MUSC Department of Medicine

08/29/2026

08/28/2026

Over the course of his 30-year career, Dr. Gerard Silvestri has seen huge improvements in treatment options for people with metastatic lung cancer – patients early in his career who might live a year are now living more than five years. Yet these treatments aren't reaching everyone.

He talked to Bobbi Conner on SC Public Radio's Health Focus about recent research that brought this to light. Listen here: https://bit.ly/46lTwD9

08/26/2026

A great afternoon enjoying some pizza on the greenway at our inpatient debrief! ☀️🍕

08/17/2026

🌟 Intern Spotlight: Dr. Michael Patina

Hometown: Mechanicsville, VA
Undergrad: University of South Carolina
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Hobbies: Fishing, disc golf, shark tooth hunting, golf, reading
Favorite Show: River Monsters
Favorite Book: Lord of the Rings
Favorite Sports Team: Green Bay Packers, Nottingham Forest, all University of South Carolina teams!
Favorite Quote: "Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity"- William Osler
Fun Fact: He is always interested in a friendly (if that's possible) game of Catan!

Welcome, Dr. Patina! We are excited to have you join our team!

08/14/2026

🌟 Intern Spotlight: Dr. Tathya Patel

Hometown: McDonough, GA
Undergrad: The University of Georgia
Med School: Medical College of Georgia
Hobbies: playing golf and tennis, watching college football and Formula 1, and spending time outdoors
Favorite show: The Office
Favorite book: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Favorite sports team: Georgia Bulldogs (GoDawgs!!!)
Favorite quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky” – Michael Scott
Fun fact: He can solve a Rubik’s cube in under 60 seconds!

Welcome, Dr. Patel! We are excited to have you join our Team!

08/14/2026

This week on Health Focus, Dr. Russell Jenkins talks to Bobbi Conner about new advanced treatments for melanoma. Listen on your favorite SC Public Radio station or on their website at: https://bit.ly/3D4RyIx

08/14/2026

People with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease can develop tumors and cancers throughout their lives, making specialized care essential. Now, as South Carolina's only VHL Clinical Care Center, Hollings is providing specialized care that spans childhood through adulthood for this rare inherited condition. “These patients may develop their first tumors in childhood, adolescence or adulthood and experience several different cancers over their lifetimes,” said Thai Ho, M.D., Ph.D., a medical oncologist and leader of the VHL program at Hollings. “Our goal is to provide a medical home where patients have access to knowledgeable specialists who work together to help prevent cancer and reduce the impact of the disease on their lives.”

Read the story on our website:

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center has been recognized as a VHL clinical affiliate by the VHL Alliance, the leading patient advocacy organization for the rare inherited condition

08/12/2026

🌟 Intern Spotlight: Dr. Sydney Baccam

Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergrad: University of Houston
Medical School: UNT Health Fort Worth
Hobbies: Rock climbing, reading, cooking
Favorite Show: Rick and Morty
Favorite Book: The Pillars of the Earth
Favorite Quote: "Everything we deeply love will be a part of us forever."
Fun Fact: Her last name means silver (Bac) and gold (Cam) in Tai Dam!

Welcome, Dr. Baccam! We are excited to have you join our team!

08/11/2026

Could GLP-1 medications change how you experience pleasure?

Some people taking GLP-1s have reported feeling less interested in things they once enjoyed, from favorite foods to hobbies and other rewarding activities. These reports have raised questions about anhedonia, or a reduced ability to feel pleasure.

So far, research has not found convincing evidence that GLP-1 medications cause anhedonia. In fact, studies generally show improvements in depression, mental well-being and quality of life among people taking them.

Still, everyone can respond differently. If you notice changes in your mood, motivation or interest in things you normally enjoy while taking a GLP-1, talk with your healthcare provider. More research is needed to better understand these potential effects.

Learn more: https://musc.co/4wR64hv

08/10/2026

🌟 Intern Spotlight: Dr. Alexis Klink!

Hometown: Lebanon, IN
Undergrad: DePauw University
Medical School: Marion University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies: Working out, going on long walks outside, trying new restaurants, going to concerts
Favorite Show: New Girl
Favorite Book: Heart of Darkness
Favorite Quote: "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." -Pablo Picasso
Fun Fact: She has been to 26 different countries!

Welcome, Dr. Klink! We are excited to have you join our team!