FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2021
Media Contacts:
Doctors Care
Stephanie Hooker
[email protected]
803-726-3128
Tidelands Health
Dawn Bryant
[email protected]
843-792-7669
Doctors Care, P.A., and Tidelands Health have agreed to an affiliation that will provide patients throughout the Grand Strand increased access to primary care, urgent care, specialty care and emergency care.
The new affiliation builds upon a similar relationship between Doctors Care and MUSC Health in the Charleston area and represents a shared commitment by Doctors Care and Tidelands Health, the region’s MUSC Health affiliate, to offer access, value and comprehensive care to area residents.
The primary goal of the new affiliation is to help patients make the best decision when choosing the most appropriate setting from which to seek medical care.
The regionwide network of Doctors Care centers, all of which offer walk-in service, will help Tidelands Health decrease unnecessary visits to its emergency departments and provide patients with an easier transition to advanced services and ongoing care as needed. Both organizations have launched educational efforts to assist patients as they’re making decisions about where to seek treatment.
“This close connection between Doctors Care and Tidelands Health will improve patients’ access to medical treatment as well as the caliber of care they receive.” said Shelley Janssen, M.D., chief medical officer of Doctors Care. “By sharing information and resources and developing shared quality metrics, our two systems will further enhance the wellness of the communities we serve.”
The new affiliation is effective immediately and includes nine Doctors Care locations in Conway, Georgetown, Little River, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach.
“Tidelands Health is proud to work with Doctors Care to improve access to appropriate care along the Grand Strand through this affiliation,” said Bruce Bailey, president and CEO of Tidelands Health. “It is our shared goal to help patients make the best care decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
“We look forward to working together to support the health of people across our region.”
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Doctors Care urgent care is a leading health care organization focused on delivering exceptional and convenient urgent care, family care and occupational health services. Its original center, opened in Columbia in 1981, was the first urgent care center in South Carolina. Now, Doctors Care is one of the largest urgent care companies in the United States, with more than 1,000 employees. Its network of 54 urgent care locations continues to expand to serve patients with quality medical care that is both convenient and affordable. All Doctors Care centers offer online check-in, real-time patient volumes, onsite dispensing, flexible hours, onsite X-ray and laboratory, telehealth services and more. Visit DoctorsCare.com to learn more.
Tidelands Health is the region’s largest health care provider and MUSC Health affiliate, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 60 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2019
Media Contacts:
Doctors Care
Jill Armbruster
[email protected]
803-726-4726
MUSC Health
Heather Woolwine
[email protected]
843-792-7669
Charleston, S.C. – Doctors Care, P.A. (Doctors Care) and MUSC Health have agreed to an affiliation to provide patients with increased access to primary care, urgent care, specialty care and emergency care throughout the Lowcountry and Grand Strand regions of South Carolina.
The affiliation between the two long-established health organizations builds further on an existing relationship and represents a sustained commitment to offer the best access, value and comprehensive care for coastal South Carolina residents.
The primary goal of the new affiliation is to help patients to make the best decisions when choosing the most appropriate setting from which to seek medical care. An urgent care center provides same-day, affordable treatment for patients who require care for illnesses like colds and flu or minor injuries that are not life-threatening. The vast network of Doctors Care centers, all of which offer walk-in service, will help MUSC Health decrease unnecessary visits to its emergency rooms and provide patients with an easier transition to specialty services as needed. Both organizations have launched educational efforts to assist staff and patients when making decisions about where to seek treatment.
“This collaborative effort strengthens the relationship we’ve already built with MUSC as a health care partner in the Charleston region and our commitment to serving patients in those communities.” said Curtis Franke, M.D., president and chief medical officer of Doctors Care. “We look forward to growing the footprint of our affiliation to include the entire coastal region of the state and working hand in hand with MUSC to increase access to all levels of treatment for residents in these regions.”
The new affiliation is effective immediately and includes 10 Doctors Care urgent care locations in the Tri-county Charleston region and 9 Doctors Care urgent care locations on the coast from Georgetown to Little River.
“Access to health care resources is a top patient concern,” said MUSC Health Primary Care Integrated Center of Clinical Excellence chief Terrence E. Steyer, M.D. “We are pleased to work collaboratively with our colleagues at Doctors Care to provide education and information to help patients make the best care decisions possible. Our goal is to improve the health of South Carolinians by working together.”
