Continued: Burton
“We’re thrilled the academy selected Dr. Burton for this important position,” said Emma Forkner, director of the S.C. Department of Health and Human Services. “His medical expertise, sound judgment and genuine compassion for patients and families in need have been invaluable assets to our agency and the people of South Carolina. We’re extremely fortunate to have a physician and patient advocate of his caliber serving the Medicaid program.”
At the School of Medicine, Burton oversees the 210 physicians of the University Specialty Clinics and conducts locum tenens programs, which enable rural pediatricians to take time off from their practices by having other pediatricians fill in for them. A fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Burton helped establish 75 partnerships placing public-health professionals with practicing physicians to create medical homes for children. The group cares for children in University Primary Care offices, the S.C. Juvenile Justice System and special healthcare needs clinics.
Burton’s medical leadership roles include past president of the S.C. Medical Association and S.C. Pediatric Society. His extensive AAP service includes being chair of the AAP American Medical Association Delegation and holding numerous national offices within the organization. Among his honors are the Abraham Jacobi Award for long-term national contributions to pediatrics and the National Army Guard Flight Surgeon of the Year for excellence in care for military flight crews.
Burton and his wife, Debbie, have six children and seven grandchildren.