Dr. James L. Wells is savoring his second two-year term on the SCMA Board of Trustees. Like many before him, he joined the organization after a nudge from a colleague; and like most current and past members, a board position immediately felt like a natural, perfect fit.
“I had served as the state co-chair of the American Academy of Medical Ethics and knew that physicians needed a stronger voice,” said Dr. Wells. “Even working for the best hospital, physicians give up some autonomy. The SCMA helps doctors be the best voice for themselves and their patients.”
Dr. Wells, an oncologist, is a sixth-generation physician; the first relative graduated from medical school in 1843. Since then, a family member has been a doctor in South Carolina.
“I’ve always been interested in policy,” said Dr. Wells. “As our profession changes, we all need to be more engaged leaders inside and outside our practices.”
Serving on the SCMA’s Board of Trustees also pulls Dr. Wells and other members out of their silos, he added. “We have colleagues in our practices and in the hospital, but it is hard to remain aware of what is going on elsewhere. We also had the camaraderie of medical school and residency, but with each phase the sense of community can fade. With the SCMA, I’m in a room with 20 to 30 engaged people. I’m with doctors of varying ages who are dedicated to making things better. It is encouraging.”
The SCMA has been instrumental in shaping healthcare policy at the State House, and Dr. Wells said that he is proud to be a voice in some of the most pressing legislative issues, including scope of practice bills, medical malpractice reform, and bills that get rid of noncompetes.
“With the SCMA, the issues I support are ones that ensure that fully trained physicians can meet the needs of people in all areas, especially rural ones,” Dr. Wells explained. “We need to shift the vocabulary and the culture as healthcare needs shift.”
At-a-Glance: Dr. James L. Wells
Dr. James Wells completed his undergraduate work at Furman University and earned his medical degree and completed his residency in internal medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). He has been affiliated with Lexington Oncology/Lexington Medical Center since 2011, and he is board certified in hematology, oncology, and internal medicine. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, and the Christian Medical Dental Association.
In April 2018, the state legislature honored Dr. Wells’ service to the state and community with a House Resolution. An excerpt from the bill notes, “Whereas, his patients already think of him in the terms by which he wants to be remembered: as a physician who listens and takes time with his patients, as well as one who is successful in treating them. Because of his medical expertise, many people in South Carolina are now enjoying considerably increased quality of life…”
“…cognizant of his invaluable contributions to the people of the Palmetto State, most particularly those of Lexington County,” the resolution continues, “the House extends grateful thanks to Dr. Wells for his committed service.”
For physicians who are SCMA members that are curious about taking on a leadership role but worry that they might not have the time or what it takes to lead, Dr. Wells advised, “You never know you have what it takes to lead until you try. I know you have what it takes if you went through medical residency.”
“Time is your biggest asset. Young doctors with families, take care of them. When the children get older, you may find one afternoon every three months to spend with the SCMA. Or volunteer one day a year; dip a toe in now. The more faces the legislature sees, the more members believe that doctors care.” —Dr. James Wells
In his spare time, Dr. Wells cherishes time with his wife, Dr. Sarah Wells, and his children, whose ages range from 10 to 16. He also savors church time — and hunting.
New SCMA Board of Trustees Members
Officers
Henry F. “Fritz” Butehorn III, MD
President
Jeffrey P. Cashman, DO
President-elect
M. Mayes DuBose, MD
Immediate Past President
Amanda S. Davis, MD
Chairman
Trustee, District 1
F. Cleave Ham, MD
Vice Chairman
Trustee, District 14
Gregory Tarasidis, MD
Secretary
Wesley H. Frierson, MD
Treasurer
James L. Wells III, MD
Member-At-Large
Stefanie M. Putnam, MD
Speaker of the Legislative Delegate Committee
A. Miles Scott, DO
Vice Speaker of the Legislative Delegate Committee
Trustees
Amanda S. Davis, MD
District 1
Laurie M. Theriot Roley, MD
District 2
Jerome Aya-Ay, MD
District 3
Asutosh Gor, MD
District 4
Rodney K. Alan, MD
District 5
Jessica L. Cvinar, MD
District 6
James “Jim” M. Fuller, MD
District 7
James Wells III, MD
District 8
Stephanie Scott, MD
District 9
Lisa E. Heichberger, MD
District 10
Ryan Garbalosa, DO
District 11
Gary A. Delaney, MD
District 12, AMA Delegate
Baxter F. McLendon III, MD
District 13
F. Cleave Ham, MD
District 14
Jaime Brown, MD
Young Physicians Section
Jacob Vining, DO
Resident & Fellow Section
Jared Buteau
Medical Student Section
AMA Delegates and Alternate Delegates
Gregory Tarasidis, MD
AMA Delegate – Chair
Gary Delaney, MD
AMA Delegate – Chair-elect
Bruce A. Snyder, MD
AMA Delegate
Richard C. Osman, MD
AMA Delegate
Alexander Ramsay, MD
AMA Alternate Delegate
Todd E. Schlesinger, MD
AMA Alternate Delegate
Christopher A. Yeakel, MD
AMA Alternate Delegate
Stefanie Putnam, MD
AMA Alternate Delegate
