide optimal patient care through clinical outreach, innovation, and education.

During these unprecedented times, I extend my deepest appreciation to the dedicated faculty, fellows, residents, staff and to our generous donors generous donors who have contributed to oursuccess.

Prabhakar Baliga, M.D. FACS

Professor and Chair
Department of Surgery
Medical University of South Carolina