Sharon Weissman, M.D., has been named interim chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia and Prisma Health-Midlands. Prior to Weissman's appointment, the chair position was held by Helmut Albrecht, M.D., who will continue to serve as professor in the department.

Weissman is an infectious disease specialist who previously served as program director for the Infectious Disease Fellowship and currently is the division chief of infectious disease for the department. She also is a clinical professor of Internal Medicine at the UofSC School of Medicine. Weissman graduated medical school from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. She completed a residency at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. After residency, Weissman completed a fellowship in infectious diseases at Beth Israel Hospital-Brigham and Women's Hospital. As interim chair, her responsibility will be primarily focused on the academic affairs of the department.

“We have the utmost confidence in Dr. Weissman’s ability to lead the department and are grateful for her willingness to serve. After her term as the Interim Chair, she will return to her Division Chief position,” says Dean Les Hall.  

Furthermore, Nick Patel, M.D., has been named vice chair of clinical affairs in the Department of Internal Medicine at the UofSC School of Medicine Columbia. Patel has been a practicing internist at Prisma Health for more than 15 years. He also serves as the chief digital executive for Prisma Health and vice chair for innovation for the UofSC Department of Internal Medicine.

Patel received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina Honors College. He attended medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Following medical school, Patel completed his residency in internal medicine at Orlando Regional Medical Center in Florida and Palmetto Health Richland. His primary focus and responsibilities will include the clinical operations and financial sustainability of the department. He will continue working in his other roles during this time.  

A national search for a permanent chair for the Department of Internal Medicine is underway.