National Recognition The MUSC Digestive Disease Center (DCC) attracts patients form all around the country. It has also been recognized as one of the nation’s best hospitals for the treatment of digestive diseases. U.S. News and World Report ranked the DDC 14th in 2003 (with a “reputational score” in the Top 10 in the nation). Many of our specialists have national and international reputations, and are listed among the “Top Doctors in America.” A Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary Approach The treatment of digestive diseases is highly complex, and may involve the expertise of a variety of specialists including: medical gastroenterologists, hepatologists, surgeons, oncologists, nutritionists, radiologists, and equivalent pediatric specialists for children. Traditionally, these specialists work independently, sometimes in separate buildings. Such an arrangement can interfere with the coordination of care, especially in complex cases that require the expertise of several different specialists. The vision of the DDC is that patients can be managed better and more efficiently when specialists are brought together in one collaborative environment. The DDC is staffed by more than 40 of these specialists. The result is an integrated, team approach that strives for optimal patient outcomes. Clinical Facilities The DDC is housed in the Medical University Hospital. Our specialists also provide care at nearby Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and in collaboration with MUSC Hollings Cancer Center and MUSC Children’s Hospital. Key facilities include a large combined office complex, a mixed medical-surgical inpatient floor, multidisciplinary state-of-the-art procedure units for minimally invasive interventions, and research labs for innovation and evaluation. Outpatient clinics are located at the MUSC Rutledge Tower, which offers easy access and parking. Our Mission To provide courteous and cost-effective multidisciplinary care for patients with digestive disorders and to provide a springboard for the clinical research and education necessary to enhance it. Teamwork and Sections The medical, nursing and technical staffs are organized into several teams or sections focusing on different types of digestive problems. The sections include:
• Liver disease
• Nutrition
• Gastrointestinal cancer
• Pancreatic/biliary disorders
• Motility and Esophageal Disease
• Intestinal diseases Each section has appropriate medical and surgical specialists, one or more section coordinators, who are either highly trained nurses or physician assistants. The sections also provide a framework for multidisciplinary coordinated research and discovery efforts. The role of the section coordinators is central to the DDC vision. They are responsible for the efficiency of the entire care process – from the initial patient referral, to the planning of appointments during treatment, to the coordinating of appropriate follow-up care. For a list of current section coordinators and other DDC Staff, please see the attachment located in the back pocket of this brochure. For consultation or referral, call MEDULINE at 1-800-922-5250. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, MEDULINE is MUSC’s dedicated referral and consultation line for physicians. A specially trained representative will stay on the line until you are connected to the appropriate coordinator. MUSC Digestive Disease Center:
“One of America’s best hospitals for digestive disorders.”
- U.S. News and World Report | 
