Bluffton, SC, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort Memorial welcomes MUSC Emergency Medicine residents to its Pratt Emergency Center, enhancing patient care with hands-on training for third-year residents. This initiative, starting in August, supports the hospital’s commitment to excellent healthcare, while bringing additional staff to address community needs. Additionally, Amanda Piolata, PA-C, has joined Bluffton Primary Care to strengthen the team. This collaboration highlights the importance of education and community-focused healthcare initiatives in Bluffton.
Bluffton Welcomes MUSC Emergency Medicine Residents and Expands Team at Bluffton Primary Care
Bluffton, SC – Beaufort Memorial is welcoming Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Emergency Medicine residents every four weeks at the Pratt Emergency Center. This initiative aims to deepen Beaufort Memorial’s commitment to excellent patient care. Starting on August 1, third-year emergency medicine residents began their rotations at Beaufort Memorial Hospital ER as part of advanced clinical training.
One emergency medicine resident will join the hospital’s clinical teams on a recurring schedule every four weeks. These physicians have completed two years of advanced training in emergency medicine and are gaining hands-on experience as they enter their final training year. The inclusion of residents enhances the hospital’s emergency medical staff by providing additional providers.
Beaufort Memorial Pratt Emergency Center Medical Director Saeed Rehman, M.D., expressed excitement about the residents’ contributions to the team and community. The program is led by Luke Baxley, M.D., who focuses on medical education and program development within the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Beaufort Memorial. This program signifies Beaufort Memorial’s investment in the community and aims to attract future emergency medicine physicians.
As of August 1, Beaufort Memorial Hospital is a designated site for Graduate Medical Education due to its ongoing affiliation with MUSC Health. The hospital’s affiliation with MUSC Health aids in recruiting specialists to the area, especially as Bluffton Community Hospital approaches completion. MUSC Health’s chief academic integration officer Tsveti Markova, M.D., highlighted that the residents’ training will enable them to effectively address healthcare needs in rural and underserved areas.
The emergency medicine residents come from various medical schools nationwide, including West Virginia University, A.T. Still University, and Temple University. Additionally, Beaufort Memorial has added Amanda Piolata, PA-C, to the Bluffton Primary Care team as an experienced, board-certified physician assistant.
Amanda Piolata has experience in both urgent and primary care, having worked at Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health for three years. Before relocating to Beaufort, she worked at OhioHealth Urgent Care and CardioMetabolic Health in Ohio, with a background as an exercise physiologist. Piolata holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Ohio Dominican University and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The Ohio State University. She has personal ties to the Lowcountry, having vacationed in Hilton Head Island as a child, which motivated her to settle in the region.
At Bluffton Primary Care, she joins Drs. Roger Ulrich, Bruce Vincent (family medicine), Dr. Johnna Stevens (internal medicine), and nurse practitioner Kim Bean. The Bluffton Primary Care practice is located at Beaufort Memorial Okatie Medical Pavilion, 122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Suite 310. Appointments can be made with Piolata or other providers at the practice by calling 843-706-8690.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative | Welcoming MUSC Emergency Medicine residents every four weeks |
| Resident Program Start Date | August 1 |
| Educational Focus | Advanced clinical training for third-year EM residents |
| New Team Member | Amanda Piolata, PA-C, joins Bluffton Primary Care |
| Location of Bluffton Primary Care | Beaufort Memorial Okatie Medical Pavilion, 122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Suite 310 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of the initiative involving MUSC Emergency Medicine residents?
The initiative aims to deepen Beaufort Memorial’s commitment to excellent patient care.
How often will the emergency medicine resident join the hospital’s clinical teams?
One emergency medicine resident will join the hospital’s clinical teams on a recurring schedule every four weeks.
What experience do the MUSC Emergency Medicine residents have?
These physicians have completed two years of advanced training in emergency medicine and are gaining hands-on experience as they enter their final training year.
Who is the new physician assistant added to the Bluffton Primary Care team?
Amanda Piolata, PA-C, has been added to the Bluffton Primary Care team.
Where is Bluffton Primary Care located?
The practice is located at Beaufort Memorial Okatie Medical Pavilion, 122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Suite 310.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Unveils New Facility
New Hybrid Emergency and Urgent Care Facility Coming to Hilton Head Island
New Hybrid Emergency Room and Urgent Care Facility Announced for Hilton Head Island
Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today: Beaufort Memorial Launches Emergency Medicine Residency Program
- WJCL: Beaufort Memorial Expands Bluffton Hospital
- Your Island News: Beaufort County Students Head Back to School
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Live5 News: State Pays After Man Dies Due to Negligence
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in the United States
- Google Search: Beaufort Memorial Hospital
- Google Scholar: Emergency Medicine Residency
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency Medicine
- Google News: Beaufort Memorial Hospital
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
