South Carolina Osteopathic Medical Society

At @uvahealthnews, the iconic orange plastic pill bottle is getting a makeover. Some prescriptions are now being filled in a new, recyclable paper bottle. Made with 100% recyclable materials and a compostable paper core, the bottles, called Tully Tubes, debuted at some UVA Health pharmacies in 2025. “Traditional plastic vials can be difficult to recycle, but sustainable alternatives that maintain safety, quality and usability have been limited,” said Carrie Kovacik, PharmD, manager of UVA Health’s ambulatory pharmacy supply chain. “These paper-based bottles offer a step forward in reducing our introduction of single-use plastics into our community.” The paper bottles cost about the same to produce as traditional plastic bottles while generating about 30% less carbon. The reduction of UVA Health’s carbon footprint by switching entirely to paper bottles would be the equivalent of not driving more than 24,000 miles in a gas-powered vehicle.

South Carolina is one of the best places to practice medicine in the country - ranking #14 - and the best in the Southeast. wallethub.com/edu/best-and-w…

#Microplastics are plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm that results from breakdown of plastic litter. This JAMA Patient Page describes microplastics and the potential health effects of human exposure to microplastics. ja.ma/3QqSocM

Dr. Ryan Hakimi, a SCOMS Board Member and Neurointensivist, was a poster professor at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Chicago. He is pictured here with a student from @VCOMCAROLINAS who was presenting her poster research.

Watch this on‑demand webinar to learn pregnancy‑risk recognition, preconception counseling, and safer immunosuppression choices for reproductive‑aged patients. In partnership with ACOI, AOA and AMA credits are available. Register here: bit.ly/4t2EQ57 @acoi_do #DOProud

The brains of humans and dogs are so similar that researchers are studying dementia in dogs as a path to better understand and treat cognitive decline in both humans and dogs. youtu.be/qF3WdqJBQNE

Detection and Diagnosis of Dementia in Primary Care Do you know the differences between normal cognitive changes and conditions like mild cognitive impairment or dementia? Watch this panel discussion edhub.ama-assn.org/science-medici…

New resource offers South Carolinians, medical professionals easier access to file complaints, report accidents southcarolinapublicradio.org/sc-news/2026-0…

Commentary: When a public medical school buys a private practice postandcourier.com/opinion/commen… via @postandcourier

Hospitals fighting measles confront a new challenge: Few doctors have seen it before mmm-online.com/news/measles-o…

Blood Test Predicts Timing of Alzheimer’s Onset medscape.com/viewarticle/bl…

Dr. Brian Weirick, IM physician in Laurens, and Dr. David Rosi, ENT physician in Florence, were roommates in medical school but lost touch. They reconnected at the 2026 SCOMS Winter CME Conference this weekend.

Congratulations to Dr. Christina Beattie who was named the 2026 SCOMS Physician of the Year. Beattie joined @VCOMCAROLINAS in 2023 as an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine where she quickly distinguished herself as an exceptional educator and mentor.

Escape the cold weather for beautiful Hilton Head Island! Register now for the SCOMS Winter CME Conference at Hilton Head Island. Earn 23 CME credits w/outstanding faculty in an engaging setting while expanding your network. scdos.org/2026-winter-cm…

OMT Next Level Curriculum for Osteopathic Family Physicians - hands-on workshop will be offered during the SCOMS Winter CME Conference on Friday, Feb. 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Omni Hilton Head on Hilton Head Island, SC. For info, visit scdos.org/2026-winter-cm…

Don't miss the 2026 Winter CME Conference at the Omni Hilton Head! You can earn up to 23 CME credits for as low as $495. Hotel rates are $199 per night but reservations must be made by January 19! For more info, visit scdos.org/2026-winter-cm…

New information released by the South Carolina Attorney General's Office shows the broad-ranging extent of human trafficking in the state and what agencies and groups are doing to combat it. wltx.com/article/news/s…

As we welcome the New Year, SCOMS thanks you for your unwavering dedication to your patients, your colleagues, and your communities. On behalf of SCOMS, thank you for all that you do. We wish you and your families a healthy, peaceful, and successful New Year.

The SCOMS team extends its warmest holiday wishes to our members. This season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection—and we are truly thankful for your dedication to medicine, your commitment to service, and your continued engagement with our society.