Founded in 1824 in Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) serves as the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, dedicated to preserving and optimizing human life in South Carolina through education, research, and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates more than 3,200 students across six colleges—Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy —while also training more than 900 residents and fellows within its health system. In fiscal year 2024, MUSC secured more than $360 million in research funding, leading the state in overall research investment, as well as in federal and National Institutes of Health funding. Learn more about our academic programs.
As the health care system of MUSC, MUSC Health is committed to providing the highest-quality and safest patient care while preparing future generations of health care providers and leaders to serve South Carolina and beyond. Patient care is delivered through a network of 16 hospitals, including those in which MUSC holds ownership or governing interest, with approximately 2,700 beds and four additional hospital locations in development. The system also includes more than 350 telehealth sites and nearly 750 care locations across all regions of South Carolina. In 2024, for the 10th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report recognized MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston as the top hospital in South Carolina. Learn more about our patient services.
Innovation has been central to MUSC for over 200 years, driving advancements in research, education, and health care. Leadership at MUSC prioritizes transformation and growth, fostering a culture in which faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to be innovators. Each year, more than 290 ideas are submitted by members of the MUSC community as part of this commitment to innovation
As part of the One MUSC strategic plan, MUSC is developing a comprehensive support ecosystem to translate ideas into meaningful impact.
This innovation ecosystem includes key initiatives such as Blue Sky powered by MUSC, the Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization, and the newly established 1824 Health Ventures fund. MUSC is also a founding partner of South Carolina Innovation Awareness Month, a statewide initiative anchored by the university’s annual “Innovation Week” each April.
With a portfolio that includes over 60 startup companies, more than 600 patents, and collaborations with global industry leaders as well as state and local partners, MUSC continues to lead in health care innovation and education across South Carolina.
“Innovation is woven throughout our institutional DNA, and it fuels our commitment to transforming patient care, providing excellent health sciences education, and pursuing research discoveries that have impact for generations.”
MUSC President, Dr. David Cole, M.D., FACS
