By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC
Charleston, S.C. — The 13th Annual Telehealth Summit of South Carolina, hosted by Palmetto Care Connections (PCC), brought together more than 225 attendees, 60 speakers, and 30 sponsors and exhibitors for two and a half days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration.
Held October 28–30 at the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, the Summit highlighted South Carolina’s leadership in telehealth innovation and the power of technology to strengthen healthcare access statewide.
A Gathering of Leaders and Innovators
This year’s Summit featured a dynamic lineup of keynote presentations, legislative discussions, and breakout sessions covering the full spectrum of telehealth—from clinical best practices and education to broadband expansion and health system strategy.
A highlight of the event was the Empowerment Keynote with Dr. Patrice “PBJ” Buckner Jackson, who inspired attendees to prioritize their own well-being while caring for others. Dr. PBJ reminded participants that burnout is real—and encouraged them to check their baggage, build boundaries, and discover their brilliance.
Throughout the conference, leaders from across healthcare, technology, and policy shared insights on how collaboration and innovation are reshaping the delivery of care in both urban and rural communities.
The Legislative Panel, featuring members of the South Carolina General Assembly, sparked thoughtful discussion on the future of telehealth policy and funding. The Telehealth Awards Ceremony was another major highlight, recognizing champions and pioneers who continue to move the mission of telehealth forward in South Carolina and beyond.
2025 Telehealth Awards Honorees
- National Telehealth Champion – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham
- State Telehealth Champion – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster
- State Telehealth Legislative Champion – South Carolina Representative Mark Smith
- Rick Foster Primary Care Telehealth Champion Award – Dr. Timothy Hensley & Dr. Charles Simko (Prisma Health)
- Telehealth Innovator Award – Lauren Johnson, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
- Telehealth Trailblazer Award – Kaitlin Hughes, BS, RMA
- Telehealth Program of Excellence Award – MUSC Health Department of Emergency Medicine’s Telehealth Division
- Telehealth Pioneer Award – The Late Michael Haschker
Poster Presentation Winners
Programmatic Category: From Wait to Wellness: How MUSC Telepsychiatry is Reshaping ED Care
Scientific and People’s Choice Category: The Trinity of Correctional Telehealth: Primary, Specialty, and Urgent Care
The Summit’s success was made possible through the support of 30 sponsors and exhibitors, representing healthcare systems, broadband providers, and technology innovators. Their participation fostered valuable connections among attendees and strengthened collaboration across sectors working to advance access to care.
Continuing the Mission
From interactive experiences in the Connect, Empower, and Inspire Zones to engaging breakout sessions, participants left the Summit with practical tools, fresh ideas, and renewed motivation to drive telehealth progress across South Carolina.
“Each year, the Telehealth Summit reminds us that innovation in healthcare begins with collaboration,” said Kathy Schwarting, CEO of Palmetto Care Connections. “We’re proud to see so many leaders come together to share ideas and drive progress for South Carolinians.”
Palmetto Care Connections extends its gratitude to all attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, poster presenters, and volunteers who made the 2025 Summit an outstanding success.
