Thomas Balint, DO, didn’t grow up assuming he’d be a doctor. He had his eyes on culinary school. After spending a summer working at his uncle’s pain management practice, he developed a passion for health care. 

Dr. Balint’s dedication to medicine is rooted in his love for hands-on treatment and a deep sense of commitment to a patient’s healing and growth. He brings that type of passion for all ages as a new physician at Medical Group of the Carolinas – Family Medicine – Woodruff. 

“I’m very fluid in my approach based on the need. You have to listen to what the patient says and what the feedback is and, of course, listen to what the body says,” Dr. Balint said. 

Dr. Balint grew up in Taylors, attending Bob Jones Academy for high school and Bob Jones University for his undergraduate degree. Before medical school, he took a gap year and worked at a local doctor’s office off Woodruff Road where he assisted as a phlebotomist, lab technician, front office staff and cleaner. Those roles helped him see the value family medicine brings to the community. 

He later went to Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine where he studied Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. OMT involves using the hands to diagnose, treat and prevent conditions related to the body's structure and function. 

This method is particularly beneficial in treating musculoskeletal pain and promoting overall wellness, allowing Dr. Balint to address issues comprehensively rather than through medication alone. 

“OMT is a form of complimentary holistic medicine where I look at bones, muscles and tissues in the body and help diagnose something that’s too tight or loose or if something is out of alignment,” Dr. Balint said. “It just allows you to have a closer relationship with the patient.” 

Dr. Balint stayed at Liberty University an extra year serving as a graduate teaching assistant in the OMT department. He then came back to his roots in the Upstate to join Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System’s Family Medicine Residency Program. 

Making lifestyle changes, being proactive with advanced health screenings and focusing on preventive care are all major components to Dr. Balint’s approach to medicine. 

Outside of medicine, Dr. Balint enjoys spending time with his wife, traveling, reading books, taking day trips to discover new places and volunteering in different ways, including serving with a local prison rehabilitation ministry to assist people who are formerly incarcerated. 

Dr. Balint is excited to join the team at Medical Group of the Carolinas – Family Medicine – Woodruff and welcome in his new patients alongside his colleagues. 

To schedule a new patient appointment with Dr. Balint, call MGC – Family Medicine – Woodruff at 864-560-5190.