Keto Hope Foundation: Supporting Children with Drug‑Resistant Epilepsy through a Ketogenic Diet
Dr. Jessica Lee started the Keto Hope Foundation in Charleston after witnessing her daughter Rosemary become seizure‑free through strict adherence to a medical ketogenic diet. Established in 2015, the nonprofit now offers resources, community support, and continuing education for families and dietitians nationwide. The organization has helped hundreds of families affected by drug‑resistant epilepsy, provides webinars, attends epilepsy-focused events, and recently surpassed $30,000 in fundraising at its March 8 “Party with a Purpose” gala Read more
Closing the Gap in Healthcare: How CCMS Is Making a Difference
The Charleston County Medical Society is proud to support a mission to improve health equity across our communities. Through our partnership with Closing the Gap in Healthcare, founded by Dr. Thaddeus J. Bell, we're working to raise awareness and improve access to medical care in local communities that are underserved, often due to race or socio-economic status. Dr. Bell, a longtime advocate for health equity, started this initiative to tackle disparities in healthcare through education and outreach. His efforts include delivering culturally relevant health information via videos, media engagements, and community events. One of the initiative's most impactful [...]
CCMS was presented with two well-deserved S.C. Medical Association awards for 2025
At the SCMA Presidential Inauguration & Gala Awards Dinner, CCMS was presented with two well-deserved S.C. Medical Association awards for 2025. The SCMA Healthy Children in our Communities Award is given for the efforts by the CCMS School Health Committee on behalf of school-based wellness programs for children. Thank you to Dr. Janice Key and Dr. Katharyn Ouzts, and many more– this award recognizes the success of your tireless, outstanding service and devotion to this cause over many years! The SCMA Community Service Award is given for the efforts by the CCMS Healthcare Disparities Committee (now part of the [...]
CCMS President Discusses School Health Initiatives on Healthlinks Podcast
Dr. Kay Durst, Charleston County Medical Society was featured on a recent Healthlinks Podcast discussing what our School Health Committee is doing to improve student health & wellness in the Charleston County School District.
Dr. Kay Durst: Leading with Passion in Medicine and Community
Dr. Kay Durst, MD, is a family physician, mentor, and advocate dedicated to improving healthcare in Charleston and beyond. As president of the Charleston County Medical Society, she supports physician mentorship, leadership scholarships, and community health initiatives. Beyond medicine, she gives back through charitable programs like Closing the Gap in Healthcare, postpartum support groups, and Bee Brave Buddies for children with leukemia. With a passion for preventive care, Dr. Durst is also a culinary health education fundamentals (CHEF) coach, helping patients integrate healthy habits into their daily lives. Her dedication to both medicine and service continues to inspire those [...]
Healthy Tri-County Community Survey
Healthy Tri-County is a multi-sector regional initiative to improve health outcomes in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties of South Carolina. Every three years they do a community survey, interviews and focus groups to obtain data which forms the basis of a community needs assessment. This assessment is used to guide Healthy Tri-County and it's partners in decisions made about health programming in our tri-county region. We encourage you to take the survey and urge others to do so. A link to survey as well as additional information can be found at https://healthytricounty.com/tri-county-community-health-needs-assessment. More Information HERE...
Join the White Wednesday Advocacy Team!
[PDF] Myth_vs_Fact_Scope_of_Practice_5_ JOIN THE SCMA ADVOCACY TEAM WEDNESDAYS AT THE STATE HOUSE Messages are best delivered to legislators by physician advocates who can educate legislators with FACTS and share firsthand experiences. That's why our Advocacy Team has designated Wednesdays as "White Coat Wednesdays" where physicians are encouraged to meet directly with Senators to discuss the importance of physician-led care. Two shifts are available each Wednesday: (sign up using the button below!) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Additional advocacy questions? Please contact Holly Pisarik at hollyp@scmedical.org. * NOTE: White Coat Wednesdays are separate from our Doctor of the Day program and the SCMA [...]
MUSC Boeing Center For Children’s Wellness Makes Positive Impact
The MUSC Boeing Center for Children's Wellness engages school communities in creating healthy learning environments through the implementation of targeted wellness initiatives. Their vision is a South Carolina where all children are healthy, succeed in school, and thrive in life. Lead by CCMS Board Member and School Health Committee Co-Chair Dr. Janice Key, the Center served 20 school districts, 271 schools and 165,000 K-12 students in South Carolina. Their 2023-24 Impact Report can be found here or on their website: https://musckids.org/our-services/boeing-center.