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Doctors Care urgent care is a leading health care organization focused on delivering exceptional and convenient urgent care, family care and occupational health services. Its original center, opened in Columbia in 1981, was the first urgent care center in South Carolina. Now, Doctors Care is one of the largest urgent care companies in the United States, with more than 1,000 employees. Its network of 54 urgent care locations continues to expand to serve patients with quality medical care that is both convenient and affordable. All Doctors Care centers offer online check-in, real-time patient volumes, onsite dispensing, flexible hours, onsite X-ray and laboratory, telehealth services and more. Visit DoctorsCare.com to learn more.
As the clinical health system of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest quality patient care available, while training generations of competent, compassionate health care providers to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. Comprising some 1,600 beds, more than 100 outreach sites, the MUSC College of Medicine, the physicians’ practice plan and nearly 275 telehealth locations, MUSC Health owns and operates eight hospitals situated in Charleston, Chester, Florence, Lancaster and Marion counties. In 2019, for the fifth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit http://muschealth.org.
Founded in 1824, MUSC and its affiliates have collective annual budgets of $3 billion. The more than 17,000 MUSC team members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers and scientists who deliver groundbreaking education, research, technology and patient care. For information on academic programs, visit musc.edu.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2019
Jill Armbruster
Doctors Care
[email protected]
803-726-4726
Columbia, S.C. – UCI Medical Affiliates, the nonmedical management company of Doctors Care urgent care and Progressive Physical Therapy, is pleased to announce the completion of its new executive leadership team. The new team aims to usher in a new era of health care excellence.
Jon Belsher, MD, has been selected to lead the organization as president and chief operating officer. Before joining UCI, Belsher served as part of the founding executive team and chief medical officer of MedSpring Urgent Care. He was responsible for clinical services, business operations and employer health services. His vision and leadership helped expand the retail health care company to over 42 centers across five metropolitan markets – Austin, Houston, Dallas, Chicago and Boston. The company also formed a joint venture partnership with Partners HealthCare, parent company of Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In 2014, the company was sold to Fresenius Medical Care, the world’s leading provider of products and services for people with chronic kidney failure.
Belsher is trained in family medicine, internal medicine and critical care medicine and has been board certified in all three areas. He completed his training at the renowned Mayo Clinic. He served as a staff intensivist and assistant professor at Scott & White Healthcare. Belsher is an entrepreneurial physician executive who has been involved in a number of early growth companies involving telemedicine and mobile health care. In addition, he served as a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard for 13 years as flight surgeon, chief of flight medicine and chief of aerospace medicine for the 162nd Fighter Wing. Early in his career, Belsher served as an advance representative for the White House.
Cindy Cameron, CPA, MBA, has been selected as chief financial officer. Prior to joining UCI Medical Affiliates, she served as director of Mergers and Acquisitions for BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. She was responsible for leading mergers and acquisitions activity, select financial reporting and supporting subsidiary growth efforts. Cameron is a certified public accountant. She received her Bachelor of Science in business administration and Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina.
Angela Donovan, MBA, has been selected as senior vice president of Operations. Prior to joining UCI, she served as vice president of Operations and Development for U.S. HealthWorks. She was responsible for operational oversight as well as data and outcome analysis to improve programs and operations. She also oversaw growth through acquisition of clinics, development of training programs, conferences and resource partnerships. Donovan earned her Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University.
Jill Armbruster has been promoted to vice president of Sales and Marketing. She has served as UCI’s marketing director since 2012. Previously she was responsible for brand management, marketing communications, advertising, public relations and product management for the UCI Medical Affiliates family of brands. Her role was expanded to include the Employer Health Services division, composed of Occupational Health and Onsite Wellness sales for employer clients and third party administrators. Before joining UCI, Armbruster worked at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina in the Corporate Marketing Communications department. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from Clemson University.
Farrar Stewart, MSHRD, has been selected as director of Human Resources. Stewart is responsible for overseeing the strategic vision, implementation and administration of human resources policies, programs and practices. This includes recruitment, employee onboarding, compensation, benefits, and employee culture and workforce relations. Before joining UCI, Stewart served as human resources director and deputy director of administration and human resources operations at the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. She has been a certified human resources professional since 2001. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Science in human resources development from Villanova University.
As announced previously, Curtis Franke, MD, MBA, was promoted to chief medical officer and president of Doctors Care, P.A. In his new role, Franke oversees the organization’s medical office, which is responsible for clinical outcomes including quality of care and service. Franke started with the company as a staff physician in 2008. He was named regional medical director for the Lowcountry in 2010, managing 13 centers. Board certified in family medicine, Franke earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical science at Texas A&M University, and a Doctor of Medicine degree at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He was the chief resident of his family practice residency at the Medical University of South Carolina and received a Master of Business Administration from The Citadel in Charleston, S.C.
