South Carolina Osteopathic Medical Society

04/27/2026

Clemson University releases "AI in healthcare" report that examines how health care professionals across the state view the use of AI in their work and offers a grounded look at where AI shows promise—and where caution remains warranted.

04/24/2026

At UVA Health, the iconic orange plastic pill bottle is getting a makeover. Some prescriptions are now being filled in a new, recyclable paper bottle. Made with 100% recyclable materials and a compostable paper core, the bottles, called Tully Tubes, debuted at some UVA Health pharmacies in 2025.

“Traditional plastic vials can be difficult to recycle, but sustainable alternatives that maintain safety, quality and usability have been limited,” said Carrie Kovacik, PharmD, manager of UVA Health’s ambulatory pharmacy supply chain. “These paper-based bottles offer a step forward in reducing our introduction of single-use plastics into our community.”

The paper bottles cost about the same to produce as traditional plastic bottles while generating about 30% less carbon. The reduction of UVA Health’s carbon footprint by switching entirely to paper bottles would be the equivalent of not driving more than 24,000 miles in a gas-powered vehicle.

04/24/2026

South Carolina is one of the best places to practice medicine in the country - ranking #14 - and the best in the Southeast.

Best & Worst States for Doctors in 2026

04/22/2026

are plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm (about 1/16 of an inch) that result from breakdown of plastic litter in the environment.

More than 13 000 chemicals are associated with plastics, including about 4200 chemicals of concern and 10 chemical groups identified as highly toxic substances.

This JAMA Patient Page describes microplastics and the potential health effects of human exposure to microplastics.

https://ja.ma/4ev3cR6

04/22/2026

Dr. Ryan Hakimi, a SCOMS Board Member and Neurointensivist, was a poster professor at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Chicago. He is pictured here with a student from VCOM-Carolinas - Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine who was presenting her poster research.

04/07/2026

SCOMS is excited to welcome 50 new residents who will remain in South Carolina for their residency programs once they graduate from VCOM-Carolinas - Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine!

04/07/2026

Alaina Mullaly, Lianna Perazzo, Dr. Tim Kowalski, and Tammy Whaley participated in DO Day at Capitol Hill representing both SCOMS and VCOM-Carolinas - Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine.

04/06/2026

The brains of humans and dogs are so similar that researchers are studying dementia in dogs as a path to better understand and treat cognitive decline in both humans and dogs.

The Dog Aging Project is working to help dogs live longer, healthier lives. The research results may help humans age well, too."60 Minutes" is the most succe...

03/31/2026

State public health officials have launched a new online portal for South Carolinians to file complaints about licensed health care professionals. The resource also allows medical providers to report serious accidents and incidents.

03/28/2026

The SC House passed a bill eliminating doctor noncompetes, sending it to the Senate as questions linger over rural health care outcomes. (Full story below.)

03/25/2026

Occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech language pathologists at Spartanburg Regional are leveraging advanced virtual reality technology to meet rehabilitation pa

03/18/2026

Two Charleston area doctors question the governance structure of MUSC, prompting calls for separate oversight of its academic and hospital missions. (Full story below.)