What MUSC’s outgoing president would tell 1st-time CEOs

David Cole, MD, reflects on his transformative tenure as president of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), which saw the institution grow from a single-campus health system to a sprawling network of 18 hospitals across South Carolina. His advice to first-time CEOs focuses on the importance of adaptability, community engagement, and strategic planning in navigating the complexities of healthcare leadership. Cole's insights highlight the significant impact of visionary leadership in expanding access to care, especially in underserved areas, underscoring the broader implications for healthcare accessibility and systemic change.