Gregory Tarasidis, MD, an ENT physician practicing in Greenwood, SC, was installed as the 149th President of the South Carolina Medical Association (SCMA) during the SCMA’s Annual Meeting in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Saturday, May 1, 2010.

“This past year has been challenging for patients, physicians, and practices across the country as health care reform came to light, and as budget cuts took a toll on our statewide health care programs,” said Dr. Tarasidis. “As president, I will continue in my efforts to guide South Carolina physicians through the political process so that our state’s patients will have the best health care outcomes.”

Dr. Tarasidis’ presidential priorities include educating and informing South Carolina’s patients about the effects of health care reform, continuing to guide SCMA members through the political process, as well as initiating advocacy efforts to relieve the financial burdens faced by our statewide health programs.

Inspired while a resident, Dr. Tarasidis knew he needed to get involved in organized medicine to evoke change. Currently, Dr. Tarasidis serves as the chairman for the South Carolina Physician Assurance Company, chairman of The Outpatient Surgery Center at Self Regional Healthcare, as well as a South Carolina alternate delegate to the American Medical Association.

After receiving his medical degree (Magna Cum Laude) at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Dr. Tarasidis completed a general surgery internship and otolaryngology residency at Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he also completed a fellowship in head and neck oncology and microvascular free tissue transfer.

Dr. Tarasidis and his wife Jamie reside in Greenwood and have two children, Anna and John.