Charleston, August 16, 2025
News Summary
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health’s Burn Center has received verification from the American Burn Association (ABA), joining a select group of elite burn centers in North America. This recognition enhances local burn care services, improving access for patients in South Carolina. The center features advanced treatment capabilities and is dedicated to comprehensive care, including specialized programs for pediatric burn victims through collaboration with Shriners Children’s. MUSC aims to set national standards in burn care while addressing the physical and emotional challenges faced by burn patients.
Charleston
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health has received verification for its South Carolina Burn Center from the American Burn Association (ABA), enhancing local burn care services. This accolade places MUSC among an elite group of only 40 burn centers across the United States and Canada that are recognized for adhering to rigorous national safety and quality standards in comprehensive burn care.
The establishment of the burn center in 2020 has significantly improved access to necessary care for burn patients in South Carolina, eliminating the need for these individuals to seek treatment out of state. The center’s verification involved a detailed, multi-day onsite review by the ABA to ensure compliance with the organization’s strict criteria.
Dr. Steven Kahn, who serves as the Chief of Burn Surgery, has highlighted the significance of providing state-of-the-art burn care closer to home. This reduces travel time for patients, which can subsequently lead to quicker recovery times. The burn center excels in offering lifesaving interventions that are beyond the capabilities of most general hospitals.
MUSC President Dr. David J. Cole underscored the advanced functionalities of the burn center. Notably, the facility utilizes innovative techniques, such as small skin grafts, allowing the covering of larger burn wounds. This approach is designed to produce better patient outcomes, thereby increasing the effectiveness of treatment.
The burn center currently operates with 25 patient beds, with future plans to expand this capacity by adding nine more beds. The facility does not only focus on physical recovery; it also addresses the emotional and psychological impacts of severe burn injuries. The center’s comprehensive care extends to supporting various organ systems that may be affected by serious burns, ensuring a holistic approach to patient health.
MUSC’s partnership with Shriners Children’s further enhances its service offerings, particularly for pediatric burn victims. This collaboration aims to provide specialized care tailored to the unique needs of younger patients, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment.
The institution’s ongoing commitment to improving burn care encompasses a focus on research and developing new treatment methodologies. MUSC aims to set a national standard in burn care practices, driving innovation and excellence in the field. The recent advancements are expected to attract more healthcare professionals to the Charleston area, thereby enriching the local medical community.
Background on the Burn Center
The South Carolina Burn Center was launched in 2020, addressing a critical need in the region for specialized burn treatment. Prior to its establishment, patients often faced lengthy travels to receive care, which impacted their recovery and overall treatment efficacy. The verification from the ABA signifies not only the recognition of the center’s current capabilities but also reinforces the institution’s commitment to fostering excellence in burn care.
Future Aspirations
MUSC’s burn center is poised to continue evolving, with goals that include expanding its staff and resources to improve care even further. By focusing on multidisciplinary care, the center aims to holistically support burn victims and enhance their quality of life following such traumatic injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the ABA verification for the burn center?
The ABA verification signifies that the burn center meets stringent national standards in safety, quality, and comprehensive care, making it one of the elite burn centers in North America.
How many beds does the burn center currently have?
The burn center currently has 25 patient beds, with plans to expand this by adding nine more.
What unique programs does the burn center offer for pediatric patients?
MUSC’s burn center is partnered with Shriners Children’s to provide specialized care for pediatric burn victims, addressing their unique medical and emotional needs.
Key Features of MUSC’s Burn Center
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| AABA Verification | Recognized for meeting high national standards. |
| Capacity | 25 patient beds, with plans for 9 more. |
| Pediatric Partnership | Collaboration with Shriners Children’s for specialized care. |
| Focus on Holistic Care | Treating physical and emotional aspects of burn injuries. |
| Innovative Treatments | Use of small skin grafts for better outcomes. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: MUSC Burn Center Earns Elite Verification
- WRDW: SC Invented Treatment Could Transform Burn Care
- WV Metro News: Charleston Child Care Facility Damaged by Fire
- Post and Courier: Joseph M. Still Burn Center
- Live 5 News: MUSC to Open State’s Only Adult Burn Center
- Wikipedia: Burn Center
- Google Search: Burn Treatment Centers
- Google Scholar: Burn Care Research
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Burn
- Google News: MUSC Burn Center
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
