A President's Perspective – August 2021

Dear MUSC family,

Please take a few minutes to explore the thought-provoking content highlighted in this newsletter. You will notice that this format signals a new approach to my connecting with you on a regular basis.

Although the content you’ll find here is focused on things unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic, I would be remiss in not mentioning how important it is that we stay the course with appropriate COVID-19 precautions – mandated or not.

Unlike this time last year, however, we have more tools in our toolbox: in particular, safe and effective vaccines that can help to stop the viral variant cycles that we are experiencing. As the Delta variant continues to impact populations of unvaccinated individuals heavily and our hospital census is on the rise, we need to continue to push our colleagues, friends, neighbors and loved ones to get a vaccine if they have not yet and continue to monitor the infection trends relative to South Carolina and the potential impact on our work. Please understand the facts and continue to monitor www.musc.edu/coronavirus and www.muschealth.org/coronavirus closely for updates on restrictions, connectivity to resources and other changes that might affect your role at MUSC. To paraphrase something one of our MUSC Infectious Disease team members recently said: Although we are tired of and “done” with COVID-19, it’s not done with us. Please offer your support and encouragement to each other, our patients and our communities.

Whether it’s related to your steadfast COVID-19 response across the enterprise or simply providing the excellence you do when things are “normal,” I am very proud of our MUSC family. As challenges once again rise, I know you will continue to pursue our vision of leading health innovation for the lives we touch – and heroically so.

Yours in service,

David J. Cole, M.D., FACS
MUSC President

Innovation in Action

Our Office of Innovation, in collaboration with Information Solutions and the MUSC Foundation for Research Development, is offering a one-stop shop to connect individuals throughout the enterprise with the resources and teams they might need to get their ideas off the ground. Now, there is an easy tool for individuals to take their innovative ideas and projects to the next level – the MUSC Innovation Gateway. This portal serves as a key support mechanism that feeds and elevates the culture of innovation at MUSC. I firmly believe that it’s within everyone’s power here, in any role, to innovate. It could be finding a solution to a complex problem or a simple change that makes all the difference. Check it out!

Cut to the Chase

In recent months, I’ve been trying my hand at blogging. These are quick reads that, hopefully, provide a little more insight into who I am as a leader at MUSC and some big picture concepts that are crucial to moving our mission and ourselves forward. If you are interested in suggesting a topic for possible inclusion, please email me at president-comm@musc.edu and keep a lookout for monthly posts.

Giving with Purpose

MUSC is fortunate to have an incredible group of donors, benefactors, alumni and fundraisers who support myriad projects, programs, facilities, scholarships and more across the enterprise. I think it’s important to celebrate these contributions and the trust and confidence they symbolize in our efforts to fulfill our mission. Please stay tuned in the months ahead for highlights related to philanthropy at MUSC.

From Kathy

Hi, everyone! Recently, as part of my role as MUSC’s first lady, I was able to learn more about how Miss America 2020 has a special and important connection to one of our labs. This experience was a great reminder of the powerful intersection of innovation in education, research and patient care. Read more to learn how MUSC’s genetic discovery for a particular condition is helping to change what’s possible for the millions who suffer from it.

#ICYMI (in case you missed it)

“He views his job as caring about people, trying to help people. That's really what he does on a day-in, day-out basis. Whether it's another cop, whether it's a nurse, whether it's a homeless person, whether it's anybody – he views his role here is to try and help them.” – MUSC Public Safety Chief Kevin Kerley

Read more about how compassion was key to the amazing efforts of one of our MUSC Public Safety officers.

Recent Commentary: Why MUSC’s expanding presence makes sense for all of SC