Beaufort, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort Memorial Hospital is enhancing its emergency care services by integrating Emergency Medicine residents from the Medical University of South Carolina. Starting August 1, these third-year residents will rotate through the Pratt Emergency Center, providing vital support to the emergency staff and helping to improve patient care. This new residency program, led by Dr. Luke Baxley, aims to address the critical shortage of healthcare providers in Beaufort County, ensuring that future emergency medicine physicians are well-prepared for community needs.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Beaufort Memorial Hospital is set to enhance its emergency care services by welcoming Emergency Medicine (EM) residents from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). This new residency program emphasizes the hospital’s commitment to improving patient care in the area.
Beginning on August 1, seasoned, third-year EM residents started rotating through the Pratt Emergency Center, allowing them to integrate into clinical teams and gain valuable hands-on experience. Each residency cycle will see one EM resident join the hospital, providing additional support to the dedicated emergency room staff.
The EM residents have already completed two years of advanced training in emergency medicine, ensuring they are well-prepared to assist in a busy ER environment. Medical Director Saeed Rehman, M.D., expressed positivity about the program, recognizing the critical nature of emergency medicine and how the additional support from residents will benefit patient outcomes.
Led by Luke Baxley, M.D., the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Beaufort Memorial reflects a strong commitment to medical education and aims to develop future healthcare providers. This initiative is part of Beaufort Memorial’s effort to create a pipeline for upcoming emergency medicine physicians, addressing the critical shortage of healthcare providers in the region.
Due to its affiliation with MUSC Health, Beaufort Memorial has officially become a site for Graduate Medical Education, facilitating the recruitment of various specialists to better serve the community. MUSC Health’s chief academic integration officer, Tsveti Markova, M.D., noted that the residents are being prepared to serve in rural and underserved areas of South Carolina, emphasizing the importance of this program in meeting local healthcare demands.
The EM residents come from diverse medical schools across the nation, including West Virginia University, A.T. Still University, and Temple University. This diverse background enriches the learning experience for both the residents and the hospital staff.
In a related development, resident physician assistant Amanda Piolata, PA-C, has joined Beaufort Memorial’s Bluffton Primary Care team. Piolata brings three years of experience from Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health and previously worked for five years at OhioHealth Urgent Care. She has robust local ties, having vacationed in the Lowcountry during her childhood.
At Bluffton Primary Care, Piolata joins established providers, including family medicine physicians and an internal medicine specialist. This practice is located at the Beaufort Memorial Okatie Medical Pavilion, Suite 310, further expanding patient care services in the community.
Beaufort Memorial’s new residency program and the addition of experienced providers indicates a significant investment in local healthcare, enhancing services and desiring to meet the community’s growing medical needs.
FAQ
What is the purpose of Beaufort Memorial’s residency program?
The residency program aims to enhance patient care by integrating Emergency Medicine residents from MUSC into the hospital’s emergency room.
When did the residency program begin?
The residency program began on August 1.
How long are the EM residents rotating at Beaufort Memorial Hospital?
The EM residents will be rotating every four weeks.
What training have the EM residents completed prior to joining Beaufort Memorial?
The resident physicians have previously completed two years of advanced training in emergency medicine.
What impact does the residency program have on Beaufort County?
The program aims to address the shortage of healthcare providers in Beaufort County, particularly in emergency medicine.
Who leads the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Beaufort Memorial?
Luke Baxley, M.D., leads the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Beaufort Memorial.
Where is Bluffton Primary Care located?
Bluffton Primary Care is located at the Beaufort Memorial Okatie Medical Pavilion, Suite 310.
Key Features of the Residency Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Initiation | August 1, when EM residents began their rotations. |
| Resident Rotation Length | Residents rotate every four weeks. |
| Training Background | Residents have completed two years of advanced emergency medicine training. |
| Community Impact | Addresses the shortage of healthcare providers in Beaufort County. |
| Leadership | Led by Luke Baxley, M.D. |
| Location of Bluffton Primary Care | Beaufort Memorial Okatie Medical Pavilion, Suite 310. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Faces Critical Medical Provider Shortage
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Welcomes New Orthopedic Surgeon
Additional Resources
- Beaufort Memorial Launches Emergency Medicine Residency Program
- Island Packet: Local News and Updates
- WSAV: Beaufort Memorial Partners with MUSC Health
- WJCL: Beaufort Memorial Expands Bluffton Hospital
- WSAV: Beaufort County Emergency Services Warns of Fake Account
- Wikipedia: Emergency Medicine
- Google Search: Beaufort Memorial Hospital
- Google Scholar: Emergency Medicine Residency Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency Medicine
- Google News: Beaufort Memorial Hospital
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