Barry Fitch, DPT, MBA, serves as the longstanding chief physical therapist and president of Progressive Physical Therapy, P.A. Fitch served in the U.S. Army as a military translator before obtaining his physical therapy degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. In 1987, he opened his first physical therapy clinic in Columbia, Progressive Physical Therapy Services, which was acquired by UCI Medical Affiliates in 1997. Under Fitch’s leadership, Progressive Physical Therapy has grown to 24 clinics statewide. Fitch earned his Bachelor of Arts from Francis Marion University, a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina, a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine and a Master of Business Administration from Brenau University.
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About UCI Medical Affiliates
UCI Medical Affiliates, founded in 1981 in Columbia, S.C., is the nonmedical management company for a family of businesses that includes Doctors Care urgent care and Progressive Physical Therapy. These businesses employ more than 1,000 people, and serve patients at 82 urgent care, employer onsites and physical therapy centers throughout South Carolina. UCI Medical Affiliates also manages employer on-site medical practices and related occupational health services. The company emphasizes quality care, cost-effective delivery and a close partnership with clients. Visit ucimedinc.com to learn more.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2019
Jill Armbruster
Doctors Care
[email protected]
803-726-4726
Murrells Inlet, S.C. – Doctors Care P.A., South Carolina’s largest urgent care company, held a ribbon cutting today to celebrate the opening of its newest urgent and family care center in Murrells Inlet. The state-of-the-art medical facility is located next to Bojangles’ on Highway 707. Doctors Care selected Murrells Inlet for its newest location because of the increased need for convenient access to health care services, seven days a week. This is the ninth Doctors Care location in the Grand Strand Region.
According to Dr. Curtis Franke, president and chief medical officer of Doctors Care, the new location will enhance efforts to address the health care demands of the booming South Strand area.
“For 38 years, our medical professionals have been dedicated to providing convenient, quality care to families and employers across South Carolina, and this newest Murrells Inlet location is an example of our long-term commitment to these values and the communities we’ve always served,” Franke said.
As part of the ribbon cutting ceremony, a two thousand dollar check was presented to St. James High School, which is located less than three miles from the new Doctors Care location. St. James’s athletic trainer, Bill Krauss, plus the high school mascot, Sharkie, was on hand to accept the check, and said part of the funds will be used for the school’s athletic equipment, plus funds will be allocated to the school nurse for medical supplies.
Doctors Care Murrells Inlet has more than 4,300 square feet of space including eight exam rooms, trauma space, on-site laboratory and X-ray rooms, and spacious accommodations.
Services available at Doctors Care include:
The Progressive Physical Therapy location is its 24th in South Carolina, offering specialized treatment with certified physical therapists to help with injury recovery, rehabilitation and pain relief.
Doctors Care hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Progressive Physical Therapy’s hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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About Doctors Care, P.A.
Doctors Care urgent care, accredited by the Urgent Care Association, is a leading health care organization focused on delivering exceptional and convenient urgent care, family care and occupational health services. Its original center, opened in Columbia in 1981, was the first urgent care center in South Carolina. Now, Doctors Care is one of the largest urgent care companies in the United States. Its network of 55 locations continues to expand to serve patients with quality health care that is both convenient and affordable. All Doctors Care centers offer online check-in, flexible hours, on-site X-ray, laboratory and on-site prescriptions, occupational health, telehealth services and more. Visit DoctorsCare.com to learn more.
About Progressive Physical Therapy
Progressive Physical Therapy, founded in 1986, serves patients at 25 offices throughout South Carolina. Centers are staffed with certified, highly skilled therapists with experience and specialized training. The high standards of Progressive Physical Therapy make it one of the most respected practices in the state for advanced therapeutic care. Visit PPTaccess.com for more information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2019
Jill Armbruster
Doctors Care
[email protected]
803-726-4726
Murrells Inlet, S.C. –Doctors Care urgent care and Progressive Physical Therapy have opened their newest locations in Murrells Inlet to serve the South Strand community and beyond.
The new, state-of-the-art facilities are located on the corner of Highway 707 and Tournament Blvd., and the Wynbrooke subdivision, adjacent to Bojangles’. It’s an ideal location to serve this growing area with convenient access to urgent and family care, as well as advanced physical therapy services.
Doctors Care is South Carolina’s largest urgent care company and one of the largest in the United States. The Murrells Inlet location will be the ninth in the Grand Strand region and the 55th in the state.
