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College of Med student dies in auto accident

Allen Wayne Edwards, 46, of Charleston, formerly of Dunn, N.C., died June 15, at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Mr. Edwards was the son of Nancy Witt Edwards and the late Howell Edwards. He was a fourth-year medical student at MUSC.

Mr. Edwards earned a bachelor's degree in business from East Carolina University, making the Dean's List and/or Honor Roll for three semesters. Later, he attended the College of Charleston, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in molecular biology. He also served as a member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-medical honor society. His volunteer work included the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center, Crisis Ministries, and MUSC.

Mr. Edwards joined MUSC's College of Medicine in May 2001, attending every special lecture series and becoming a member of the OB/GYN Interest Group. While on clinical rotations this year, he  became known as an enthusiastic worker and a compassionate medical student.

A memorial service was held June 17, at Bethesda Friends Meeting in Dunn, and Mr. Edwards was buried on June 19, in Lynchburg, Va.

He is survived by his mother; brothers Howell Edwards and Stuart Edwards; and sister Ann Naylor.

I feel privileged and honored to have known a man such as Allen. His countenance and his demeanor in all circumstances reflected his faith. His humble, loving, and gentle spirit reaffirmed for me what is important in this life. He lived each day in grateful appreciation, expressing gratitude for all things great and small. He had a powerful impact on his fellow students and his professors. I want to live more  like Allen did.
—Jennie Ariail, Ph.D., Center for Academic Excellence

Everyone who knew Allen has an “Allen” story, and these stories that we use to comfort and console ourselves all focus on that amazing combination that was Allen—his laconic style, his complete authenticity, and ultimately, his rare goodness that was a gift to so many of us.
—Shannon Richards-Slaughter, Ph.D., The Writing Center

Allen Edwards was as kind a person as many of us will ever meet. Sincere and  gracious, I never heard anything but kind words from him. He was the oldest student in our class and set an example for the rest us in how we should respect others, listen to them, and appreciate who they are and what they think. Many knew him to be quiet, probably because he was busy listening. Our class will not be the same after Allen's death, not only because of the grievous loss but also because of the positive impact that knowing Allen has had on us. May our prayers be for God to comfort Allen's family and for us to remember his kindness, and to be better doctors in imitating it.
—James Green, COM, Class of 2005

When you have more than 570 students, it is difficult to remember each one's name and personality. Allen always stood out from the crowd. His gentle and calm nature made a mark on me very early on, and I knew that one day he would become a physician who would endear himself to all he met ... I'm certain that he would have made the expectant moms, GYN patients, and anyone else with whom he interacted feel calm and assured.
—Candace F. Gillespie, COM Dean's Office

Anybody will tell you that Allen had the kindest, gentlest spirit and that  he was always willing to lift your spirits with his half-smile and soft-spoken wit. Allen was neither cynical nor judgmental, but was appreciative of even the smallest things. When lunch was provided for a group meeting, Allen would say “that was sure nice of them to do this.” Allen lived his faith daily by loving his neighbors without expecting anything in return. All of us at  MUSC are better for having known him.
—James Spencer Gainey, COM, Class of 2005

Allen had the qualities that we look for in physicians. He was conscientious, caring,  and dedicated to his chosen life's work. He will be greatly missed.
—Jerry Reves, M.D., Dean, College of Medicine
 
 

Friday, June 25, 2004
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