I know there is a lot to keep up with these days, as we begin to emerge from some aspects of pandemic life and yet find ourselves immersed in an oncoming 4th wave. It's a valid and important question for MUSC family members, as well as all of those we serve, to ponder, "Why did we need to acquire hospitals in the heart of state, and why NOW?"
Dr. Pat Cawley, MUSC Health CEO and Vice President for Health Affairs for the University, and I recently shared our thoughts on this in a guest column for the Post and Courier. Want to know why Midlands and why now? Read on here. In addition to what's mentioned in that piece, I'll add that given the facilities involved, their critical role in the communities where they are located and what may have happened if we didn't step in were all factors in moving forward with the purchase in such an unorthodox amount of time.
There are a lot of challenges right now, and a lot of unknowns in healthcare. However, I find myself relying on the truth within a quote from one of my favorite leaders, President Abraham Lincoln. To paraphrase, the best way to predict the future is to create it. And that is what we are doing, together.
David J. Cole
President, Medical University of South Carolina Professor, Surgical Oncology
Dr. David J. Cole came to MUSC in 1994. In 2003, Dr. Cole was named the A. McKoy Rose, Jr., M.D. Endowed Chair in Surgical Oncology. He was selected as Chairman for the Department of Surgery in September of 2007 and elected President of MUSC Physicians in 2013. Dr. Cole held these esteemed titles until becoming President of MUSC on July 1, 2014.
Dr. Cole received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from New Mexico State University and he received his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College in New York. He interned and completed his residency at Emory University Affiliated Hospitals in Atlanta and his fellowship in Surgical Oncology at the NIH/NCI Surgery Branch in Bethesda.
