Then. Now. Next. Celebrating the Bicentennial of the Medical University of South Carolina

We commemorate the tenacity, grit, and innovative spirit of the visionaries who founded the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in 1824, honoring the 200-year legacy of contributions, milestones, and firsts that MUSC faculty, leaders, students, and staff have made to the health care journey here in South Carolina and the U.S.

As we push past internal siloes and outdated barriers to progress, we examine our past to understand its impact on the present and strategically seek out novel collaborations that take ideas to new levels, boldly pursuing excellence during one of the most pivotal points in our transformational journey. The foundation our history affords coupled with what we build today allow the institution to explore with optimism the tomorrow we know is possible through innovation, impact, and influence.

MUSC Bicentennial Timeline

Over the years, MUSC has played a pivotal role in advancing health care and medical research. Established in 1824 as the Medical College of South Carolina, it has continually evolved. From surviving the challenges of the Civil War to modernizing in the 20th century, MUSC’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity has made it a globally renowned institution. Today, it stands as a leader in health care, education, and research, with a significant impact on public health.

Explore The MUSC Bicentennial Timeline

Medical College of the State of South Carolina Lectures on the Principles and Practice of Obstetrics, by Thomas G. Prioleau, M.D. | A signature of the lecture attendee is at the bottom — An early ticket to a Medical College of South Carolina lecture.

The Medical University of South Carolina

Established in 1824, MUSC pioneered medical education in the Deep South. Over the years, it has remained South Carolina’s only academic health center, renowned for its leadership in research and innovation. MUSC is at the forefront of shaping the future of health care by equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to address the ever-evolving challenges of the medical field. Through its rich history and commitment to excellence, MUSC continues to play a vital role in advancing health care and medical education in the region and beyond.

Learn More About Education at MUSC

Students in caps and gowns cheer at their graduation ceremony. — Graduates of MUSC’s College of Medicine celebrate at graduation.

MUSC Health

MUSC is synonymous with top-tier patient care and the cultivation of future health care leaders. Its commitment to excellence makes it a trusted health care institution. Simultaneously, MUSC remains unwavering in its dedication to innovation by continuously pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge and technology. Beyond its institutional walls, MUSC actively engages with the community by fostering partnerships and initiatives that positively impact the health and well-being of the broader population. This multifaceted approach underscores MUSC's vital role in advancing health care and its enduring connection to the communities it serves.

Learn More About Clinical Care at MUSC

Three doctors look towards a machine in the foreground while performing surgery. All three are in scrubs, masks, and glasses. — Jennifer Ridgeway, PA-C, MUSC President Dr. David Cole, and MUSC resident John Jordan “Shockley” Nunnery, M.D. check a reading on a machine while performing a mastectomy at Rutledge Tower.

Leading Research

MUSC stands as a leader in transformative research that addresses a wide array of health challenges. Its research spans from investigating rare conditions such as hEDS to combatting major diseases that affect countless lives. At the forefront of medical innovation, MUSC leads in the field of precision medicine by customizing treatments to individuals’ unique needs. Additionally, MUSC’s expertise extends to pandemic modeling that contributes crucial insights in times of global health crises. Above all, MUSC remains dedicated to its core mission: enhancing the health and well-being of all South Carolinians, exemplifying its commitment to improving lives through groundbreaking research and innovation.

Learn More About Research at MUSC

A flowerbed sits in front of a tall brick building and a sign that reads “James E. Clyburn Research center. — The James E. Clyburn Research Center contains two state-of-the-art buildings that house collaborative research projects.

Always Innovating

For nearly two centuries, MUSC has been a driving force in health care innovation. Dating back to 1824, it has continually pushed the boundaries of modern clinical trials and embracing telehealth solutions. Today, MUSC is a global leader in precision medicine and genetics, and is fundamentally reshaping patient care through revolutionary innovation. With a rich history of progress and an unwavering commitment to the future, MUSC remains at the forefront of health care transformation by ensuring that patients receive the most advanced and personalized treatments available.

Learn More About Innovation at MUSC

Young African-American doctor in a lab with a dark illumination in a lab coat and protective gloves works late with a HUD screen with a brain projection in a futuristic laboratory, we see her sitting at a table. — Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at MUSC.

Waring Historical Library

The Waring Historical Library is the special collections and rare book library of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Named for Joseph I. Waring Jr., the first director of the historical library, the library supports the teaching and research mission of MUSC by collecting and preserving original manuscripts, books, and other items relating to the history of the University, the history of health sciences in South Carolina and the South, and by identifying resources documenting the health sciences of the Atlantic World during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is through this comprehensive and intentional scholarship that MUSC can understand the happenings and circumstances of the past to create a better future for all.

Learn More About The Waring Historical Library

A brick building sits behind a garden and a tall tree. — The Waring Historical Library sits on Ashley Avenue in the heart of the MUSC campus near St. Luke’s Chapel.