135 years of physician community and advocacy in Greenville County
When the Greenville County Medical Society (GCMS) first chartered in 1891, many of Greenville County’s early hospitals were being opened and operated by physicians. Those doctors helped build the county’s medical infrastructure from the ground up while organizing around a shared purpose: improving care, supporting one another, and strengthening the practice of medicine. Over the past 135 years, generations of physicians belonging to the GCMS have helped the society respond to specific health care needs in Greenville County — from supporting care for returning World War II veterans and helping develop blood banking to encouraging health education in classrooms.
“Greenville County Medical Society has such a proud history and tradition representing generations of physicians who have been deeply invested in providing a high level of care for patients, supporting their colleagues, and making sure the physician voice remains strong in Greenville County,” said Dr. Meredith Bergey Vejnar, MD, 2026 Board President and a family medicine physician in Greenville County. Today, GCMS serves more than 125 members through legislative engagement, physician connection, continuing medical education, and mentorship.
“I’m excited about the initiatives we have in place now,” Dr. Vejnar said. “We are continuing to build a strong community among physicians, offering CME opportunities, strengthening our advocacy efforts every year, and this year, launching a mentorship program for our younger professionals.” The mentorship program, which GCMS is rolling out this fall, is designed to connect residents and early-career physicians with mentors who share similar practice interests or life experiences. “I would have really valued having a mentoring program coming straight from residency,” Dr. Vejnar said. “We want to match people with someone who can be a resource for questions about lifestyle, the practice of medicine, and work-life balance.”
GCMS also remains rooted in collegiality. The society hosts several meet-and-greet events throughout the year, including coffee in the park, an annual oyster roast, a formal Christmas gathering, and community service projects. Recent efforts included a supply drive with the Greenville County Medical Alliance to help detainees meet basic hygiene needs at the Greenville County Detention Center. These events are more than social outlets, Dr. Vejnar said. In a county with multiple major health systems, they help physicians who may not cross paths professionally build relationships that improve collaboration and patient care.
“When people get together, they are reminded of that collegial experience,” Dr. Vejnar said. “It is a breath of fresh air to interact with colleagues who share a common purpose to improve our community.”
Dr. Vejnar serves alongside fellow 2026 GCMS Board members: Dr. Nancy M. Netter, MD, Immediate Past President; Dr. Karla Hirshorn, MD, President-elect; Dr. Terry Lillis, MD, Treasurer; and Dr. Anthony Petruso, MD, Secretary. Dr. Vejnar said the Board brings experience across specialties and practice settings, with past leaders continuing to help guide discussions on community needs, mental health, physician connection, and advocacy.
Advocacy has become an increasingly important part of GCMS’ mission. The society works with local legislators, the South Carolina Medical Association, and other partners to educate policymakers on issues affecting physicians and patients. In January, GCMS hosted a legislative event that drew strong interest from physicians concerned about protecting physician-led care and ensuring appropriate oversight of and collaboration with non-physician providers. “We are trying to protect both patients and our profession by educating our state leaders about what physicians do, the training we receive, and why that is important to maintain the integrity of the practice of medicine amidst an evolving medical landscape,” Dr. Vejnar said. She expects future advocacy conversations to include artificial intelligence, documentation burden, and other pressures changing clinical practice.
“Physicians want to spend their time taking care of patients,” Dr. Vejnar said. “But administrative tasks, charting, documentation, and meetings continue to pull time away from that work. Advocacy remains important around these emerging issues impacting our practices.” As Greenville continues to grow, Dr. Vejnar said the society is focused on expanding outreach and encouraging more physicians to get involved.
“We are continuously focused on more outreach,” Dr. Vejnar said. “We need more physicians to get involved and bring their ideas, friendships, and relationships so that we can help each other grow and sustain our society’s proud tradition.”
To learn more about or join the Greenville County Medical Society, visit www.greenvillemed.org.
Fall 2026 Calendar of Events:
Locations TBD
- Annual Oyster Roast: Friday, Oct. 9
- Annual Christmas Gala: Friday, Dec. 4
- 2027 Legislative Event: Thursday, Jan. 21
