At the age of 10, Dr. Isaac Alwine moved to Wooster, Ohio, right next door to two of the most famous badminton players in the United States – Diane and Stan Hales.  

He started training with them, eventually traveling the world, winning championships and qualifying for the 2000 Summer Olympics.  

Hard work. Perseverance. Dedication. It takes a lot to become a champion. Today, Dr. Alwine brings that same spirit of excellence to his work as a hematologist/oncologist for Gibbs Cancer Center and the Spartanburg Medical Center – Center for Hematology/Oncology. 

From ERs to badminton courts 

As young as 4 years old, Dr. Alwine suffered from severe childhood asthma.  

“I spent countless hours in the ER with my parents between the ages of 4 and 11,” the South Bend, Ind., native said.  

In the ER, he made friends and decided that he wanted to grow up and become a doctor himself.  

“I always developed these great relationships and I'd say, ‘This is where I want to work one day,’” Dr. Alwine said.  

Dr. Alwine earned his Doctor of Medicine degree at the Saint James School of Medicine in Anguilla. He performed his internal medicine residency at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C. 

Becoming a hematologist/oncologist  

A drive to build strong relationships with his patients, paired with a love of science, led him to become a hematologist/oncologist.  

"Hematologists/oncologists get to be there for patients during their most difficult times,” Dr. Alwine said. “They get to develop long-lasting relationships, and that's what I wanted in medicine." 

For Dr. Alwine, fighting cancer and maintaining quality of life for his patients go hand in hand.  

“We manage a lot in cancer,” Dr. Alwine said. “We really want to focus on how we can give patients the longest period of time with the best quality of life.” 

Dr. Alwine wants his patients to understand all their options, including those made available through clinical trials.  

At the heart of it all is his genuine love for patients.  

“I want them to know that I really do love them and care for them,” Dr. Alwine said. “I want them to know that I can be a family member as a part of their journey. I'll always be there with them during this time, because that's why I got into medicine." 

Learn more about the services provided at Gibbs Cancer Center and the Spartanburg Medical Center – Center for Hematology/Oncology.