USC Sports Medicine Opens New Facility

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — It’s a place for USC’s finest. “The sports world is something that is somewhat different than seeing regular patients,” says Dr. John Walsh, IV, M.D., USC Sports Medicine. But that doesn’t mean you aren’t welcome. “That’s something we do want to make clear is that this is available for all of our patients,” says Dr. Walsh. Doctors say you have access to cutting edge technology like the state’s most powerful extremity MRI. This machine offers more comfort for the patient. “You actually sit on a chair like you’re at the beach and simply put your arm or your leg inside the scanner, you don’t have to slide in there with your whole body,” says Dr. Walsh. But comfort doesn’t take away from quality. The powerful 1.5 Tesla magnet gives a clear image. “This is state-of the art image quality and particularly for some of the smaller joints that we image like the foot or the elbow that sort of thing, the image quality is actually better,” says Dr. Walsh While the MRI is a magnet of sorts for drawing attention to the clinic, it’s not the only thing worth mentioning. The 3,000 square foot facility also houses seven exam rooms, a consultation area, a casting room, fully digital x-rays and a concussion testing room. “The biggest thing is identifying them, that’s number one and getting the kids off the field that have them,” says Dr. Jeffrey Guy, M.D., USC Sports Medicine Because of this facility and the technology, doctors are able to help not only USC’s athletes but high school athletes across Richland County. It’s a facility that’s full force ahead to the future. “It’s about building on what’s here and moving on to become bigger and better,” says Dr. Walsh. The renovations cost $590,000 and were paid for by revenue from the clinic.