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Conway Medical Center has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2026. This is the third consecutive year CMC has earned this achievement. CMC is one of only 350 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor. The award recognizes CMC’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that CMC has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations. To receive the Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, Conway Medical Center has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025) and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients. “We are proud to present CMC with the Platinum Performance Achievement Award in recognition of its national leadership and steadfast commitment to meeting comprehensive performance measures in patient care,” Leslie L. Davis, PhD, ANP-BC, FACC, chair of the NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Steering Subcommittee. “CMC’s achievement reflects its ongoing focus

In this article: Tried Everything for Your Back Pain? Here’s What You Haven’t Tried Yet If you’ve dealt with low back pain for more than six months, you’ve probably tried the usual fixes. Physical therapy. Over-the-counter medication. Maybe even an injection or two. But if the relief never quite lasts, the source of your pain might be something most treatments don’t address at all. Struggling with chronic back pain that won’t quit? CMC Orthopaedics and CMC Pain Management both offer the Intracept Procedure, a one-time treatment designed to target pain at its source. Learn how to schedule a consultation today. What Is Vertebrogenic Pain? Not all back pain starts in the same place. Some pain comes from muscles. Some pain comes from discs. But a specific type, called vertebrogenic pain, starts inside the bone of the vertebra itself. Here’s how it happens. The endplates are the bony surfaces that sit between each vertebra and the spinal discs. When those endplates become damaged, they can irritate a nerve called the basivertebral nerve. That nerve then sends ongoing pain signals to the brain, and typical back pain treatments often don’t reach it. This is exactly the kind of pain the Intracept Procedure was designed to treat. How the Intracept Procedure Works Intracept is a one-time, minimally invasive procedure. It uses heat, not medication or implants, to stop pain signals at the source. During the procedure, your provider will: Make a small incision in the back Use guided imagi

In this article: If an accident, surgery, burn or other skin condition has left you with a visible scar, you may be wondering what kind of scar treatment options are available. While scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process and many become less noticeable over time, there are several effective treatment methods that can help improve their appearance. In this article, we’ll explore common causes of skin scarring, address whether it’s possible to prevent scarring and consider effective scar treatment approaches. Noticeable scars can affect your self-confidence and impact your quality of life. Our team at CMC Dermatology can help. We offer personalized care and treatment for a variety of scar types to help improve your skin’s appearance and overall health. We invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment and take the next step towards healthier skin. What Are Common Causes of Skin Scarring? A scar is your body’s natural way of repairing damaged skin. When you sustain an injury to your skin, the body produces collagen to heal and repair the wound. The scar tissue created may look and feel different than the surrounding skin. Common causes of skin scarring may include: Burns Skin infections Acne breakouts Surgical incisions Accidents and traumatic injuries Certain skin conditions that can damage the skin over time Scar appearance varies by person based on several factors, including: Age Genetics Location of the injury Skin tone and ethnicity Size and depth of t

In this article: If you’ve recently given birth and you’re experiencing severe headaches, vision changes or elevated blood pressure, it’s natural to be concerned. In some cases, these symptoms may signal postpartum preeclampsia – a serious but treatable condition characterized by high blood pressure that can develop after childbirth, even if your pregnancy was healthy. Recognizing warning signs early and seeking prompt medical attention can help prevent serious complications. In this article, we’ll explain postpartum preeclampsia and its symptoms, address risk factors for developing the condition and explore how it’s treated. It can be easy to mistake warning signs of postpartum preeclampsia for normal recovery after childbirth. However, it’s important to address these symptoms promptly to avoid complications and protect your health. If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is normal postpartum recovery or something more serious, we encourage you to contact us for an appointment. What is Postpartum Preeclampsia? Postpartum preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure that develops after childbirth. While it typically occurs within 48 hours after delivery, it can develop up to six weeks after giving birth. The condition is related to preeclampsia (high blood pressure and organ stress) during pregnancy, though it can occur even if your blood pressure remained normal throughout your pregnancy . Postpartum preeclampsia is considered a med

