MUSC opens specialty care center in Mount Pleasant

MOUNT PLEASANT — Victor and Esther Aumen, husband and wife for 64 years, were checking out the new Medical University specialty care center east of the Cooper.

“We’re just nosey. That’s the name of it. Two old senior citizens driving around,” Victor Aumen said.

They attended a ceremony Tuesday marking the advent of the new 80,000 square-foot, three-story building which opened for doctors, patients and staff on July 9.

In the airy naturally lit lobby, the Aumens sang the praises of the place.

“It’s lovely,” Esther Aumen said.

“Wonderful, fantastic, well-built. We’ve watched this thing being built,” Victor Aumen added.

The Aumens were among about 100 people who attended the ceremony, which included speeches by Medical University brass and Mayor Pro-Tem Thomasena Stokes-Marshall.

Officials wielded a giant pair of silver scissors to cut a red ribbon draped across a staircase.

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to say ‘Welcome home,’” Stokes-Marshall said.

Patient amenities include free parking, a rooftop healing garden and a medical concierge. The Black Bean Co. offers an array of tasty wraps in the lobby.

Primary care, comprehensive breast care, imaging, urology, neurology/neurosurgery, orthopedics and lab services are available. Allergy, cardiology, endocrinology and medical oncology are among the departments slated to open later this year.

“It is our goal to change what is possible in health care,” said Dr. Philip Costello, chairman and professor of radiology.

The Medical University offers East Cooper residents convenience and top specialists, he said.

“This is really a very exciting day for MUSC and this community,” said Dr. Etta Pisano, vice-president for medical affairs and dean of the College of Medicine.

She noted that the healing garden has fresh vegetables and herbs.

The work of a number of artists is featured in the building, including Yve Assad, DuBose Blakeney, Jocelyn Chateauvert, Richard Rose and Alice Ballard. Locally-made sweetgrass baskets are showcased as well.

The new center is located at 1600 Midtown Ave. near Hungryneck Boulevard and Interstate 526.