Local Physician Assistant Recognized Nationally For Continued Efforts

Marion, SC-- Keith Stewart, a Physician Assistant at Marion Medical Group, has been serving the Pee Dee area for over 25 years. While earning national recognition for his exemplary work in the healthcare profession, he has continued to play an active role in the community he serves.

Stewart’s accomplishments are many.  He was the first recipient of the South Carolina PA of the Year award in 2001.  This honor recognized his exceptional service as a leader in the academy, as a mentor to students, as a representative to the Board of Medical Examiners and as an outstanding healthcare provider to the citizens of South Carolina.  In 2007, he joined only 120 of the 80,000 PA’s in the nation, becoming the second PA in South Carolina to obtain the title of Distinguished Fellow with the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).   The AAPA honors this select group as those who have distinguished themselves among their colleagues demonstrating a commitment to advancing healthcare for all people.

Equally as impressive as his list of accomplishments is the list of professional associations and community service positions held by Stewart.  He has served four terms as PA Representative to the State Board of Medical Examiners and has acted as preceptor for more than 50 MUSC PA students over the last ten years.  Additionally, he has volunteered his time in all sectors of the community including, education, religion and healthcare earning such honors as the Outstanding Service and Volunteer Recognition Awards, both presented by the American Heart Association.

According to Stewart, he is simply blessed to be in the ‘right place at the right time’ and attributes much of his success to the ongoing support of his family. According to Gene Tucker, CEO of Marion Regional Healthcare System, it is the Hospital that is fortunate. “We are pleased to have Keith as a member of our team of healthcare providers. He is a fine individual and an excellent Physician Assistant,” said Tucker.

Physician Assistants, (PA’s) are licensed healthcare professionals who, along with a supervising physician, practice medicine as members of a team.  PA’s deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services to diverse populations.  As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PA’s conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illness, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventative healthcare, assist in surgery and prescribe medications.  Stewart is one of seven PA’s currently working with Marion Regional Healthcare System.