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 [...]
Fresh New Ideas: Advocates see SC health Reform Fueling Expansions, Doctor-Driven Projects
The recent reform of South Carolina's Certificate of Need law has brought about a significant change in the state's healthcare landscape. With this reform, physicians can now establish more clinics, increasing citizens' accessibility to healthcare. Read more here.
Lifestyle Medicine: A Better Way to Better Health
HealthLinks Charleston Magazine has featured Dr. Lisa Ference on how lifestyle medicine addresses the root causes of chronic disease. Dr. Ference is a lifestyle medical doctor focusing on six pillars of lifestyle medicine. Read "Lifestyle Medicine: A Better Way To Better Health."
Congratulations Dr. Tolley!
Congratulations to CCMS Board Member, James Tolley, MD! He is a 2023 MOJA Arts Community Tribute Honoree. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional contributions to the community, particularly in medicine.
As Clear As a Bell
HealthLinks Charleston Magazine has featured Dr. Thaddeus J. Bell's distinguished professional journey before the onset of the pandemic. Since then, significant developments have occurred in his professional trajectory. For further insights, we invite you to explore Dr. Bell's latest updates in the article entitled, "As Clear as a Bell"- September/October 2023 Edition of HealthLinks Charleston Magazine.
Frozen in Time: More Women Are Freezing Their Eggs
"Female fertility preservation allows a woman to take eggs that she would naturally be losing each month and save them for use later in life", said CCMS member, Dr. Jeris Cox. Read more of "Frozen in Time: Women are Freezing Their Eggs" - July/August 2023 Edition of HealthLinks Charleston Magazine.
Join the Docs Adopt Program!
What is Docs Adopt? Docs Adopt partners physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants with local schools to serve on the school wellness committee. This initiative offers physicians a structured opportunity to provide support, knowledge, and motivation to schools as they implement evidence-based strategies and promote a culture of wellness. No clinical responsibilities or services are rendered as part of this volunteer role. How Do I Adopt A School? The process is straightforward. Please complete this Volunteer Registration Form to initiate the enrollment process. Over 50 schools participate in the Docs Adopt Program. Currently, seven schools are accepting volunteers. If [...]
Dr. Patrick Kelly won the RSFH St Luke’s Lifetime Physician Award!
Congratulations Dr. Kelly on winning the RSFH St Luke’s Lifetime Physician Award! CCMS is proud to have you as one of our dedicated members!
Lowcountry’s Remarkable Women: Dr. Kay Durst
Watch The Interview CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – For many, Dr. Kay Durst embodies the best in service, compassion, and achievement. She has her hands in many endeavors to help heal, uplift, and improve our communities all while continuing a family tradition of improving lives for generations of families throughout the Lowcountry.Coming from a family of doctors, Dr. Durst is a third-generational family medicine physician who has worked in a doctor’s office since her childhood — even now, she shares a practice with her father, Dr. George Durst, on Sullivan’s Island.“I just love helping people and healing, and I love [...]
Dr. Thaddeus J. Bell
Dr. Thaddeus John Bell, College of Medicine, Class of 1976 We are extremely proud to be able to feature our own CCMS member and chair of the Health Disparities Committee ~ Dr. Thaddeus Bell! We are also committed to be part of Closing The Gap In Healthcare's mission and vision. Below are just a few of the latest awards and accolades. Former MUSC diversity director honored Health center in Summerville named for Dr. Thaddeus Bell. Photo provided Thaddeus Bell was working at the VA hospital in 1980 when family grocery store owner Elijah Wright came to him and [...]
Dr. Stephen Schabel receives the Order of the Palmetto
Doctor Stephen Irwin Schabel received the Order of the Palmetto for his service to the citizens of South Carolina in addition to his capable teaching and service to the Medical University. He has also volunteered for many years on the Board of Medical Examiners.
