Charleston

northeastern.edu

Medicine has always been important to my immediate family. My father was an anesthesiologist, his father was also a doctor, and I too hope to become a doctor. My mother is a nurse who has explored many different fields within the career. My hometown Charleston, South Carolina is home to the Medical University of South Carolina, a very prestigious medical school and hospital, which started out as just a medical society “regarded nationally and internationally” (12). The hospital officially opened in November of 1824 “as one of the first in the nation to involve patient care” and a “regional resource for medical expertise” (13). My parents first met here and worked there for many years. My dad assisted in the first open heart surgeries performed in South Carolina there. My mother gave birth to me there. I have had a few too many ER visits there. Essentially, the Medical University of South Carolina holds significance to my immediate family’s past and future, as it has for the lives of thousands since 1824, for it is the oldest medical school in the southeast.

            A lot of my family history occurred on the grounds of this very hospital, which seems strange, but for my family, this is nothing out of the ordinary. My mother began nursing school in the cardio division, a program which originated in 1883, straight out of college. My father began his internship on the anesthesia unit after medical school. Both were new to Charleston at this point, and they eventually met one day on rounds. They got married two years later at a church not far from MUSC’s grounds. Seven years later, my mother gave birth to me at this hospital, which ended her career at MUSC. I have gained experience in this hospital after multiple ER visits and summers volunteering in the main hospital. Growing up in a medical environment has inspired me to become a doctor, a dream that I can remember having since the second grade, and I have always wanted to attend MUSC after receiving my degree from Chapel Hill. I feel that this place is important to the Hollon’s past and future because of the monumental events that have occurred there. Not many people can say that about their family. However, the Medical University maintains this kind of status in Charleston as well. Revered for the great research and medical care that comes out of the institution, this hospital is important to not only me, but others across the state and country.

            MUSC holds such a reputation to families and institutions because of the history and success that has continued since its opening in 1824. The Children’s Hospital defines MUSC, for it provides “state-of-the-art treatment of infants and children referred” from around the state, country, and even world (21). I have had some experience, both general and personal, in witnessing the wonders that come out of this portion of the hospital, and it is astounding. MUSC also holds this international reputation with their cardiovascular program “through outstanding heart specialists…treating patients…who are referred to them from around the world” (19). Charleston’s smaller size compared to cities that generate this degree of a medical reputation makes this kind of international recognition very impressive. MUSC looks toward the “future needs in health care education,” which progresses their status beyond others (21).

            Charleston has been my family’s home for a while, and it has become very special to us; medicine has also become a defining factor of my family, which makes Charleston and especially MUSC so significant to me. Both represent foundations of my friends, family, connections, career, and home. More expansively, I know that I share these notions with many people because Charleston is a unique place, as is the Medical University of South Carolina, both for their innovation and personality.

Edwards, James B. The Southeast's Oldest Medical School. New York: Newcomen

            Society of the United States, 1986.