A President's Perspective – September 2021

Dear MUSC family,

Given all the demands on your time, thank you for taking a moment to read through this newsletter. I’ll get straight to the point – the last few months have been particularly challenging for our frontline care providers caring for COVID-19 patients, those with children who are trying to navigate the constant changes to school routines, and people in our community who are coming face to face with the realities of COVID-19 and the delta variant.

What we are going through is difficult, frustrating, at times even infuriating, and yes, it’s real. And as hard as it is, we must find a way to push past the daily adversity, take decisive action as best we can and problem-solve together. Those we serve as part of our mission depend on us, as we must depend on each other.

Right now, things are not where we wanted or expected to be as a nation, state, and community; I know this. I also know that we have an incredible group of people here who quite literally can do anything they seem to put their minds, hearts and souls into and that gives me hope that like all we’ve endured to this point, we will get through this latest surge, too. I am confident we can do this.

I realize that my gratitude for the grit, determination, compassion, skill and sacrifice you provide daily doesn’t make the problems we face disappear, but I want you to understand my sincere commitment to doing what is right, and continuing to successfully guide our organization through this time.

Yours in service,

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

Values in Action

As you know, one of our five core values as an institution is innovation, so I’m ever so slightly modifying this section this month to remind you that I’m taking submissions for the 2021 President’s Values in Action awards until Oct. 15. There are so many people going above and beyond, in so many ways – and I need to hear more about it. Please consider nominating individuals in your sphere at MUSC for this important recognition.

Cut to the Chase

My latest post is related to our upcoming climate survey. As a reminder, these blog posts 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-com@musc.edu and keep a lookout for monthly posts.

Giving with Purpose

On Monday, Sept. 13th, it was my pleasure to provide remarks alongside our Department of Pediatrics’ Dr. Jan Key at a press conference related to the incredible support that the MUSC Boeing Center for Children’s Wellness has received from Boeing South Carolina and the Charleston County School District. To the tune of $2M, these funds will support a mental health expansion of services in local schools. These donations are not only timely because of what we’re all going through with the pandemic, but they will help move the needle on our overall work in alleviating health disparities, too. We’re incredibly grateful to these two awesome community partners for their generosity.

From Kathy

I’m so excited to share with you a new, easy way to fundraise at MUSC! The MUSC Foundation just launched a new online platform that helps you build a professional fundraising page in seconds. Until now, online fundraising for MUSC was only available through social media.

Fundraisers are a great way to honor someone or celebrate a special milestone, birthday or anniversary. Together with your family and friends, you can make an even bigger impact on MUSC than you ever could alone.

Every dollar you raise will support the MUSC hospital, program or college you choose. It takes just a few seconds to get set up, and the MUSC Foundation will support you every step of the way with tips, templates and encouragement. Thank you for changing what’s possible!

Start your own page or explore current fundraisers.

(The MUSC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that supports the Medical University of South Carolina in its mission of learning, discovery and healing.)

#ICYMI

“I have truly loved my job because I helped people. I’m a people person - I liked to make sure our patients and visitors can safely get to their destinations every day. Many come through our doors frustrated, worried or scared. When I saw a person come through the doors with a frown on their face or look confused, I was that person who was there to help them.”
– Glennie Davis, reflecting on her 49 years at MUSC
Read more about how Glennie used the Golden Rule to make an impact on countless lives.

The journey of one pregnant woman who almost died of COVID.

Family of teen in intensive care at MUSC urges COVID-19 vaccinations.

College of Charleston announces four new fall academic programs, including MUSC partnership.

Telehealth implementation guide seeks to smooth adoption, improve sustainability.