CPRMC's Dr. Louis Edwards Honored as MUSC’s 2023-2024 Preceptor of the Year

Dr. Charles Louis Edwards, Assistant Medical Director of Emergency Services at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (CPRMC), has been recognized as the 2023-2024 Preceptor of the Year by the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). This prestigious honor was bestowed upon Dr. Edwards during the Physician Assistant Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2024, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to medical education and mentorship.

Dr. Edwards, who has been precepting since 2017, teaches emergency medicine to Physician Assistant (PA) students from MUSC during their 5-week rotations in the Emergency Department at CPRMC. He is lauded by his students for his dedication, expertise, and ability to challenge them while providing a supportive learning environment. His influence has left a lasting impression on many future healthcare professionals.

In their testimonials, students emphasized Dr. Edwards' ability to guide them through complex medical cases, encouraging independent thinking while offering steady support. One student remarked, "He challenged me during difficult medical diagnoses and their management, requiring me to develop a list of differential diagnoses, order diagnostics, and create care plans with detailed reasoning." Another praised Dr. Edwards for his empathy, stating, "His communication with his patients showed me the importance of building strong patient-provider relationships, even in an acute emergency setting."

Beyond his exceptional teaching style, Dr. Edwards’ passion and positivity have resonated with his students, some of whom attribute their love for emergency medicine to his influence. "He helped me fall in love with my future profession and the ER," one student shared, highlighting the impact Dr. Edwards has on those he mentors.

Dr. Edwards' journey into medicine began in Dillon, SC, where he was born and raised. He initially pursued respiratory therapy before discovering his passion for medicine, which led him to earn his medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) in 2010. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Bluefield Regional Medical Center in 2013, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Edwards holds board certification in Internal Medicine and certifications in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Adult Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

"Dr. Edwards exemplifies the dedication and passion we strive for at Carolina Pines," said Bill Little, CEO of Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center. "His commitment to both patient care and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals is truly inspiring, and we are proud to have him as a leader on our team."

In addition to his work at CPRMC, Dr. Edwards is actively involved in education and community outreach. He serves as the Medical Director at Florence-Darlington Technical College and sits on the advisory committee for the respiratory therapy program. Dr. Edwards has been a regular lecturer at the CPRMC Pee Dee EMS Symposium since its inception, sharing his expertise with fellow healthcare professionals. He is also currently pursuing an administrative fellowship with Integrative Emergency Services in Dallas, TX.

Dr. Edwards resides in Florence with his wife, Christena, and their three children. When not in the Emergency Department, Dr. Edwards enjoys traveling with his family, cooking with his kids, and participating in church activities.

About Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center
As part of the ScionHealth network of hospitals, Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (CPRMC) provides high-quality healthcare services to the people of several counties in northeastern South Carolina. Patients have come to rely on our experienced, skilled staff and physicians to provide them with the highest level of care and compassion. Through the facilities on our campus, including a 116-bed acute care hospital and an adjoining medical office building, we provide comprehensive services with two things in mind: the care and comfort of our patients. Learn more about CPRMC at www.cprmc.com.

About Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, with a mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research and patient care. Their Physician Assistant Studies Master of Science Program aims to produce highly competent, compassionate, and culturally aware physician assistants to meet the primary healthcare needs of South Carolina and beyond.