CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 30, 2026)—MUSC is aware of concerns raised today about pain management practices for patients living with sickle cell disease. We sincerely thank our patients and families for sharing their experiences. Their feedback is essential; we are listening closely.
Our priority is compassionate, evidence-based care that preserves life and helps our patients flourish. As pain management continues to evolve with medical advancements, we are committed to providing care that supports the best possible quality of life.
Recently, we have implemented enhanced, evidence-based treatment plans for sickle cell patients. These plans increase access to the newest and most effective disease-modifying therapies that address the underlying cause of pain and organ damage. We also offer alternative pain therapies and a variety of alternative therapies to help patients not only survive but thrive.
To strengthen our partnership with the sickle cell community, MUSC is establishing its first Patient and Family Advisory Council for Sickle Cell Disease. Launching this spring, the council will provide a direct forum for collaboration and shared decision-making.
We are reviewing the concerns that have been raised and will continue working closely with our patients, families, and clinical teams to support the highest-quality care.
Because these issues involve individual patients, we cannot comment on specific cases.
Media Contact: mediarelations@musc.edu
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About MUSC
Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, with a mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates nearly 3,500 students in six colleges and trains approximately 1,050 residents and fellows across its health system. MUSC leads the state in federal, National Institutes of Health and other research funding. For information on our academic programs, visit musc.edu.
As the health care system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding health care providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. In 2025, for the 11th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org.
MUSC has a total enterprise annual operating budget of $8.9 billion. The nearly 35,000 MUSC members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers, scientists, contract employees, affiliates and care team members who deliver groundbreaking education, research and patient care.