Docs Adopt
WHAT IS DOCS ADOPT? Docs Adopt partners physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants with local schools to serve on the school wellness committee. This offers physicians a structured opportunity to provide support, knowledge, and motivation to schools as they implement evidence-based strategies and promote a culture of wellness. There are no clinical responsibilities or services rendered as part of this volunteer role. Click Here to learn more.
Catching Up with the Waring | Oct 2022
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Dr. Thaddeus J. Bell Receives The Order of the Palmetto Award
The Lowcountry Jazz Festival and the Charleston Gaillard Center on Wednesday announced that festival founder Dr. Thaddeus J. Bell will receive The Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor of South Carolina. “Dr. Bell’s lifetime of service to his neighbors and fellow South Carolinians is something we can all celebrate, and I’m proud to have had the opportunity to recognize him with the state’s highest civilian honor,” said Governor Henry McMaster. The Order of the Palmetto recognizes lifetime achievement and service by South Carolina residents and those born in the state. A prominent physician [...]
HAGERTY New Works
Stop by the Park Circle Gallery, North Charleston, SC to check out Dr. Hagerty's new works of art! On view Sep 7 - Oct 1, 2022 Surrealist Oil Paintings by Richard Hagerty
SC Academy of Family Physicians – Dr. Kay Durst
Dr. Kay Durst was recognized for her years of service with the SC Academy of Family Physicians. She was honored for serving over eight years on the board and as the Vice President for two years. The Academy serves over 2900 physicians, residents, and medical students in SC. Congratulations, Dr. Durst!
Hospitals Shouldn’t Get to Choose Their Competition
Read the Article Somebody call an eye doctor. Two of South Carolina’s largest hospital systems have gone to war over allegations of unfair trade practices, and neither side can see the hypocrisy. A lawsuit brought by the Medical University of South Carolina accuses Trident Medical Center and its affiliate company, Tennessee-based HCA Healthcare, of “wholesale poaching” and “conspiracy.” Specifically, MUSC says Trident raided its head-and-neck cancer treatment unit in 2021 and lured away several top doctors. Trident issued a statement in response, saying it merely wants to provide “exceptional care” for patients. A $1.7 million settlement with MUSC... [read the [...]
SCMA Annual Meeting Report 2022
Hot Topic presentation by Dr. Annie Andrews, “Children, Guns, and Safety” with 260 gun locks distributed to attendees (with contact information gathered for follow up) The resolution authored by Dr. Lara Wine Lee was approved with revisions. RESOLUTION NUMBER: C- 9 REDUCING UV EXPOSURE IN CHILDREN Authors: Charleston County Medical Society School Health Committee “RESOLVED; that the South Carolina Medical Association strongly encourages reducing barriers to adequate sun protection; RESOLVED; that the South Carolina Medical Association encourages schools and support legislation to allow students to access sunscreen at school without restriction and without requiring physician authorization; RESOLVED; that the [...]
Free Skin Cancer Screening – Volunteers Needed
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Eczema sufferers in SC gear up for peak flare season as temperatures rise
For millions of people in the United States with eczema, the beginning of springtime can bring welcomed relief, especially if your skin flares in drier seasons. But some with the condition may find the warmer season is when the condition can be the most unbearable. Eczema, a chronic skin condition that causes itching and redness, affects over 10 percent of the U.S. population and usually occurs on the hands, inner elbows, knees and around the eyes. Dr. Lara Wine-Lee, an eczema expert and dermatologist at the Medical University of South Carolina, said a lot of people with the condition [...]
Hot Off the Presses: WLS Spring 2022 Newsletter!
Waring Library Society Newsletter
Dr. Annie Andrews to Speak at College’s Bully Pulpit Series
The Bully Pulpit Series at the College of Charleston will host a town meeting with South Carolina 1st Congressional District Democratic candidate Dr. Annie Andrews on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 5 p.m. in room 101 of the Rita Liddy Hollings Science Center located at 58 Coming Street. Doors open for this event at 4:30 p.m. Please note that CofC has a clear bag policy for this event and only clear bags will be allowed in the building. Dr. Annie Andrews is an associate professor of pediatrics [...]
