MUSC College of Medicine

09/05/2025

The College of Medicine is now one of the largest Graduate Medical Education institutions in the country! With nearly 1,000 residents and fellows across 18 clinical departments and more than 100 programs, we provide comprehensive training in every medical specialty and subspecialty.

We're proud to be training physicians who are changing what’s possible for patients in South Carolina and beyond.

09/04/2025

Researchers at MUSC are developing a promising new drug to fight aggressive head and neck cancers.

Still in preclinical studies, the drug called LCL768 attacks cancer cells from within by damaging their mitochondria, the cell's energy factories.

The research team led by COM faculty member Dr. Besim Ogretmen hopes this drug could one day offer new hope for patients with hard-to-treat cancers.

Learn More: https://web.musc.edu/about/news-center/2025/09/02/mitochondrial-targeting-drug-attacks-cancer-cells-from-within

09/03/2025

Drs. Alex Tompkins and Harrison Gaines have been named Residents of the Month for September! 🎉

Dr. Alex Tompkins, a PGY-2 in Pediatrics, was recognized for her exceptional attention to detail during a patient exam that led to the discovery of a significant mass now undergoing further evaluation. Her careful assessment ensured timely follow-up and intervention.

Dr. Harrison Gaines, a PGY-3 in Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, was nominated for being a highly versatile physician who excels in high-pressure environments. His unwavering professionalism, compassion, and respect toward patients, families, and colleagues make him an invaluable resident.

Congratulations to Drs. Tompkins and Gaines on a job well done!

08/29/2025

College of Medicine RiverDogs Night was a big hit! Students from the Classes of 2028 and 2029 filled the stands and brought incredible energy. ⚾

08/28/2025

Even future doctors need a break. ☀️ Our students know how to recharge with a little saltwater and sunshine.

08/27/2025

Get to know our outstanding Class of 2029 — a group of talented individuals ready to make a lasting impact here at MUSC!
 
With 94% calling South Carolina home, many will go on to serve as physicians within the state, continuing to give back to the communities they call home.
 
This class includes students from 48 undergraduate institutions. Seven percent are first-generation college students, and three will pursue both an MD and a PhD.

Several have a background in medicine, such as an oncology nurse, a pediatric ICU nurse, EMTs, CNAs, a pharmacy tech, scribes, and medical assistants. Others have faced personal medical challenges, including two cancer survivors who bring valuable perspective and strength to their future patients.
 
Others have excelled in pursuits ranging from Division 1 athletics to training with the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. One swam from Alcatraz to San Francisco at the age of 12, and we have several musicians. There are four twins, a volunteer firefighter, and an award-winning visual artist.
 
They bring a wide variety of life experiences that will help mold them into outstanding physicians, and we are excited to see what the future holds.

08/26/2025

Each year, we recognize the exceptional faculty who play a vital role in advancing education, research, and clinical care at MUSC. Their dedication and achievements continue to drive innovation and meaningful impact at MUSC and beyond.

Join us in congratulating the College of Medicine recipients of the 2025 MUSC Faculty Awards:

👨‍⚕️Teaching Excellence Award:
Edward F. Kilb, III, M.D.

🔬Peggy Schachte Research Mentor Award:
Alyssa A. Rheingold, Ph.D.

📘 Developing Scholar - Basic Science:
Justin Van Beusecum, Ph.D.

🏥 Outstanding Clinician Award:
Lillian M. Christon, Ph.D.

🧪Young Scientist Award for Excellence in Scientific Research
Jennifer Dahne, Ph.D. (absent)

🏅Distinguished Faculty Service Award:
Alice M. Boylan, M.D.
M. Edward Wilson, Jr., M.D.

Several COM faculty members also received the title of Distinguished University Professor. This honorary title is reserved for senior-level faculty who have made outstanding contributions to their professions while achieving national or international recognition for their accomplishments. Congratulations to Drs. Steven Carroll, Harry Clarke, Lucinda Halstead, David Mahvi, Bradley Schulte, Thomas Uhde, and M. Edward Wilson.

08/25/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Marylyn Ritchie on being named MUSC's inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer! Her arrival marks a significant step forward in advancing our college’s leadership in computational health sciences and AI education.

We’re excited to welcome Marylyn Ritchie, Ph.D., as MUSC’s first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. She will also serve as Associate Dean for Artificial Intelligence and Director of the Division of Computational Health Sciences & Artificial Intelligence in the MUSC College of Medicine.

Dr. Ritchie will lead efforts to integrate AI across education, research, and patient care, helping improve outcomes and strengthen community health.

Learn more: https://kntn.ly/7a061844

08/22/2025

Dr. Larissa Gouvea is the first ophthalmologist in South Carolina to perform corneal crosslinking on a child with keratoconus using general anesthesia. Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea becomes cone-shaped, affecting vision.

As the only pediatric cornea specialist in the state, Dr. Gouvea recognizes how critical it is to make sure young patients feel safe and comfortable so they can receive the care they need for these kinds of serious conditions.

Corneal crosslinking is typically performed over the course of an hour while the patient is awake. Knowing this can be overwhelming for children, Dr. Gouvea pushed to get general anesthesia approved for insurance coverage.

Thanks to Dr. Gouvea, a progressive eyes disease that threatened the vision of a young patient has been stopped. We are grateful to have her as one of our dedicated College of Medicine faculty members.

Learn More: https://web.musc.edu/about/news-center/2025/08/20/first-in-state-child-gets-corneal-crosslinking-under-general-anesthesia

08/21/2025

Our brand-new first-year medical students have already jumped into hands-on learning during their very first week of classes. They practiced taking blood pressure on each other and on patient simulators, and got an early introduction to ultrasound technology through guided practice.

08/20/2025

Research by MUSC AnMed student Josh Venegas caught the attention of NASA earlier this year. 🚀 His work involving spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) explores the potential role of sleep deprivation and impaired glymphatic clearance in the visual and intracranial changes astronauts experience during long-duration missions.

This research led to an invitation for both Josh and his mentor, Dr. Mark Rosenberg, to present as subject matter experts during a private NASA meeting in July. His ongoing efforts aim to inform approaches to neuro-ophthalmic health, both on Earth and in space.

As he continues his medical education, Josh strives to involve himself at the forefront of surgical intervention, clinical neuroscience, and aerospace medicine. His work exemplifies how medical students can simultaneously work to further both bedside care and off-planet exploration.