Dr. Curtis Franke, president and chief medical officer of Doctors Care P.A., said the company’s expansion reflects its dedication to providing quality, convenient care to S.C. families and employers.
“This newest Murrells Inlet location is an example of our long-term commitment to these values and the communities we’ve always served,” Franke said.
Doctors Care Murrells Inlet has more than 4,300 square feet of space including eight exam rooms, trauma space, on-site laboratory and X-ray rooms, and spacious accommodations.
Services available at Doctors Care include:
The Progressive Physical Therapy location is its 24th in South Carolina, offering specialized treatment with certified physical therapists to help with injury recovery, rehabilitation and pain relief.
Doctors Care hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Progressive Physical Therapy’s hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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About Doctors Care, P.A.
Doctors Care urgent care, accredited by the Urgent Care Association, is a leading health care organization focused on delivering exceptional and convenient urgent care, family care and occupational health services. Its original center, opened in Columbia in 1981, was the first urgent care center in South Carolina. Now, Doctors Care is one of the largest urgent care companies in the United States. Its network of 55 locations continues to expand to serve patients with quality health care that is both convenient and affordable. All Doctors Care centers offer online check-in, flexible hours, on-site X-ray, laboratory and on-site prescriptions, occupational health, telehealth services and more. Visit DoctorsCare.com to learn more.
About Progressive Physical Therapy
Progressive Physical Therapy, founded in 1986, serves patients at 25 offices throughout South Carolina. Centers are staffed with certified, highly skilled therapists with experience and specialized training. The high standards of Progressive Physical Therapy make it one of the most respected practices in the state for advanced therapeutic care. Visit PPTaccess.com for more information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 27, 2018
Contact: Jill Armbruster
Email: [email protected]
Columbia, S.C. – Doctors Care P.A., South Carolina’s largest urgent care company, held a ribbon-cutting today to celebrate the opening of its newest center in Columbia – the company’s 54th location in South Carolina.
Doctors Care Shandon, on the corner of Harden Street and Rosewood Drive, is conveniently located near many of Columbia downtown neighborhoods, several grade schools and the University of South Carolina. This is the 13th Doctors Care location in the central Midlands, and the fifth new location that Doctors Care has opened in less than a year.
Dr. Curtis Franke, acting president and chief medical officer of Doctors Care, said the new location was built to replace an outdated facility about a mile away, and strategically located to bring modern, affordable health care to the heart of Columbia’s downtown residential and university districts.
“This one is special for us – it’s in our own backyard,” Franke said. “We started in Columbia nearly four decades ago, and our headquarters are located just up Harden Street from here. We have treated generations of families in this area, and it gives us great pride to build this beautiful new facility to continue to serve even more generations and new families. We can see your family today, and we provide a great value and convenience in the health care space.”
As part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a check was presented to support the installation of public art and beautification projects along the retail corridor between the Shandon and Rosewood neighborhoods. One Columbia for Arts and History Executive Director Lee Snelgrove, and the Rosewood Merchants Association Executive Director Dave Britt, were on hand to accept the check.
“One Columbia is pleased to be a partner on yet another major public art project that brings a community-minded business in collaboration with a merchant’s association and neighborhood residents,” Snelgrove said.
According to Britt, the construction of Doctors Care Shandon also has inspired renewed interested in investment and property enhancements.
“The Rosewood Merchants Association is excited to welcome Doctors Care to the neighborhood, and appreciates the gracious donation toward art and beautification,” Britt said. “They are creating a great partnership between their business and the community with a gesture that is truly outstanding, exciting and unique. These future projects will be an awesome addition to one of Columbia’s most unique and beloved areas.”
Doctors Care Shandon is more than 4,300 square feet, with eight exam rooms plus trauma space, on-site laboratory and X-ray rooms, and spacious accommodations with modern finishes.
Services available at this Doctors Care include:
The new facility’s address is 2601 Rosewood Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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About Doctors Care, P.A.
Doctors Care, now celebrating its 36th year in business, is a leading health care organization focused on delivering exceptional and convenient urgent care, family care and occupational health services. Its original clinic, opened in Columbia in 1981, was the first urgent care center in South Carolina. Now, Doctors Care is one of the largest urgent care companies in the United States. Its network of 52 clinic locations continues to expand to serve patients who want quality health care that’s also convenient and reasonably priced. Doctors Care centers offer online check-in, flexible hours, on-site X-rays and laboratory services, telehealth access and more. Visit DoctorsCare.com to learn more.
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