Shaping the Next Generation of Physicians: McLeod Health Residency Programs

By Shaw Thompson & Jessica Wall

Graduate Medical Education (GME) is a critical phase in a physician’s journey, bridging the gap between medical school and independent practice. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world experience, residency programs prepare physicians to deliver exceptional care.

“These programs signal our commitment to expanding medical education as well as remaining at the forefront of innovative treatments and medical advancements,” says Dr. Dale Lusk, Senior Vice President and Corporate Chief Medical Officer for McLeod Health.

McLeod Health, a system of seven hospitals serving one million people in 18 counties throughout South Carolina, distinguishes itself by offering on-site residency programs that train compassionate, skilled physicians to meet the diverse needs of their communities.

“The Graduate Medical Education Program at McLeod Health has experienced significant growth in recent years, and we remain diligent in supporting greater access and services for our communities,” says Emily Matthews Coker, Vice President of Advanced Education for McLeod Health.

With a mission to improve the overall health and well-being of people throughout the region, McLeod Health’s residency programs in Family Medicine, Rural Family Medicine, and Internal Medicine stand out for their comprehensive training, community focus and commitment to excellence.

 

McLeod Family Medicine Residency Program: A Foundation for Comprehensive Care
Located on the campus of McLeod Regional Medical Center, a 517-bed regional tertiary care center in Florence, South Carolina, the McLeod Family Medicine Residency Program is a cornerstone of McLeod Health’s GME efforts.

Established in 1980, this program has trained more than 300 physicians to deliver full-scope family medicine, equipping them to care for patients across all ages and medical needs.

The Family Medicine Residency Program emphasizes a rigorous, hands-on curriculum that includes inpatient pediatrics, high-volume inpatient services and intensive ambulatory experiences in the Family Medicine Center.

Residents gain exposure to intensive care units and serve a medically complex, often underserved population, preparing them for diverse clinical challenges. The program also offers osteopathic recognition, catering to residents pursuing osteopathic training.

“The McLeod Family Medicine Residency Program is designed to graduate skilled physicians who are committed to compassionate, comprehensive care, particularly in rural or underserved settings,” says Program Director Gerard C. Jebaily, MD, MHSA, CMD.

 “Our focus on family extends beyond patient care to include our residents, faculty, and staff, creating a supportive community that fosters personal and professional growth.”

This unique setting allows residents to develop critical skills in managing high-acuity cases while cultivating the physician-patient bonds that are the hallmark of family medicine.

Beyond clinical training, residents earn management and administrative skills, preparing them to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare systems.

 

McLeod Family Medicine Rural Residency Program: Serving Underserved Communities
Established in 2020, the McLeod Family Medicine Rural Residency Program addresses the critical need for primary care in rural areas. With training sites in Cheraw and Manning, this unopposed program trains residents to deliver full-scope family medicine in resource-limited settings.

These training physicians care for patients in outpatient clinics, hospitals, intensive care units, and nursing homes, while gaining procedural skills with central line placement, ultrasounds, EGDs, and colonoscopies.

The rural residency program is designed to foster autonomy and confidence, equipping physicians to handle the particular challenges of rural healthcare.

“Our mission is to graduate well-rounded physicians who can understand and treat the distinct conditions of patients in rural and underserved areas,” says Program Director Lisa E. Heichberger, MD, DipABLM.

“Rural medicine is more than clinical expertise – it is about building relationships and being part of a community. Our residents engage in outreach and quality improvement projects that directly impact the lives of those they serve. The bonds formed with patients in small towns are powerful and lasting, and we strive to create that same sense of connection and support within our program,” continues Dr. Heichberger.

Through community outreach and quality improvement projects, residents engage directly with the populations they serve, addressing healthcare disparities and improving outcomes.

The program’s focus on rural medicine ensures graduates are prepared to thrive in settings where access to care is limited, making a tangible difference in the lives of their patients.

 

McLeod Internal Medicine Residency Program: Training Versatile Physicians
Set to welcome its first class of residents in July 2026, the McLeod Internal Medicine Residency Program is poised to train compassionate, competent physicians for careers in primary care, hospital medicine and subspecialty fields.

It offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes inpatient and outpatient training, procedural skills, and exposure to teams across all disciplines, including case managers, social workers and pharmacists.

 “Our goal is to create an environment where residents develop clinical autonomy while receiving the support and mentorship needed to succeed,” says Program Director Victor E. Collier, MD, FACP, FHM.

