by Stephen L. Jones, Executive Assistant to the President

Stephen Jones

MUSC is a public institution of higher learn- ing, the purpose of which is to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina and beyond. The university provides an environment for learning and discovery through education of health care professionals and biomedical scientists, research in health sciences, and provision of comprehensive health care. Established in 1824, the Medical University was the south’s first medical school, and our nation’s sixth oldest. It is interesting to note that at the time James Monroe was serving as only the fifth president of the United States.

Through the years, in spite of uncertain finances, earthquakes, wars, and other disruptions, the Medical University advanced and developed at an uneven, but respectable pace. As a result, generations of South Carolinians have received their health care from men and women who graduated from MUSC. In the main, the focus of MUSC leadership was on the development of educational programs, clinical services, and an infrastructure to support these functions. Examples of progress were the addition of five additional colleges to the original school of medicine, the construction of a hospital, and the acquisition of adjacent properties such as the Porter Military site.

In 1982, the Board of Trustees was fortunate to recruit as president a local oral maxillofacial surgeon who had been governor of the state and was then serving as U.S. Secretary of Energy—Dr. James B. Edwards. Speaking to the energy, motivation, broad perspective and increased activity Dr. Edwards immediately brought to the job, one long-time staff member, while wiping her brow, exclaimed, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Now, entering his 17th year of service to MUSC, Dr. Edwards has notified the board and members of the MUSC family that he will be retiring. In stepping down from the presidency sometime in 1999—the 175th year of MUSC’s existence— he leaves an outstanding legacy of leadership. His personal goals were to enhance the clinical programs and facilities. Mission accomplished! He wanted to provide better student services and resources for the student body. Mission accomplished! He wanted to build the research capacity. Again, mission accomplished!

As Dr. Edwards stated in the letter informing supporters of his retirement decision, “Since 1982, more than 10,295 health professionals have been educated and are serving the citizens of our state and nation. During this period, 7,460 interns and residents have gained additional knowledge preparing them for their various specialty areas. Three hundred seventy-five thousand admissions have occurred in the MUSC Medical Center, and more than 4.3 million outpatient visits were accomplished where patients and their loved ones received care and kindness. Almost every day I receive a letter of thanks from a patient or family members for the compassionate care delivered by our talented and dedicated faculty and staff. In the area of research and discovery, $561 million has been attracted to MUSC, enhancing our ability to better understand the mechanisms of disease and improving prevention and treatment protocols. As the above facts confirm, the Medical University improves the quality of life of the people of South Carolina in many ways.”

While space limitations prohibit a comprehensive listing of the many accomplishments of MUSC under Jim Edwards’ leadership, several key indicators clearly reflect the magnitude of his success. An indicator of productivity is the funding generated for every dollar invested by the state taxpayers. In 1982, MUSC’s total budget was $148,301,933 with $67,225,807 coming from direct state appropriations for education or 45 percent. In 1998, these appropriations for underwriting education cost are $130,039,826, representing 15 percent direct state assistance while the total budget of MUSC, including affiliates, is $845,663,062.

Another key indicator of success is public support of MUSC through charitable giving. In 1982, the Health Sciences Foundation of MUSC contained only two endowed chairs and $6.8 million in total assets. In 1998, the foundation has 18 endowed chairs and $152 million in investment and property which supports MUSC’s mission. A third significant indicator is annual grant support which was at $10.1 million in 1982 and has reached $93 million in 1998.

A final key indicator of success is the reputation and esteem in which the institution and faculty is held. Whether the high marks received from the various accreditation evaluations, the high demand for educational offerings and clinical services, the rankings of national surveys and publications, or the competitiveness of the research faculty all speak to the talent, quality, and dedication of those associated with MUSC.

Dr. Layton McCurdy, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the College of Medicine observed that one of the reasons for MUSC’s success under Dr. Edwards guidance has been the cohesion, trust, and interdependence fostered among the team members. Strategic planning is another factor that has allowed the input of many constituencies and aided the university in creating a consensus on direction.

One vital issue that remains in Dr. Edwards’ final year is securing the appropriate organizational structure for MUSC’s patient care network. With continued pressures from payors—whether private sector or government—to reduce health care cost, MUSC must be able to gain efficiencies not possible under the present state rules and regulations. Without affordable patient care, the educational and research missions cannot be adequately fulfilled. In addition, those specialized services provided, such as transplantation, the burn center, the trauma center, and many others, will no longer be financially sustainable.

Through the support of many individuals and with the leadership provided by Dr. James B. Edwards, MUSC can now be counted among the top tier of academic health centers. As we complete the century and begin the new millennium, all South Carolinians can take pride in the leap of progress attained under Dr. Edwards’ tenure. We can also look forward to unimagined opportunities and medical breakthroughs in health, prevention, promotion, and treatment. Because of Dr. Edwards’ positive and productive presidency, MUSC, the Lowcountry, and our state will be a full and effective participant in these many exciting advancements. This is the public legacy of Dr. Edwards’ leadership—a legacy that logically builds on previous major public service contributions to South Carolina and our nation.