When McKay Morrow, DO, was growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, he admired his father, an orthopaedic surgeon, and the impact he had on his patients.  

Years later, that admiration would grow into a career in medicine, eventually bringing Dr. Morrow to the Upstate, where he is now joining Medical Group of the Carolinas – Family Medicine – Landrum and accepting new patients. 

After completing three years in the Spartanburg Regional Family Medicine Residency Program, Dr. Morrow said he was drawn to the healthcare system because of the comprehensive training it offered. 

“Family medicine is broad,” he said. “I didn’t want any holes in my training. I wanted to be as ready as I could be coming out of residency.” 

From caring for children and adults to managing chronic conditions and preventive care, Dr. Morrow enjoys the opportunity to care for patients throughout every stage of life. 

A defining moment in his journey with medicine began years ago while watching his father care for a patient. A local chainsaw artist had seriously injured his leg and needed surgery. Unable to pay, the man repeatedly promised to create a sculpture for Dr. Morrow’s father as a gesture of thanks. 

“For years, nothing happened,” Dr. Morrow recalled. 

Then, nearly five years later, the artist unexpectedly appeared at the family’s home on Christmas Day carrying a hand-carved wooden sculpture of a sea captain. Emotional and grateful, he thanked Dr. Morrow’s father for helping him during a difficult time. 

“I remember thinking, ‘I want to be that for other people,’” Dr. Morrow said. 

Today, that same desire to build meaningful relationships shapes his approach to patient care. 

“My job is to help guide patients, educate them and put them in a position to succeed,” he said. “But I also want them to know they have a say. I really value patients being part of the decision-making process.” 

Dr. Morrow believes some patients feel they must follow instructions without asking questions. Instead, he strives to create partnerships where patients feel heard, respected and empowered to participate in their own healthcare decisions. 

His medical training also reinforced his appreciation for practicing in communities like Landrum. During medical school, he trained in rural southwest Georgia and enjoyed the opportunity to provide a wide range of care. 

“I like the rural component of family medicine,” he said. “You get to do a little bit more and build lasting relationships with the people you serve.” 

The newly renovated Landrum practice was another factor in his decision to join the team. 

“The facility is gorgeous,” he said. 

Beyond medicine, Dr. Morrow treasures time with his wife and four children. Whether coaching youth baseball, supporting dance and gymnastics activities, or enjoying everyday moments together, his family is his greatest joy and his top priority. 

Dr. Morrow shares that he and his wife have found the perfect balance here in the Upstate. 

“I’m a beach person, and my wife is from Utah, so she’s a mountain person,” he said with a laugh. “The Upstate is our compromise — close to the mountains, but still just a short drive away from the beach.” 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Morrow, contact Medical Group of the Carolinas – Family Medicine – Landrum at 864-457-3838.