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MUSC Hollings Cancer Network offering expanded oncology services in Murrells Inlet through partnership with Tidelands Health
Feb. 10, 2025
Contacts:
Dawn Bryant Leslie Cantu
Tidelands Health MUSC Hollings Cancer Center
(843) 652-1636 (843) 792-4569dbryant@tidelandshealth.org cantul@musc.edu
News for Immediate Release:
MUSC Hollings Cancer Network offering expanded oncology services in Murrells Inlet through partnership with Tidelands Health
The Hollings Cancer Network (HCN) and Tidelands Health are pleased to announce expanded oncology services in Murrells Inlet, further fulfilling the mission of the HCN by bringing the subspeciality care of MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, into the communities where South Carolinians live, work and play.
Michael Bobian, M.D., a Hollings head and neck surgical oncologist and microvascular reconstructive surgeon, will see patients two days a month at MUSC Health at Tidelands Health, which is located in Waccamaw Medical Park West, 4040 Highway 17 in Murrells Inlet, on the campus of Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital.
According to the American Cancer Society, rates of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer have been increasing since the mid-2000s. Head and neck cancers are complex cancers that often have a significant effect on the patient’s psyche as well as the body because the cancer and cancer treatment can alter the person’s appearance and affect daily functions like talking and eating. Therefore, it is important to have a multi-disciplinary team that can work together to address all aspects of care.
Patients will come to Charleston for the complex surgeries required to remove head and neck cancer but can be seen by Dr. Bobian in Murrells Inlet at MUSC Health at Tidelands Health before and after surgery, as well as receive chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments at Tidelands Health.
“Pretty much the full clinical spectrum can be done at Tidelands Health. We’re equipped to do all of the same kinds of scope exams, small procedures like biopsies and other office procedures,” he said. “Something we’re really excited about is we’re integrated with Tidelands Health teams for radiation oncology, medical oncology, speech language pathology and other services. Patients truly get the same kind of multidisciplinary care that we offer in Charleston – just closer to home.”
Tidelands Health expanded its longtime collaboration with MUSC Health two years ago when the Tidelands Health Cancer Care Network became the first full member of the MUSC Hollings Cancer Network. The affiliation streamlines care and offers additional cancer services close to home for those living along the Grand Strand.
“Our Tidelands Health team welcomes Dr. Bobian and is eager to work closely with him to offer high-quality, compassionate care to patients in our fast-growing region,” said Mark Loos, vice president of operations at Tidelands Health. “Patients benefit from having access to expert care, treatment and support close to home through the unique collaborative efforts of Tidelands Health and MUSC Health.”
Jason Newman, M.D., Chief of the Oncology Integrated Center of Clinical Excellence at MUSC Health, said the new service reflects MUSC’s commitment to serve the entire state.
“Our belief is that every resident in South Carolina deserves access to the subspecialists they need, and we’re delighted to work with Tidelands Health to offer seamless, coordinated care,” he said. “As a head and neck surgical oncologist myself, this outreach by our head and neck cancer team is especially meaningful to me – but it is by no means the full extent of the outreach that we intend to do in order to bring specialty care to communities. We look forward to bringing more specialists to Hollings Cancer Network sites – something that we could not do without the strong foundation provided by our partners like Tidelands Health.”
Dr. Bobian, who is originally from northern Michigan, completed his otolaryngology – head and neck surgery residency at MUSC. He then completed fellowships in head and neck surgical oncology and whole-body microvascular reconstruction at the MD Anderson Cancer Center before returning to MUSC in 2024.
He's excited to be part of the team caring for patients along the Grand Strand.
“The need for our team to grow outside the brick and mortar of downtown Charleston is apparent. With so many of our patients already coming from the greater Myrtle Beach area and MUSC already having a strong multidisciplinary network in the Tidelands Health system, it just makes sense,” he said. “I’m excited to be part of that growth.”
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About MUSC Hollings Cancer Center
MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is South Carolina’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center with the largest academic-based cancer research program in the state. With more than 150 faculty cancer scientists and 20 academic departments, it has an annual research funding portfolio of more than $50 million and sponsors more than 200 clinical trials across the state. Hollings offers state-of-the-art cancer screenings, diagnostic capabilities, therapies and surgical techniques within its multidisciplinary clinics to provide the full range of cancer care. Dedicated to preventing and reducing the cancer burden statewide, the Hollings Office of Community Outreach and Engagement works with community organizations to bring cancer education and prevention information to affected populations. For more information, visit hollingscancercenter.musc.edu
About Tidelands Health
Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.