“We are building a program that fosters clinical curiosity, encourages quality improvement and prepares residents for the business of medicine.”

The program emphasizes a standardized didactic curriculum with formal lectures, case presentations, and journal clubs, ensuring residents are well-versed in the breadth of internal medicine.

By engaging with administrative leaders and participating in committee work, residents gain insights into healthcare systems, positioning them for success in diverse career paths.

 

A Legacy of Impact
McLeod Health’s residency programs are more than training grounds – they are incubators for the next generation of physicians who will shape the future of healthcare.

More than 40 physicians who graduated from the McLeod Family Medicine Residency Programs currently practice at a McLeod Health facility, a legacy that will continue for generations to come.

By combining rigorous clinical training with a commitment to community and compassion, McLeod Health ensures its graduates are equipped to meet the challenges of modern medicine while fostering meaningful connections with their patients.

Whether in the bustling environment of McLeod Regional Medical Center or the close-knit communities of Cheraw and Manning, these programs are transforming healthcare, one physician at a time.

 

Team-Based Care in Family Medicine Residency: Providing Accessible, High-Quality Care
At McLeod Health, our Family Medicine Residency Centers use a team-based approach to care that enhances the educational experience for residents while ensuring patients receive the best possible care. Here's how it works:

 

What is Team-Based Care?
In a family medicine residency program, each team consists of first, second, and third-year residents (PGY-1, PGY-2, PGY-3), along with an attending physician who supervises and mentors the residents. This model not only supports the residents' learning but also ensures continuous, high-quality care for patients.

 

 How the Teams Are Structured:

• PGY-1 Residents: In their first year, residents focus on building their clinical skills, learning to interact with patients, and understanding the workflow of the practice.
• PGY-2 Residents: With more experience, these residents take on increased responsibilities in patient care and begin to mentor PGY-1 residents.
• PGY-3 Residents: As leaders of the team, third-year residents coordinate care plans and prepare for independent practice after graduation.
• Attending Physician: The attending physician oversees all clinical decisions, providing essential mentorship and ensuring the team maintains high standards of care.

 

Benefits of Team-Based Care:

1. Continuity of Care: Patients have access to consistent care, with someone from the team always available to see them, even if the resident is rotating out.
2. Comprehensive Learning: Residents benefit from the collaborative environment, gaining hands-on experience, learning from their peers, and attending physicians in a variety of clinical scenarios.
3. Leadership & Mentorship: Senior residents guide and mentor junior residents, building leadership skills while reinforcing their clinical knowledge.
4. Collaborative Decision-Making: Team discussions of cases encourage critical thinking and evidence-based practices, improving outcomes for patients.
5. Patient-Centered Care: This approach ensures personalized, coordinated care, leading to better patient satisfaction and healthier outcomes.

Team-based care offers an excellent learning platform for residents and ensures patients have access to coordinated, efficient care. This approach enhances both the educational journey of residents and the well-being of the McLeod Health community.

Access. Choice. Convenience.
At McLeod Health, patients have access to nearly 70 physicians throughout our four residency care centers. Our teams work together to provide excellent care that is both coordinated and personal.

New patients are welcome, and same- or next-day appointments are available. To schedule an appointment, contact one of our locations below.

McLeod Family Medicine Center
144 North Ravenel St., Florence, SC, 29506
(843) 777-2800

With 36 highly skilled faculty and resident physicians as well as a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Pharmacist, the McLeod Family Medicine Center offers a wide scope of services from birth to geriatric care, including: same-day, in-office labs; in-office procedure rooms; women’s health; pediatrics; behavioral health and more.

McLeod Internal Medicine Residency Center
101 William H. Johnson St., Ste 205, Florence, SC, 29506
(843) 777-7671

The McLeod Internal Medicine Residency Center opened in July 2025. This physician practice expands access to internal medicine care across our region and will serve as the training ground for the McLeod Internal Medicine Residency Program.

Located in Suite 205 of McLeod Medical Park East on the campus of McLeod Regional Medical Center, adult patients in need of an internal medicine provider are welcome, including individuals transitioning from the hospital or those seeking a long-term medical home.

The practice is staffed by two experienced internal medicine physicians, Dr. Victor Collier and Dr. William Betz.

With 29 highly skilled faculty and resident physicians as well as a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Pharmacist, McLeod Primary Care Clarendon and McLeod Primary Care Cheraw offer a wide scope of services for the entire family. Services include: acute and chronic illness management; pediatric, adult and geriatric care; referrals to specialists and more.