Patients and Visitors : Our Medical Team
As a patient, you can rest assured that you are in very capable hands at MUSC. Staffed with world-class physicians and equipped with the very latest technology and advanced medicine, we are committed to providing you and your loved ones with the highest quality of care available.
All MUSC employees, residents, volunteers and physicians wear photo ID badges with the MUSC logo. Whenever anyone enters your room, check to see that they are wearing an ID badge. If they do not have an ID badge, ask to see it. Do not allow your child to go with anyone who doesn't have an ID badge.
If you have questions about your medical care, feel free to ask any member of your health care team. If you would like to speak with your attending physician, please notify the nurse or ask the resident or medical student involved with your care. They will contact the attending physician. If you have urgent concerns about your medical care, you may contact the supervising nurse on duty or the Housing Services Coordinator through the operator at 843-792-8080.
In addition to your child's doctor, there are many team members who may be involved in your child's care while you are here. Below are some of the staff that you might meet while your child is in the hospital.
Attending Physician
A doctor who has special training in the care of children. This doctor is in charge of your child's care.
Fellow
A doctor who has finished medical school and is completing training in a specialty area.
Resident
A doctor who is training in a specialty area. Residents are available 24 hours a day to manage your child's care under the supervision of the attending physician. The resident reports to the attending physician on your child's daily progress.
Chaplains
Chaplains are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 843-792-9464. The chapel is located on the fourth floor of the main hospital and is open at all times. There is an inter-faith prayer service at 11:15 a.m., Monday - Friday.
PACT
The Pediatric Advanced Care Team is a team consisting of physicians, nurses and social workers. The primary goal of the PACT team is to provide spiritual, emotional and physical support to families and children facing life threatening illnesses. To learn more about PACT, please contact Sheri Stewart, RN, MSN at 843-792-8158.
Interpreters
Professional interpreters who are fluent in English and other languages are available for translation in a number of situations including: obtaining medical history, procedures/surgery, consent forms, explaining a diagnosis and plan for medical treatment and more. To reach a foreign language interpreter, call 843-792-1011. This service is available 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. After hours, call 843-792-2123 and ask for assistance.
Pharmacist
Works with the team to monitor your child's medicines.
Pharmacists wear olive colored scrubs and polo shirts.
Medical or Nursing Student
A student who is training to be a doctor or a nurse.
Hospitalist
A hospitalist is an attending physician who specializes in the care of hospitalized children. They lead the medical team caring for some of our hospitalized children, are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week and work with the primary care physician to provide a smooth transition back to outpatient care.
Nurse Manager
Supervises the nursing staff on each unit and can talk with you about any questions or concerns you might have.
Charge Nurse
There is a charge nurse on every shift. They can talk with you about any questions or discuss any concerns.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Your child will have a registered nurse on every shift who will provide care and coordinate your child's care.
RNs wear royal blue scrubs, which may be combined with white scrubs.
Clinical Associate
Assists the RN in caring for your child.
Clinical associates wear black scrubs.
Unit Secretary (ASB)
Performs secretarial duties. This person usually answers the call bell and greets you when you enter the unit.
Unit secretaries wear a ceil blue lab coat or warm-up jacket with business attire.
Nurse Case Manager
Facilitates discharge planning and continuity of care in collaboration with physicians, the multidisciplinary care team and the patient's family.
Respiratory Therapist
Trained in the management of oxygen therapy and the administration of special breathing treatments.
Respiratory therapists wear caribbean blue scrubs.
Other Therapists
Physical, occupational, and speech therapists assist your child with any functional needs.
Social Workers
Pediatric social workers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist you and your family during your child's visit. They provide many services, which include helping you identify hospital and community resources and providing support and counseling.
Child Life Specialists
Child Life Specialists encourage emotional well-being and normal development in healthcare settings through the use of play, education and support services. Learn more about Child Life Services.
Volunteer
You will see many volunteers on the unit and in the Atrium. They donate their time and energy to help make your child's stay as pleasant as possible.
Lactation Consultant
MUSC lactation consultants are available to assist lactating mothers meet their breast feeding and pumping goals. They can assist with breast pump rental and breast feeding complications.
