COVID-19: MUSC Presidential Update - July 2, 2020

Dear MUSC family,

I hope this letter finds each of you safe. With the continued forward march of COVID-19 infection rates in our region and state, I know that everyone is monitoring closely the decisions made by our friends, neighbors and local leadership. Multiple municipalities now require wearing masks while in public to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. MUSC continues to stand vigilant with increased access to diagnostic and antibody testing, partnerships with statewide entities and our pursuit of new ways to approach research, education and patient care delivery in the age of COVID-19.

Our enterprise health system continues to take care of our community’s health needs safely while accommodating the growing number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. This is only possible because of our collective learning during these past months, having the appropriate testing and tools in place to monitor and screen and, most importantly, the dedicated spirit of our care team members. I’m incredibly proud of how quickly our care team members are adapting to this new normal of “living with COVID-19,” overcoming challenges and obstacles through innovative thinking and teamwork. 

Across the enterprise, I hope each of you understands the significant leadership role that this institution is serving across our state and in local communities – everyone we serve is counting on your dedication, perseverance, skill and expertise, and it’s clear that you take seriously this honor and responsibility in delivering on our collective mission.

Ultimately, it will be smart individual decisions that will enable us to continue to move forward safely. Please continue to do your part to keep infection rates as low as possible; it’s how we can help our nation bridge from this moment to the future development and deployment of an effective vaccine. We all want and need our economic revitalization to continue moving forward. We all want to avoid unnecessary illness and death. We also know that by wearing masks and practicing social distancing and excellent personal hygiene, we will slow the growth rate of new infections and the burden across all health systems. I urge you not only to think about and act in a safe manner yourself but also to encourage those around you to do the same.

As we approach the July 4th holiday weekend, I hope you’ll join me in reflecting on what our nation has been able to accomplish since its birth as well as how far we have still to grow. Please be safe as you spend time with loved ones and friends.

Thank you for all you are doing to help each other, our communities and our state as we continue to monitor and respond to COVID-19.

Yours in service,

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