In this article: Back To School/ Daycare Eye Health As backpacks get packed and lunches get planned, there’s one back-to-school item that’s easy to overlook: your child’s eyes. About 1 in 4 school-aged kids has a vision problem no one has caught yet. Many of these problems slip by. That’s because most kids don’t get a vision test until age 4 — years after some problems could have been caught and fixed. The good news? CMC Pediatrics now offers GoCheck Kids . It’s a quick vision test that uses a smartphone camera. It can check a child’s eyes starting at just 12 months old. Your child doesn’t need to read, talk, or even sit still. We asked Dr. Amanda Didolkar , a pediatrician at CMC Pediatrics – Carolina Forest, to explain how it works, what to watch for at home, and what happens at your child’s next well visit. Back to School, Back to Well. Between new routines and busy schedules, it’s easy for a back-to-school checkup to slip through the cracks. A well visit gives your child’s pediatrician the chance to check their vision, growth and overall health before the first bell rings. With CMC Pediatrics locations in Conway, Carolina Forest, Aynor and Socastee, there’s a convenient spot near you. Schedule your child’s well visit today . Part of the reason so many vision problems go unnoticed is simple. Young kids have nothing to compare their eyesight to. “Kids don’t have any frame of reference for what normal vision is when they’re young,” explains Dr. Didolkar. “If they have a probl

For the sixth year in a row, Conway Medical Center (CMC) has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring people experiencing stroke receive timely, appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately helping to save lives and reduce disability. Stroke is the number 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. When this happens, brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival, minimizing disability, and supporting faster recovery. Get With The Guidelines brings the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association into hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program designed to improve stroke care through consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize long-term effects of stroke and help prevent death. “Conway Medical Center is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Dr. Paul Richardson, CMC Chief Medical Officer. “We are e

Medically Reviewed by Paul Richardson, MD, Chief Medical Officer & Vice President of Graduate Medical Education In this article: You may have seen it trending in the news under a headline that isn’t exactly appetizing — the “explosive diarrhea parasite.” It sounds dramatic, but this summer, cyclospora is a very real concern, and it’s already showing up in South Carolina. Here’s what you need to know about the illness it causes, how to protect yourself, and when your symptoms mean it’s time to seek care at CMC. What is Cyclospora? Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite — too small to see with the naked eye — that infects the small intestine and causes a gastrointestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. It’s most commonly spread through contaminated food or water, particularly fresh produce like leafy greens and fruit. This summer, a multistate outbreak linked to contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce has been confirmed by the CDC across nine states, with a voluntary recall of affected lettuce issued in mid-July 2026. Nationally, an estimated 18,000 people have developed cyclosporiasis so far this summer — a number that far exceeds the typical annual case count of fewer than 4,000. Two deaths linked to the outbreak were reported in Michigan. Closer to home, the South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed 43 cases of cyclosporiasis in the state as of July 28, 2026. While South Carolina’s cases have not been officially linked to the national lettuce outbreak,

Conway Medical Center has 198 volunteers serving at multiple facilities in a variety of capacities. Our volunteers are dedicated individuals who provide exceptional service to meet the diverse needs of our community, staff, and patients. They have served over 36,100 hours and their donated time equates to over $1,254,000. Each year CMC recognizes volunteers who have achieved 10, 20, and occasionally 30-year milestones, celebrating their years of service and achievements. CMC held the Palmetto Awards and the annual Volunteers Appreciation Luncheon to honor these remarkable individuals. CMC president and CEO, Brian Argo, and Carol Biagini, the director of Volunteer Services, along with a variety of members of the CMC leadership team, were on hand to recognize the following individuals for their unique talents and service: MICHAEL GUSEMAN 10 YEARS Mike’s dedicated service has spanned the Warehouse, CMC Foundation special events, and currently Environmental Services. Arriving before sunrise, he ensures entrances are stocked with masks and umbrella bags and lends his support each year at the CMC Foundation Golf Tournament. Most recently, Mike spearheaded a hospital-wide review of hand sanitizer dispensers, reducing product waste and generating meaningful cost savings. His contributions total 1,838 hours over the past decade. MICHELLE RICHARD 10 YEARS Michelle serves as a devoted OR waiting room liaison, often lending her time two, three, or even four days a week, providing crucial