Voted Best Primary Care Doctor 2022
Please congratulate our colleague and fellow Board member Dr. Kay Durst who has been voted the “ The Best Primary Care Doctor” for 2022, presented by Healthlinks. A well-deserved award! -- Cleave Ham, MD
Healthlinks March/April 2022
Check us out in the March/April 2022 issue of Healthlinks DID YOU KNOW? Each issue CCMS sponsors a topic. Let Dana know of your ideas for any upcoming articles. Dana@charlestonmedicalsociety.org
Aging for Amateurs: A little about mental health in the time of COVID
A little about mental health in the time of COVID By Bill Simpson, MD We are entering the third year of dealing with the COVID pandemic, and I say “we” because it really is you and me. We are all living with at least some level of chronic stress due just to our being alive at this time. Questions swirl through our minds — what will come after the omicron variant? Did I just get exposed at the grocery store? Should I get the next booster? Is this just the start of a whole host of new diseases? [...]
The Waring Historical Library February Events Calendar
Upcoming Events
Hospitals Shouldn’t Get to Choose Their Competition
Read the Article Somebody call an eye doctor. Two of South Carolina’s largest hospital systems have gone to war over allegations of unfair trade practices, and neither side can see the hypocrisy.A lawsuit brought by the Medical University of South Carolina accuses Trident Medical Center and its affiliate company, Tennessee-based HCA Healthcare, of “wholesale poaching” and “conspiracy.” Specifically, MUSC says Trident raided its head-and-neck cancer treatment unit in 2021 and lured away several top doctors.Trident issued a statement in response, saying it merely wants to provide “exceptional care” for patients. A $1.7 million settlement with MUSC... [read the whole article] [...]
Dr. Thaddeus Bell-Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Vision Award
Read the Article Founder of Closing the Gap in Healthcare, fellow physician, CCMS Board member, and CCMS Healthcare Disparities Committee Chair, received the Joseph P. Riley Vision Award at the YWCA Greater Charleston’s 50th Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Thursday, January 13, 2022. Recognizing model corporate citizenship, the annual award is named for Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr., who served as mayor of the City of Charleston from 1975 to 2016. It recognizes an individual, corporation, or institution who achieves outstanding and favorable recognition in their field or industry; promotes diversity and equal opportunity through [...]
Aging for Amateurs: Swaps for better health
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Healthlinks January/February 2022
Check us out in the January/February 2022 issue of Healthlinks DID YOU KNOW? Each issue CCMS sponsors a topic. Let Dana know of your ideas for any upcoming articles. Dana@charlestonmedicalsociety.org
Waring Library Society 2021 Fall Newsletter
Fall 2021 Newsletter
The good and bad sides of inflammation
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College of Medicine Resident Diversity – Featuring Dr. James H. Tolley
Dr. James H. Tolley speaks in support of MUSC Diversity training. Watch Dr. Tolley Here. Watch the Entire Video Here
Healthlinks November/December 2021
Check us out in the November/December 2021 issue of Healthlinks DID YOU KNOW? Each issue CCMS sponsors a topic. Let Dana know of your ideas for any upcoming articles. Dana@charlestonmedicalsociety.org
How to reduce your risk of post-operative delirium
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How vaccines work and how you can help them to work better
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A Letter From the Front Lines of Quarantining With Kids
Read the Article
Inside the ICU with Dr. Kent Stock
Dr. Kent Stock, Infectious Disease Physician, recently interviewed by Roper St. Francis Healthcare Watch here
Healthlinks September/October 2021
Check us out in the September/October 2021 issue of Healthlinks DID YOU KNOW? Each issue CCMS sponsors a topic. Let Dana know of your ideas for any upcoming articles. Dana@charlestonmedicalsociety.org
Summer 2021 WLS Newsletter!
Summer 2021 Newsletter
North Charleston doctor offers vaccine facts and guiding hand
Read the Article
Aging for Amateurs: Another COVID-19 column!
