Anatomy of a Career
Fifty years on, School of Medicine faculty member Jim Augustine continues to lay a foundation of knowledge.
2026 Heart Health Faculty Experts List
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in South Carolina, and rates are rising among younger adults and communities facing the greatest health disparities. During February's American Heart Month, University of South Carolina faculty experts are available to provide insight into the science, clinical care and social factors shaping heart health today — from prevention and early warning signs to new treatments and health equity.
Lingering Under the Radar
Researchers find rare intestinal parasite could affect 1 in 20 South Carolinians
SOMC Celebrates 2026 Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day
Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day(TM), observed annually on the Friday of the third full week in January, recognizes the dedicated professionals who work behind the scenes to ensure clinicians remain current in medical knowledge, clinical practice, and team-based care, supporting high-quality, safe patient outcomes.
SOMC Celebrates Topping Out Ceremony
The School of Medicine Columbia (SOMC) celebrated a time-honored tradition on Wednesday, Dec. 17, with a "topping out" ceremony at the new SOMC facility. The building proudly joins the BullStreet District skyline with the highest steel beam lifted during the event, where construction partners joined university president Michael Almiridis, members of the board of trustees, university leadership and SOMC's interim dean Gerald Harmon.
Assistive Technology Program Hosts Annual Adapted Toy Workshop
Staff from the School of Medicine Columbia's Center for Disability Resources and students from Richland School District Two joined forces to embody the spirit of giving this holiday season at the annual Adaptive Toy Workshop. The two-day event, held Nov. 14-15 at the Richland Two Student Innovation Center, sought to show families, professionals and school staffs how to adapt toys for switch use for children with disabilities.
Gum disease and cavities linked to increased stroke risk
A new study, led by Souvik Sen, MD, MS, MPH, professor and Chair of the Neurology Department at the School of Medicine Columbia, finds that having both gum disease and cavities is linked to an 86% increased risk of stroke compared to having a healthy mouth.
School of Medicine Alumni and Supporters Celebrated at Awards Ceremony
The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia celebrated seventeen individuals for their contributions to the health care field at the annual Alumni and Dean's Distinguished Service Awards Ceremony and Reception, held on Oct. 3, at Gamecock Park by Williams-Brice Stadium.
Coffee Bean Extract for COVID?
School of Medicine researcher studying COVID-mitigating compounds in raw coffee beans
2025 Alumni and Dean’s Distinguished Service Awards Ceremony Information
Seventeen individuals will be recognized for their contributions to the health care field and their service to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia at the 2025 Alumni and Dean’s Awards Ceremony, which will be held on Friday, Oct. 3, from 6-8 p.m., at Gamecock Park. Other award categories include the William C. Gillespie Staff Recognition Award and the Award for Advancement of Women in Science and Medicine.
Dr. Kevin Bennett joins Commonwealth Fund as Inaugural Rural Health Fellow
The SC Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare (CRPH) is proud to share that Director Dr. Kevin Bennett has been named the inaugural Rural Health Fellow with the Commonwealth Fund, a national foundation dedicated to promoting a high-performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater equity.
Brain Health Fitness program uses exercise to fight cognitive decline
Integrating physical movement into a patient’s daily routine is an essential strategy to combat chronic illness and ensure a healthier future for South Carolinians. A new collaborative research study from USC Brain Health and the Arnold School of Public Health goes one step further by examining how consistent, physical exercise can also help combat cognitive decline and improve overall neurological health.
AI meets medicine
The University of South Carolina’s School of Medicine has begun preparing its students to understand AI’s potential — and its shortcomings. The medical school in Columbia partnered last year with the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing to launch the AI in Medicine Extracurricular Track.
Health Watch: Caring for someone with dementia during a hurricane
A natural disaster can be a difficult experience for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Rob McMahon, chief nurse practitioner for USC Brain Health and assistant clinical professor at the School of Medicine Columbia, details how caregivers can best prepare ahead of a storm in our latest Health Watch.
AI in Medicine Extracurricular Track Wraps Up First Year
Drawing from USC's depth in computer science and the hands-on AI experiences of clinicians and researchers at USC, the AI in Medicine extracurricular track is designed to familiarize students with core concepts of AI and teach them the technical foundations of main AI applications in Medicine, ranging from language methods to predictive analytics and imaging interpretation.
School of Medicine Columbia May News and Notes
Catch up on the most recent news, notes, accomplishments and more from our School of Medicine Columbia family.
Congratulations to our 2025 Discover USC Award Winners
Several School of Medicine Columbia students earned poster awards for their presentation at Discover USC 2025. This year, over 3,300 presenters, mentors, reviewers, family and friends attended the annual event.
New USC clinic tackles mental health provider shortage in rural South Carolina
The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia is opening a free mental health clinic to serve rural communities in Bamberg, Calhoun, Fairfield, Orangeburg and Chester counties. Launching this summer, the student-operated, faculty-supervised clinic will offer in-person and telehealth services to those with limited access to care.
USC's medical schools work to train, retain key players in medicine
A primary care doctor is a key player in patient care, but South Carolina is facing a doctor shortage. That’s why both USC’s School of Medicine Columbia and School of Medicine Greenville are prioritizing primary care, with an emphasis on family medicine, thanks to their deans, Dr. Gerald Harmon (Columbia) and Dr. Phyllis MacGilvray (Greenville).
McConnaughy Named Director of Library Services
Roz McConnaughy, a School of Medicine Columbia Library faculty member since 2001, has been named Director of Library Services.
Match Day Success for the MD Class of 2025
On Friday, March 21, medical students at the School of Medicine Columbia, and at medical schools across the country, celebrated as they learned where they matched for their residency appointment, signifying the next step in their career in medicine.
School of Medicine Columbia breaks ground on new facility at USC Health Sciences Campus
The University of South Carolina broke ground on a facility that will redefine the future of health care education and research during a ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the site of its new School of Medicine Columbia.
Health Watch: Flossing for heart health and reducing stroke risk
Groundbreaking study led by USC Neurology Chair Dr. Souvik Sen uncovers key connection between flossing and stroke prevention.
Med students step up to fight childhood cancer
Future Leaders in Medicine teams with Curing Kids Cancer.
Nurse anesthetist Marcia Iszard has the caretaker gene
School of Medicine Columbia assistant professor is working to increase the impact of her profession as president of the South Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists.