James Henry Tolley, M.D., MAT

 

James Henry Tolley, M.D., MAT, is a native of Charleston, SC and a graduate of Clemson University, The Citadel and The Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Tolley completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia. While practicing emergency medicine for 28 years, Dr. Tolley served as an MUSC ED attending physician and for 12 years as the medical director of the Charleston Memorial Hospital Emergency Department. He has served on numerous committees within the Medical University and has special interests in medical community outreach and working with students planning to enter medical careers. He has served as a mentor for underrepresented minority students of MUSC College of Medicine. Dr. Tolley is a past president of the Charleston County Medical Society and the Waring Historical Library Society and continues to serve on their Executive Boards. He also serves on various committees, including the Admissions Committee, The Group on Diversity Affairs of the College of Medicine, is a member of the Black Faculty Group, as well as service on other institutional committees over the years. Dr. Tolley is also a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. where he acts as Chair of the Men’s Health Initiative of Mu Alpha Chapter. He continues to serve the community through his efforts in medical education for children and adults, participation in community health fairs and school career days. With a keen interest in the overall history of medicine in the Charleston area he is particularly focused on the history of medical physicians and practices in the African American community. He is married to Cheryl Tibbs Tolley, and they have a son, daughter and son in law. He also has three precious granddaughters Ella, Sophia and Leia.

What advice would you give to medical students at MUSC now?

“Seek and keep balance in your professional, family and spiritual lives. Rely on your training. Seek out true life mentors to assist you throughout your career.”