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Neurology’s Carter recognized for excellence, contributions

by Cindy Abole
Public Relations
For almost two decades, the emergence of associate professor Tim Carter, M.D., as a first-class academic neurologist and researcher has benefitted the lives of many patients.

Dr. Tim Carter

In 16 years, Carter established a career built on a foundation of clinical excellence, a love of research and discovery, and an array of successful collaborative partner-ships that has advanced new knowledge in the areas of stroke, epilepsy, dystonias, and other neurological disorders.

In late June, Carter will leave Charleston to explore further opportunities that will allow him to spread his wings and tackle new clinical pursuits.

Carter’s experience and dedication to his work with neurological diseases and related research echoes the same attitude of excellence and collaboration that first attracted him to MUSC as a young neurology resident.

“Tim has been a wonderful colleague over the years,” said Mark George, M.D., distinguished professor, departments of Psychiatry, Radiology and Neurology. “An excellent clinician, he never seemed to let the pressures of practice get to him. I will always remember his chuckle and grin, and his open and willing attitude to help.” 

Carter came to Charleston after completing medical school at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He completed a four-year neurology residency and eventually became chief resident. During residency, he became interested in stroke clinical research working with former neurology colleagues John Plyer, M.D., and neurology chairman emeritus Edward Hogan, M.D. In 1992, he joined MUSC’s Depart-ment of Neurology staff.

During his time on campus, he made great strides in stroke research. For a time he was the only academic neurologist in South Carolina specializing in stroke. Carter enjoyed successful collaborations  with biometry and epidemiology professor Dan Lackland, Dr.P.H., with the South Carolina Stroke Task Force. The group focused on continuing medical education work, discussed issues, initiated statewide stroke screenings and programs in various communities, and created a forum of information and other related activities. He later served a term as chairman.

“Tim is a true collaborator in every sense of the word,” said Lackland. “He and I have worked together for more than a decade with stroke research and service on the S.C. Stroke Task Force. Tim’s first goal is to make it a better world, and he's made such a contribution to South Carolina and increasing the awareness of the stroke burden here. Incidentally, Tim’s initials are TDC, and I'll always refer to him as Touchdown Carter.”

In addition to working with the adult neurology clinic, Carter also supported and co-directed the department’s MDA Clinic, which specializes in the clinical care of patients diagnosed with M.S., MDS, and other neuromuscular diseases. The group enjoys the multidisciplinary expertise of physicians, nurses, rehabilitative specialists, genetic counselors, and other members. During last year’s faculty convocation, Carter was among three physicians recognized with the university’s Outstanding Clinician of the Year award.

His research and clinical work includes new treatments for dystonias, a group of movement disorders, using botulinum toxin in 1992. He has collaborated with faculty to develop new ENT techniques for laryngeal electromyography to assist patients with vocal cord disorders. He worked with pediatric neurology faculty to develop skills with Tran-scranial Doppler ultrasonography for children with sickle cell anemia who are at high risk for stroke and other disease complications.

From 1996-2002, he was program director of the neurology residency program, guiding, training, and assisting new residents in their clinical, research, and academic interests. 

“Dr. Carter has proven himself to be an outstanding clinician, teacher, and respected researcher through his hard work and sound contributions,” said Hogan. “He has always been cordial to the staff and colleagues and is willing to go the extra mile for his patients.”

“Dr. Carter has had a profound impact on attitudes towards neurology at MUSC. ... Because of his eclectic interests, we will have to recruit two faculty members to replace him. His equanimity and friendship will never be matched,” said Dr. David Griesemer, chairman, Department of Neurology.
 

Friday, June 25, 2004
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