MUSC College of Medicine

Nine aspiring physicians are spending their summer preparing for the next step in their medical education journey through the Summer Institute, a rigorous six-week Pathways program focused on MCAT success.

For more than 20 years, this program has helped future physicians build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to pursue careers in medicine.

Their first day included discussions with College of Medicine staff and faculty, as well as a tour of our campus and Pathology Museum!

We would like to feature a resident who has had a profound impact on the students, staff, and faculty around her.

Dr. Glorisa Merritt, PGY-1 resident in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, recently won one of three Resident Clinical Preceptor Excellence in Teaching awards during our annual Golden Apple Awards ceremony.

Nominations for her award were submitted anonymously, but they provide a small glimpse into the remarkable influence she has already had as an educator, mentor, and colleague. Some quotes from these nominations are featured above!

Congratulations Dr. Merritt, on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for the positive impact you continue to have on our students, patients, and healthcare community.

We recently welcomed undergrad college students to the College of Medicine for the Summer Medicine Academy!

Through this immersive experience, these students toured our college, shadowed faculty, and gained valuable insights into careers in medicine.

Hosted by our PRIME Team in partnership with the Area Health Education Centers Program (AHEC), the program is designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Students also had the unique opportunity to share lunch with Dean Steyer and engage in meaningful conversations about medical education, leadership, and careers in healthcare.

During the month of May, our Surgery Department achieved remarkable milestones in organ transplantation, helping give patients hope for the future.

Every transplant represents the dedication of our multidisciplinary surgery teams and the resilience of our patients.

Thank you to everyone who continues to make these life-saving procedures possible. Together, we continue to transform lives and bring hope to those in need.

A rising star in cardiology, Dr. Michele Esposito, assistant professor, has recently earned a prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) award!

This honor highlights both groundbreaking research and the next generation of clinician-scientists working to improve patient care and transform the future of medicine.

Discover how Dr. Michele Esposito is helping shape the future of heart health and why this recognition is such a significant milestone: https://www.musc.edu/content-hub/News/2026/05/28/young-cardiologist-wins-presitgious-nih-award

Over four days, students, researchers, innovators, and healthcare professionals came together during the MIND 2026 Conference to learn, connect, and be inspired.

From hands-on experiences to thought-provoking discussions on the future of neuroscience and patient care, the event had a profound impact.

Photos from the event are available here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCVGWb

Shannon Rychener, an M4 Global Surgery leader, recently returned from Geneva, Switzerland, after serving as a youth delegate to the World Health Assembly!

Shannon was the only U.S. representative for InciSioN Surgical Network, the largest global surgery-focused student network. She is the first MUSC student to attend the assembly as a delegate.

We are proud she represented our institution on an international stage. Her participation placed MUSC alongside leading institutions in global health and showed our university's role in advancing surgical, anesthesia, and emergency care worldwide.

Students and residents are always welcome at the Dean’s Office Corner Store!

Thank you to the PRIME Team for providing our med students with free snacks and drinks.

Drs. Michelle Nsianya and John Mitchell have been named Residents of the Month!

Dr. Michelle Nsianya, a PGY-2 in Pediatrics, was nominated for her compassionate, patient-centered care while treating a young child in the ED. She eased a parent’s anxiety through clear communication, frequent updates, and a thorough evaluation. She was attentive and reassuring, offering guidance on when to seek care in the future. Her empathy and thoughtful approach created a supportive experience for both patient and family.

Dr. John Mitchell, a fellow in Cardiovascular Disease, was recognized for his approachable, team-oriented care and partnership with 3W nursing staff. During a patient’s SVT event, he responded immediately at the bedside, working with the team to stabilize the patient without escalation. He communicated clearly and calmly, guiding the team in a high-pressure moment. His compassion, responsiveness, and supportive demeanor show his strong commitment to patient care and teamwork.

Thank you for the dedication you both bring to patient care and for the meaningful difference you make every day.

A remarkable milestone in South Carolina medicine!

Six-year-old Elaine Smith from Conway became the first child in the state to receive a successful partial heart transplant.

Read more about this inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and hope: https://www.musc.edu/content-hub/News/2026/04/14/six-year-old-conway-girl-gets-first-successful-partial-heart-transplant-in-south-carolina