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by Cindy Abole
Public Relations
The MUSC
community was saddened by the sudden
loss of student Lauren Elyse Baldwin
Baccari, 27, who was killed Jan. 28 in a
multi-car accident on Interstate 526.
Baccari was a fourth-year College of
Medicine (COM) student who was planning
to specialize in family medicine. She
was born Feb. 5, 1985, in Erie, Pa., to
John and Cheryl McCormack Baldwin and
grew up with her sister, Chelsey, who
also is a COM student at MUSC, in Little
River. Baccari went on to attend the
College of Charleston and graduated with
a Bachelor of Science degree in biology
and minor in chemistry in 2007. Prior to
starting medical school in 2009, Baccari
worked as a grossing technologist for a
dermapathology center, legal assistant
and research assistant in the Department
of Neurosciences.
 Lauren Baccari
She was actively involved in serving the
community and volunteering with the
Community Aid, Relief, Education and
Support (CARES) free clinic, Crisis
Ministries, MUSC Women's Heart Health
Month program, Brain Tumor Action Week
and MUSC Children's Hospital.
Baccari was a member of the Surgical
Training Awareness & Residency
Interest Group and the Student Medical
History Club. She was a recipient of the
Palmira Snape Endowed Scholarship, an
award presented to a medical student who
plans to pursue a career in family
medicine
Baccari's funeral service was held Feb.
2 at MUSC's St. Luke's Chapel. She is
survived by her husband, Gregory
Baccari, her parents, sister,
grandparents and other family.
Memorials may be made to the Lauren
Baccari FamTrack Fund, established by
fellow students in Baccari's memory. The
fund will support activities of the
FamTrack Interest Group and students
interested in family medicine as a
specialty. Donations may be sent to the
Lauren Baccari FamTrack Fund, c/o MUSC
Foundation, 18 Bee St., MSC 450,
Charleston, S.C., 29425 or via http://www.musc.edu/giving/com.
As we
reflect on the tragic loss of our
colleague, Lauren Baccari, we know
that she would have served her
community as a specialist in people.
Never without a smile, she inspired
each of us to see the best in our
communities and in ourselves.
—Drew Philipp,
COM
It warmed my
heart to see so many of my classmates in
attendance at Lauren's memorial on
Saturday. She was truly an amazing
person with a bright future who will be
missed deeply. It was a moving service
that paid tribute to her years of
service and her heart for others.
—Ted James,
COM, Class of 2013
Lauren was just
a few months away from embarking on her
chosen career path of family medicine.
She was a treasured friend to many here
at MUSC and was known for being a
passionate learner who always exhibited
a positive attitude and devotion to
others. She consistently embraced
opportunities to expand her medical
skillset so that she would be ready and
able to provide great care to her
patients. While we struggle with the
loss of such a bright, talented and
selfless young woman, we realize we were
privileged to have known her.
—Etta D.
Pisano, M.D., Vice President for Medical
Affairs & Dean, College of Medicine
Lauren's love
for medicine and her patients was
obvious. In a world that can be cynical
and difficult, my heart breaks knowing
that there are so many patients out
there that won't get to be cared for by
her as a physician. She would have
changed so many lives and been a light
to those around her. My prayers are with
her husband, family and friends as they
carry this burden on a level the rest of
us cannot truly understand.
—Deborah J.
DeWaay, M.D., Associate Vice Chair for
Medical Education
I first knew
Lauren as my chemistry tutor at the
College of Charleston. She inspired me
to become a tutor myself, helping me to
discover my passion for teaching. As I
transitioned to life at MUSC and
befriended her sister, Chelsey, Lauren
became both a trusted mentor and a
beloved friend. I find it unbearably
cruel that she was taken from us. My
heart aches for my dear friends, Greg
Baccari and the Baldwin family. I hope
they can find some small solace in
knowing that Lauren touched and inspired
so many during her short time with us.
—Tracy
Tholanikunnel, COM, Class of 2015
Lauren was such
a compassionate young woman poised on
the threshold of a lifetime of service
to others. No words can fully express
all the emotions surrounding the loss of
Lauren, but may there be peace knowing
that: "What is once loved is always
yours from that day. Take it home in
your heart and nothing ever can take it
away."
—Rhonda
Ferris, R.N., MUSC Student Health
Services
Lauren was
beautiful, brilliant, hip and
old-fashioned at the same time. She
loved her family so much and spoke of
them often. She was a force to be
reckoned with in this world, and I'm
sure she will be in the next. My
sincerest condolences.
—Angel
Orechovesky, MUSC
I did not know
Lauren but after listening and hearing
the remarkable story from Dr. Hoy and
her determination to join our specialty
in otolaryngology, she has touched us
all. God needed another angel in his
house.
—Elena
Williams, Division of
Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
In the three
years that I got to know Lauren, I
quickly learned that she was a born
doctor – always caring about others
first. She was so full of life and
spunk, and I always knew that she had my
back when I needed her. While I know her
family knows how special Lauren truly
was, I want them to know that this
sentiment was shared by many. She made
her mark in this life, and I will never
forget her.
—Alicia Latham
Schwark, COM, Class of 2013
Our thoughts
and prayers are with you during this
difficult time. Lauren completed her
family medicine rotation with us last
year. She was a complete joy. Praying
for God's peace to surround her family
and friends.
—Kim Cameron
and Waccamaw Family Medicine Staff,
Pawleys Island
Friday, Feb.
8, 2013
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