When Matthew M. “Matt” Medley assumed the role of chief executive officer for MUSC Health-Orangeburg in March of this year, his focus was on listening, building relationships and making sure that care team members were positioned for long-term success. In his role, Medley leads the senior leadership team and also serves on the MUSC Health-Charleston Division executive leadership committee. His goal, he said, is to make a tangible difference for those who rely on the hospital every day.
Medley took a few moments to touch on his progress made in the past four months and his vision for the future.
Q: Now that you are a few months into your position as the CEO of MUSC Health-Orangeburg, what have been some of the most valuable lessons?
A: One of the biggest lessons has been just how much people care about this community and this hospital. There is a real sense of pride here, and that comes through every time I meet with our care team members, providers, community leaders and patients. I've also learned that the best ideas usually come from listening. Every conversation gives me a better understanding of where we've been, where we are today and where we have the greatest opportunities to grow.
Q: What plans do you have for MUSC Health-Orangeburg?
A: I want us to continue building on the strong foundation that's already here while positioning our organization for the future. That means expanding access to care, recruiting outstanding physicians and advanced practice providers, investing in technology and making sure patients have a positive experience every step of the way. We also want to strengthen our relationships across the region because the more connected we are with the communities we serve, the better we can meet their needs.
Q: What are your top priorities this year, in the short term?
Right now, my focus is on listening, building relationships and making sure we are positioned for long-term success. We're continuing to recruit providers in key specialties, improve access to care, expand services our community needs and support our teams so they have the resources to provide excellent care every day. We are also looking for opportunities to improve how patients move through our system so their experience is as seamless as possible.
A: Right now, my focus is on listening, building relationships and making sure we are positioned for long-term success. We're continuing to recruit providers in key specialties, improve access to care, expand services our community needs and support our teams so they have the resources to provide excellent care every day. We are also looking for opportunities to improve how patients move through our system so their experience is as seamless as possible.
Q: How has your unique background prepared you for this position, specifically your experience with the Mayo Clinic?
A: My time at Mayo Clinic reinforced the importance of putting patients at the center of every decision. I had the opportunity to work alongside incredible physicians, administrators and care teams who were committed to collaboration and continuous improvement. Those experiences taught me that outstanding healthcare isn't just about clinical excellence; it's about culture, teamwork, communication and always asking how we can do better for the people we serve. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.
Q: What makes this position an exciting step in your career, especially as it relates to the Orangeburg area?
A: This is an opportunity to make a real difference not only in Orangeburg but also across the many communities throughout Orangeburg and surrounding counties that rely on us every day. Being part of MUSC Health allows us to connect local care with the expertise and resources of an academic health system while focusing on what matters most to the people who live here. Having the opportunity to help shape that future is what makes this role so meaningful to me.
Q: What challenges do you see that MUSC Health-Orangeburg faces?
A: Like many organizations across the country, workforce recruitment remains a challenge. Access to care is another important focus, especially in rural communities where transportation, provider shortages and other barriers can make it difficult for patients to get the care they need. At the same time, those challenges are pushing us to think differently. The launch of our Mobile Primary Care Unit in Wagener is a great example of how we're looking beyond traditional models to bring care directly into communities. I think you'll continue to see that kind of innovation as we look for new ways to serve our region better.
Q: What makes the Orangeburg healthcare market different than other markets in South Carolina?
A: Our market is unique because of the large rural population we serve and the broad geographic area that depends on us. We have an opportunity to improve access to care for communities that have historically faced healthcare challenges. There is also a deep sense of pride here. People care about their local hospital, and they want to see it continue to grow and succeed. That connection between the hospital and the community is something that really stands out.
Q: What do you like about working with the rural areas around the Orangeburg community?
One of the things I appreciate most is the opportunity to find creative solutions that fit the needs of each community. Rural communities are not all the same, so it's important that we listen, understand what matters most to the people who live there and build services that make sense for them. That’s one of the things that makes this work both challenging and rewarding.
A: One of the things I appreciate most is the opportunity to find creative solutions that fit the needs of each community. Rural communities are not all the same, so it's important that we listen, understand what matters most to the people who live there and build services that make sense for them. That’s one of the things that makes this work both challenging and rewarding.
Q: Talk about the changes that you see happening, or will happen, in the Orangeburg community and how that might change your goals at some point.
A: Communities are always evolving, and healthcare has to evolve with them. As Orangeburg and the surrounding region continue to grow and change, we'll continue looking at where new services are needed, how technology can improve access and how we can better meet the needs of patients and families. My goals will always center on ensuring we’re prepared for what’s next while providing outstanding care today.
Q: What personal qualities have prepared you for this position?
A: I believe one of my greatest strengths is listening. Every community is different, and I don't believe leadership starts with having all the answers. It starts with understanding people, building trust and bringing teams together around a shared vision. I'm also someone who believes in collaboration. Healthcare is a team effort, and the best outcomes happen when people work together with a common purpose.
Q: What do you do in your spare time to decompress or to put your job into perspective?
A: The job definitely keeps me busy, so I like to keep things simple. Give me some time with my family, Florida Gators football in the fall and the chance to get out on the golf course, and I'm happy.
Theresa Stratford
Theresa Stratford is the editor for MUSC’s newspaper, The Catalyst. She has worked as a writer and editor for 25 years since graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and mass communications. As a writer, she has worked for the federal government in cybersecurity and for the Department of Energy. As both a writer and an editor, she has worked for a variety of syndications, including national magazines, such as Vogue Knitting, as well as many local Charleston and South Carolina publications.
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