93rd Annual Halsted Society Meeting

Thank you for attending the 2019 annual meeting of the Halsted Society. Surgical leaders from around the country attended the annual meeting in Charleston in September.  The MUSC Department of Surgery was honored to serve as the 2019 host, bringing great prestige to our University and providing an opportunity to showcase our faculty, research and innovation to national leaders.

To see the photos of the events:

Wednesday

Wednesday evening, MUSC hosted a Welcome Reception at in the Palmetto Garden Room, also known as the Palmetto Cafe, in Charleston Place from 6 - 9 p.m. 

Thursday

Thursday's local scientific program was on the MUSC Campus with a half day of academic sessions.  After the academic session, there were three opportunities to learn more about MUSC and Charleston. We hosted a walking tour through an historic section of Charleston, led by anthropologist Dr. Ade Ofunniyin (Dr. O), grandson of the legendary Charleston Blacksmith, Philip Simmons, and founder and CEO of the Gullah Society; a tour the historic Roper House; and a self-guided tour of the Waring Historical Library, the special collections and rare book library for the Medical University of South Carolina. 

Ade Ajani OfunniyinSpouse and Guest Social Programs:
Thursday's social program began with a rich understanding of the contributions made by enslaved Africans and their descendants to the fabric of life in America through the eyes of anthropologist Dr. Ade Ajani Ofunniyin (Dr. O), grandson of the legendary Charleston Blacksmith, Philip Simmons, and founder and CEO of the Gullah Society. 

Heart Gate

Dr. O will guided us through a leisurely walking tour in the historic district, focusing on the famed Charleston gates created by Philip Simmons, one of the world's most renowned Master Blacksmiths. Dr. O spoke to the significance of Philip Simmons as an African American blacksmith and someone of Gullah heritage. Dr. O dove into the influence of the Gullah in the Lowcountry and the efforts being made by the Gullah Society to preserve their heritage, providing a deeper understanding and depth of gratitude to their contributions to society. 

After the tour and lunch, another opportunity was offered 

 

The Roper House, part of the American Classical Homes Preservation Trust, is an outstanding example of early 19th Century Greek Revival architecture. The house is built on a monumental scale, with massive, two-story-high Ionic columns raised above a first floor, arched loggia pedestal base.The private tour provides a glimpse into life on the High Battery.

Gibbes Museum of ArtThursday's social program concluded with a reception and dinner at the Gibbes Museum of Art, just a few short steps away from Charleston Place. The Gibbes Museum of Art is home to the foremost collection of American art that incorporates the story of Charleston. The Museum connects the city and region’s artistic past to a vibrant contemporary art scene. 

Abigail Kent

During the cocktail reception, guests enjoyed a docent-led private tour of the galleries and entertainment by local harpist, Abigail Kent, named the February 2018 “New Artist of the Month” for Musical America International Magazine. Miss Kent is the 2017–19 touring “Concert Artist” of the American Harp Society after winning the prestigious Pan-American solo competition.

Friday

Friday's academic sessions took place in the Cypress Room at Charleston Place and concluded at 11:30 a.m. with the annual business meeting taking place from 11:30 - noon.

Charleston Library Society Guests enjoyed a short walk to the Charleston Library Society, one of Charleston's true treasures. Founded in 1748, decades before the United States, all four South Carolinians who signed the Declaration of Independence were board members. From colonial era letters to literary manuscripts, the Library Society's Archives and Special Collections hold some of the Lowcountry's greatest cultural treasures.  Today, it stands as the nation's second-oldest continually operating library and in addition to being a lending library, local Charlestonians often referred to the Library Society as Charleston's cultural, social and intellectual living room, hosting screenings, book events and talks.

The Sound of Charleston

The Friday night Black Tie Dinner and Reception included a cocktail reception and special musical performance at Circular Congregational Church: The Sound of Charleston from Gospel to Gershwin.  Charleston’s longest running musical production. 

“The best night out in the City is this must-see performance of gospel, Gershwin, music of the Civil War, light classics, and jazz — all the elements of Charleston’s rich musical stew”– Frommers Travel Guide

Sottile Ballroom

Following the reception was the Black Tie Dinner in the Sottile Ballroom, part of the historic Riviera Theater at Charleston Place.The Riviera Theatre is a National Historic Landmark, complete with Art Deco murals, intricate moldings and light fixtures. Even the original plush theater seats, marquee and ticket booth were preserved. 

Saturday

Saturday's academic session took place in the Cypress Room at Charleston Place.