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Listen to your doctor — mask up until all kids are protected
Read the Article Post and Courier Op-Ed (PDF)
Janice D. Key School Health Visionary Award
Ellen Nitz, CCSD Director of Nursing, won the 2021 Janice D. Key School Health Visionary from the SC School-Based Health Center Collaborative CONGRATULATIONS!
New location for East Cooper OB/GYN medical group
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Dr. Hochman quoted in Marketplace Morning Report
This affects health care workers, too, said South Carolina surgeon Marcelo Hochman. Noncompete agreements can restrict young physicians at the start of their careers. Read the Entire Article
Healthlinks July/August 2021
Check us out in the July/August 2021 issue of Healthlinks DID YOU KNOW? Each issue CCMS sponsors a topic. Let Dana know of your ideas for any upcoming articles. Dana@charlestonmedicalsociety.org
THE 2021 LOWCOUNTRY JAZZ FESTIVAL
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Media Release – School Health Committee News!
Read the Press Release
Yaffee and Dr. Marcelo Hochman Discuss Problems in Our Healthcare System
On June 11, 2021, Dr. Hochman was interviewed by Yaffee on WVNN. Listen here
Healthlinks May/June 2021
Check us out in the May/June 2021 issue of Healthlinks DID YOU KNOW? Each issue CCMS sponsors a topic. Let Dana know of your ideas for any upcoming articles. Dana@charlestonmedicalsociety.org
Initiative to Encourage Vaccination in Communities of Color
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COVID-19 Exposes Pitfalls of SC Certificate of Need Program
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Message from the School Health Committee
The Vaccines for Children program (VFC) provides federally purchased vaccines to approximately 50% of children in the United States, including children who are enrolled in Medicaid or who are uninsured or underinsured. CCSD is able to provide vaccines to students through VFC (thanks to Dr. Key), so that they can be up to date and eligible to attend school each year. The VFC was created in 1993, though, so it needs some updating. There’s a new federal bill called The Strengthening Vaccines for Children Program Act of 2021 (just introduced in the House as H.R. 2347, about to be introduced in the Senate) [...]
“I Got It!” campaign
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Statewide Virtual Be SMART Presentation
Dr. Annie Andrews, CCMS School Health Committee Member, to volunteer at statewide BeSMART Presentation on April 13th at 8pm Be SMART is a national AAP-aligned program that aims to reduce pediatric firearm injuries and deaths through adult-directed education on responsible firearm storage. You will learn how you can incorporate the Be SMART program into your practice or how to share this life-saving information with your neighbors. RSVP Here
Vaccine hesitancy not just for the needle-phobic
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What to expect when you’re expecting your 2nd COVID-19 vaccine
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Healthlinks March/April 2021
Check us out in the March/April 2021 issue of Healthlinks DID YOU KNOW? Each issue CCMS sponsors a topic. Let Dana know of your ideas for any upcoming articles. Dana@charlestonmedicalsociety.org
Mental Health Resource slides from Mayor’s Wellness Committee
Annie Lintzenich Andrews MD, MSCR CCMS Liaison with the City of Charleston Wellness Committee Due to COVID-19, more individuals are seeking mental health services. Click the link below for mental health resources available throughout the tri-county area.
Commentary: Take it from pediatricians, open-carry gun law will endanger SC children
Dr. Betsy Oddo is a Pediatric Hospital Medicine fellow and a member of the CCMS School Health Committee. Read the Article
Gun locks soon to be distributed to Charleston County School District nurses
Dr. Annie Andrews, CCMS, School Health Committee Member, in the News View Story
The answer is still ‘wear your mask’ and ‘keep your distance’
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Member Highlights – Janice Key, MD
Join the Meeting Here
MUSC pediatric doctors report recent uptick in firearm injuries in children
By, Rachel Ellis Watch the Video
Waring Library Society Summer 2020 Newsletter
James H. Tolley, MD, MAT President, Waring Library Society Board Read Entire Newsletter Here
Aging for Amateurs: Where you won’t see me during the pandemic
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Member Highlights
Jessica Tolley-McLendon ’08 Tolley-McLendon, an emergency medicine physician in Savannah, Georgia, spoke of her pride in the team of health care workers and first responders with whom she works: “We have seen decreased Emergency Department visits but higher acuity (sicker) patients. This has been a very scary time, but I am very proud of our “front liners” (health care workers and first responders). We have been very brave through this pandemic and have stepped up to the task at hand.” Like many health care providers, she takes many precautions to protect her family. “I am sure to always wear [...]
