UofSC Graduation Years: BS in Biology in 1984; MD in 1988
Residency/Fellowship: I completed both my residency in internal medicine and my fellowship in hematology/oncology at Brooke Army Medical Center at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. I completed my obligation with the US Army at Ft. Bragg in Fayetteville, NC, and moved to Spartanburg, SC in 1997.
Employment: I was in private practice with Palmetto Hematology Oncology until we sold our practice to Spartanburg Regional Hospital in 2008. Currently, I practice at Gibbs Cancer and Research Center which is a part of Spartanburg Medical Center. We have offices in Union and Cherokee counties, and in addition to the Gibbs Cancer Center on the Spartanburg Medical Center campus, we now have the new beautiful facility in Greer, SC.
Involvement with the Alumni Association: I joined the Alumni Association in 2010 as an opportunity to give back to the university. I love what I do! Being a physician is still one of the most rewarding and fulfilling careers that exists. For myself, it is a ministry as much as a profession. I believe the education I received at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine is what prepared me for my career, and has been part of my motivation to continue to support the university. As a graduate of the class of 1988, we did not have the opportunity to be engaged with the alumni board for another 10 years because it didn't exist. Joining the board has provided me an opportunity to better understand how valuable we are as alumni to the current students and university itself. By becoming involved, I was able to teach a class for seven years to the MI students about the importance of spirituality in medicine and acting as a mentor to students to help them understand what practicing medicine is really about.
Thoughts on Future Alumni Association Initiatives: I was recently elected as president of the Alumni Association Board as the COVID-19 pandemic was unfolding before us. It has been a very challenging time for everyone as we all learn how to continue to carry out our daily activities with the 'new norm.' Any expectations I had coming in to this position have been refined and reformed. The impact and ramifications of this pandemic will continue to be life changing for all. Whether it is adapting to virtual meetings rather than 'in-person' meetings, recognizing the new challenges alumni and students are facing with the economic and health consequences of the pandemic, or becoming more aware and engaged in the inequalities so many face regarding racial disparities. NOW more than ever is the time we come together as a community to help each other to better care for our patients, our families, and our university.
More About Me: I am a father of three sons, all of whom graduated from UofSC including my eldest who just graduated from UofSC SOM Columbia. I am a die hard Carolina fan. I met my best friend and wife of 35 years walking the UofSC campus as well. They have been the center of my life, as is my faith, which keeps me grounded. Medicine, and specifically the field of oncology, can be emotionally challenging. Avoiding burn out and being the best every day for your patients is not an easy task. I have been an avid runner (ran in the 2013 Boston Marathon) and skier over the years. Time away from work with family is essential to staying a compassionate and effective caregiver.