Monday, May. 25, 2009

West Columbia doctor to lead state group

West Columbia physician John G. Black recently was elected the 148th president of the South Carolina Medical Association.

Black, who specializes in internal medicine, was formally installed during the association’s annual meeting in Hilton Head.

Black has been a member of the SCMA and the American Medical Association for almost 30 years.

“Dr. Black will serve the physicians of this great state well,” said Gregory Tarasidis, SCMA president-elect. “His love of medicine is sincere, and he will work diligently to defend it to protect the citizens of South Carolina.”

Black is a fellow of the American College of Physicians. In 2006, he received the S.C. American College of Physicians Laureate Award, given annually to the outstanding internal medicine physician on the basis of activities to help his profession and all patients.

Black received his bachelor’s degree from Wofford College and his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, where he remained for his internship and residency.

He and his wife, Anne, live in Lexington and have one son, Jonathan, who attends the Charleston School of Law.

The SCMA was founded in 1848 and includes nearly 6,000 physicians. The association aims to support South Carolina physicians and advocate for quality medical care and good health on behalf of the citizens of the state, as well as represent and serve the interests of physicians.

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West Columbia’s George Drafts was honored recently for his contributions to Lexington Medical Center and his community.

Drafts received the Lexington Medical Center Foundation’s Stilwell Award for Achievement in Philanthropy,

Drafts was a member of the Lexington Medical Center board of directors from 1980 to 1989 and served as chairman of the board from 1986 to 1987.

He was appointed to the Lexington Medical Center Foundation board in 1993, serving as board chairman from 2005 to 2009.

He is credited for his contributions to the growth of the foundation as well as for his dedication to furthering the quality of life for the people of the Midlands.

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