In this article: Let’s clear the air about something: everyone passes gas. The average person does so somewhere between 13 and 21 times per day, whether they realize it or not. It’s a completely normal byproduct of digestion — and yet it’s one of the most under-discussed health topics around, mainly because people are too embarrassed to bring it up. But excessive gas, painful bloating, or a change in your typical patterns can sometimes signal that something in your digestive system needs attention. Here’s what you need to know. If gas and digestive symptoms are affecting your daily life, it’s time to have a conversation. CMC Primary Care can evaluate your symptoms, order appropriate labs or testing, and refer you to CMC Digestive Health when a specialist is needed. Existing patients: contact your home office directly. New patients: call 843-347-8000 or schedule online . Find a location near you HERE . Why Does Gas Happen? Gas in the digestive tract comes from two primary sources: air you swallow and gas produced by bacteria in the large intestine as they break down food. Swallowed air (aerophagia) happens constantly — eating, drinking, chewing gum, and even talking contribute small amounts. Most of it is released through burping before it reaches the intestines. The rest of your gas is generated in the colon, where bacteria ferment undigested carbohydrates — fibers, sugars, and starches that weren’t fully broken down in the small intestine. This fermentation process produces

In this article: As more effective treatments become available for obesity, CMC Weight Loss is helping patients navigate new options, including a recent Medicare initiative that could make life-changing medications more affordable. New GLP-1 Bridge Program for Medicare Patients The new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program allows eligible Medicare beneficiaries to access certain GLP-1 weight-loss medications for as little as $50 per month. The program — which runs from July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027 — is designed to improve access to obesity treatment while expanding the use of medications that have been shown to help patients lose weight and reduce the risk of obesity-related health conditions. The program covers three FDA-approved GLP-1 weight-loss medications through a centralized Medicare process separate from standard Part D drug coverage: Wegovy® (injectable and tablet formulations) Zepbound® (KwikPen® only) Foundayo® (oral formulation) To be eligible, patients must be enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and meet BMI and health criteria . Patients with a BMI of 35 or higher automatically qualify. Those with a BMI of 30 or higher may qualify with at least one additional diagnosed condition such as uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease. Patients with a BMI of 27 or higher may also qualify if they have a history of certain conditions including prediabetes, prior heart attack, or stroke. A physician must provide prior authorization through the M

In this article: Ankle and foot pain is frustrating in a very specific way — it affects literally every step you take. And when the pain is concentrated on the top of the foot or the front of the ankle, a lot of people write it off as a sprain, rest it for a few days, and hope it goes away. Sometimes it does. But sometimes what’s happening is more specific, and treating it like a generic sprain actually delays the care that would help. If you’ve been dealing with pain across the top of your foot or at the front of your ankle, here’s a look at what might actually be going on — and when it’s time to have it properly evaluated. Foot and ankle pain is Dr. David Beck’s specialty — and he’s accepting new patients. Dr. Beck, MD, MBA , is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon at CMC Orthopaedics. He sees patients at CMC Orthopaedics in Conway and at CMC Health Plaza South in Myrtle Beach . Call 843-347-8041 to schedule a consultation. Understanding the Anatomy of the Top of the Foot The top of the foot and front of the ankle are home to several important structures — tendons, bones, nerves, and blood vessels — all packed into a relatively small space. Pain in this area can originate from any one of them, which is why location alone isn’t enough to know what you’re dealing with. The extensor tendons run along the top of the foot and are responsible for lifting your toes and flexing your ankle. Several small bones — the metatarsals, tarsal bones, and the navicular — si

Everyone knows the feeling — that uncomfortable, tight, full sensation in your abdomen that makes your waistband feel two sizes too small. Bloating is one of the most common digestive complaints around, and while it’s usually harmless, it can range from mildly annoying to genuinely disruptive to your day. The good news is that there’s a lot you can do about it, and understanding what’s causing it is the first step. If bloating or digestive discomfort keeps coming back, it deserves more than a Google search. CMC Primary Care can help you identify what’s driving it, rule out anything that needs treatment, and put a real plan in place. Existing patients, contact your home office directly. New patients can call 843-347-8000 or schedule online . In this article: What Causes Bloating? Bloating happens when gas or fluid builds up in your digestive tract, causing your abdomen to feel and sometimes look fuller than usual. It’s your gut’s way of telling you that something in the digestive process isn’t moving along as smoothly as it should. The causes are wide-ranging. Most of the time, bloating is tied to what you ate, how fast you ate it, or how your body is processing it. But sometimes it points to an underlying condition that deserves a closer look. “Bloating is something I hear about from patients almost every day,” says Alexis Gregorio-Snyder, MD at CMC Primary Care-Towne Center . “In most cases, it comes down to diet or habits that are easy to adjust. But persistent or painful b