Don’t fall for any of the COVID-19 quackery
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Aging for Amateurs: How effective are stem cell therapies?
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Recipient of the School Health Service Award
The South Carolina School Nurse Association is pleased to announce Dr. Janice Key as the 2019-2020 Recipient of the School Health Service Award. Her lifelong dedication to school wellness and healthy lifestyles has provided proven positive outcomes for many of our students and families throughout the state. We thank you for all your support of school nurses and are honored to have you as our CCSD Medical Consultant. Congratulations Dr Key!
Congratulations to James Henry Tolley, MD, MAT, Assistant Professor
James Henry Tolley, M.D., MAT, is a native of Charleston, SC, a graduate of Clemson University and received his Master’s Degree from The Citadel. He received his MD degree from The Medical University of South Carolina in 1985. Dr. Tolley completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice. Upon completing his residency in Family Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia in 1988, he was invited to be an attending there in the Emergency Department as Assistant Professor of Surgery. With his mother being [...]
Walter E. Limehouse, MD, MA, FACEP, Associate Professor Retires
Dr. Walter Limehouse retired June 30, 2019 after 22 years at MUSC. He graduated from MUSC in 1974 and completed his medicine internship at Hospital St. Raphael/Yale in New Haven, CT before serving in the US Public Health Service in Wilkesboro NC. His general medical practice with the National Health Service Corps sponsored among the first free-standing nurse practitioner offices in NC. In 1977 he returned to residency, this time in pathology, at Miriam Hospital/ Brown in Providence RI, serving as chief administrative resident for three years. During residency he developed a conference on environmental pathology co-sponsored by Brown [...]
Fletcher C. Derrick, Jr., MD, Retires
As of June 30, 2019, Dr. Fletcher C. Derrick, Jr. will be retiring from the practice of urology at Lowcountry Urology Clinics and from the staffs of Roper and St Francis Hospitals. Dr. Derrick was a junior intern at St. Francis in 1957 while in Medical School at MUSC and subsequently several rotations at both Roper and St. Francis. Derrick joined the US Army Medical Corps as a senior student at MUSC. Upon graduation, he completed his internship at Martin Army Hospital in Fort Benning, Ga., and shipped out to Germany to serve in the 8th Division Artillery as [...]
Congratulations to Dr. Richard Gross
We would like to recognize Dr. Richard Gross for his recent receipt of the Humanitarian Award from the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America. This is a terrific and well-deserved honor for Dr. Gross. Congratulations! Interesting Info about Dr. Gross: The son of a theologian/minister and schoolteacher, Richard Gross grew up in western New York and Pennsylvania. In 1961, he graduated from Alfred University, where he was a forgettable Division III athlete(football, wrestling), but compensated for that with an undistinguished academic record. He then went south to Duke for his MD degree, exposing him to the sun, if you can’t get [...]
Dr. Joseph Krainin
A CCMS member, Dr. Joseph Krainin, wants to put the power of health care back into the hands of patients. “We want to take health care out of the forced algorithms of insurances and hospital protocols,” said Dr. Joseph Krainin, founder of Singular Sleep. “When I had a traditional practice, I was just facing an unwinnable battle helping people get the treatment they needed.” Singular Sleep, a telehealth startup, offers online consultations and home sleep testing services in 13 states and hopes to be in all 50 states within one year. The provider accepts no insurance. By removing third-party payers from [...]
