When Dr. Dakota McCoy began searching for the next chapter of her career, she knew she wanted more than a place to practice medicine. She was looking for a community to call home. 

After growing up in Orlando, Florida, and completing both medical school and residency training in the Sunshine State, Dr. McCoy was ready for a change. Her search led her to the Upstate, where mountain views, outdoor adventures and a welcoming community helped make the decision easy. 

“I really love hiking and being outdoors,” she said. “I wanted to find a new home and somewhere that had good access to those things.” 

Today, Dr. McCoy is channeling her passion for women’s health into her work at Medical Group of the Carolinas — Spartanburg OB/GYN — Duncan, where she will provide comprehensive obstetrical and gynecological care for women at every stage of life. 

Although a career in medicine had always been her goal, specializing in OB/GYN was not originally part of the plan. 

“I thought I was going to go into pediatrics,” Dr. McCoy said. “But during medical school, I fell in love with women’s health, the variety that OB/GYN offers and the advocacy side of caring for patients.” 

That passion was further strengthened during her medical education at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and throughout her OB/GYN residency training in Kissimmee, Florida. Along the way, she developed a patient-centered philosophy that continues to shape the care she provides today. 

For Dr. McCoy, healthcare is about listening more than simply diagnosing and treating. 

“A big thing for me is spending time with my patients,” she said. “I want them to have the opportunity to tell me what’s important to them so we can work together to find the best solution for whatever they’re facing.” 

A deeply personal experience shaped that approach. During medical school, Dr. McCoy helped her family navigate the medical challenges her grandfather faced after a serious illness. The experience reinforced the kind of physician she wanted to become. 

“I want to treat patients the way I would want my own family members to be treated,” she said. 

As a reminder of that commitment, Dr. McCoy often wears a small banjo pin, a tribute to her grandfather since the two would play guitars and banjos together. 

Dr. McCoy values the opportunity to care for women through every stage of life, offering services that range from preventive wellness visits and family planning to pregnancy care and delivery. She especially enjoys partnering with patients to identify birth control options that best support their health and personal goals. 

Outside of work, Dr. McCoy can often be found with her miniature goldendoodle, Finn, exploring hiking trails, training on her Peloton or searching local thrift stores for hidden treasures. She has already visited eight national parks and hopes to eventually hike in all of them. 

As she settles into Spartanburg and prepares to welcome patients in Duncan, Dr. McCoy is excited to build lasting relationships and help women feel heard, supported and empowered in their healthcare journeys. 

Medical Group of the Carolinas – Spartanburg OB/GYN – Duncan will open its doors to the community on Oct. 19. To schedule a new patient appointment, call 864-560-3550.