Since 1974, the Weight Management Center has been MUSC's resource to help patients lose weight and maintain weight loss. The Weight Management Center is part of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Below is a listing of the MUSC Weight Management Center faculty and staff. |
Directors:
Patrick M. O'Neil, Ph.D.
Joshua D. Brown, Ph.D. Patient Services Staff:
Shawn Smith Physicians:
Robert Malcolm, M.D.
James D. Sexauer, M.D.
Kevin M. Gray, M.D.
Scott Stewart, M.D. | Nursing Staff:
Susan Pechon, R.N. Research Study Coordinator:
Gail E. Cronan, B.S., CCRC
Registered Dietitians:
Tonya F. Turner, R.D.
Laura Nance, M.A., R.D., C.D.E.
Exercise Physiologists:
David O. Sword, P.T,, D.P.T., C.C.S
Matt Herriott, M.S.
Alicia O'Connor M.S. |
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Patrick M. O’Neil, Ph.D., Director, is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University where he has been on the faculty since 1977. He is a Certified Clinical Trial Investigator through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. O’Neil has been treating obese patients during that time and is the author of more than 100 scientific papers and presentation. For over nine years, Dr. O’Neil wrote the popular “Weighing the Choices” column which appeared every week in the Sunday Charleston Post & Courier. He is a leader of The Obesity Society (the main scientific and clinical professional association devoted to obesity) and currently serves as a member of Council and as Member of the Education and Public Affairs Committees.
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| Joshua D. Brown, Ph.D., is the Director of Clinical Services at the MUSC Weight Management Center. He is a licensed clinical psychologist. He received his bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University before completing his master's and doctoral training at Texas A&M University. He then completed his pre-doctoral internship and two years of post-doctoral training in psychology at the Medical University of South Carolina. His clinical and research interests and experience are primarily with overweight/obesity, eating disorders, and body image. | 
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| Shawn Smith is the Administrative Specialist at the MUSC Weight Management Center. Her duties include greeting the wonderful patients of the WMC and assisting the various staff and faculty at the MUSC Weight Management Center. She has experience in management and was the leader of production of Charleston's very own Moo Roo Handbags for 6 years. Shawn is currently earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business. | 
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Robert Malcolm, M.D., Senior Medical Consultant, is a Professor of Psychiatry, Family Medicine and Pediatrics. He is one of the founders of the Weight Management Center and has conducted clinical and research work on obesity for over 25 years. |  |
| James D. Sexauer, M.D., was Chief of Psychiatry Services at the Charleston VA Medical Center, and is one of the founders of the Weight Management Center. A faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, he has worked with obese patients for over 25 years. | 
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| Kevin M. Gray, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry. He completed medical school as well as psychiatry residency and fellowship training at MUSC. He has several years of clinical and research experience, working with adults, adolescents, and children. |  |
| Scott Stewart, M.D. earned his medical degree at Temple University in Philadelphia, and subsequently completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Pittsburgh. He was in private practice for several years before completing a General Internal Medicine fellowship at MUSC, during which he earned a Master’s of Science in Clinical Research. Following completion of this fellowship, he was an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University at Buffalo, before returning to MUSC in 2006. | 
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| Susan Pechon, R.N., is a clinical research nurse at the Weight Management Center. She is a graduate of the State University of New York. Her experience includes 7 years in clinical research at The Rockefeller University and 15 years in the management of cardiovascular and related diseases. Susan has been working in weight management research since 1997. | 
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| Gail E. Cronan, B.S., CCRC, is a Research Study Coordinator at the Weight Management Center. Her duties involve oversight and coordination of pharmaceutical clinical trials. Gail graduated from James Madison University with a B.S. in Health Sciences. She is a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator through the Association of Clinical Research professionals. |  |
| Tonya F. Turner, R.D., is a Registered Dietitian and nutrition specialist at the Weight Management Center. Tonya graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. in dietetics. She then completed her post-graduate internship at Viterbo University. Tonya has been certified through the American Dietetic Association in Adult Weight Management. |  |
Laura Nance M.A., R.D., C.D.E., is a Registered Dietitian and nutrition specialist at the Weight Management Center. She completed her dietetic internship and earned a master's degree from Appalachian State University in North Carolina. Laura earned her Diabetes Educator certification in 2004 and has clinical experience with adults and pediatrics in both diabetes and weight management. |  |
| David O. Sword, P.T., D.P.T., C.C.S., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science-Physical Therapy Program. He is a licensed Physical Therapist and an Exercise Physiologist, with 19 years of clinical experience. He holds certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as an Exercise Specialist, and Program Director, and through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as a Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Specialist. | 
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| Matt Herriott, M.S., received his Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Wellness from Old Dominion University located in Norfolk, VA. While at ODU, he was involved with conducting several research studies on Type II diabetes and exercise. He is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health Fitness Instructor. | 
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| Alicia O'Connor M.S., is an Exercise Physiologist at the MUSC Weight Management Center. She received her B.S. degree at the University of South carolina and did her graduate work in Exercise Science at Appalachian State University. Alicia is been certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health Fitness Instructor. She is currently involved in a research grant focusing on childhood obesity prevention. | 
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