The Spartanburg Regional Foundation's Physician Giving Society awarded a $30,000 grant to support a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) initiative at Spartanburg Medical Center, marking the first project selected and funded by the physician-led philanthropic group. 

The society unites physicians in a shared commitment to transform health care through generosity, innovation and compassionate leadership. 

The grant was presented during a recent gathering at The Carolina on Southport, where physicians and community leaders came together for an evening focused on fellowship, philanthropy and the impact of charitable giving. Guests heard from Dr. Amy Curtis and Dr. Wayne Davis Jr., who shared personal reflections on why they support the Foundation and the meaningful difference philanthropy is making for patients and families across the region. 

One of the evening's highlights was the presentation of the grant to NICU leadership, recognizing the Society's commitment to improving care for the hospital's youngest and most vulnerable patients. 

The grant will help move forward plans for a dedicated breastmilk preparation and processing space as part of the NICU renovation effort. Currently, breastmilk preparation is conducted in shared clinical areas, placing additional responsibilities on bedside nurses. The new centralized space will help standardize milk preparation, improve efficiency and support best practices in neonatal care. 

"Physicians in the Giving Society are enthusiastic about supporting this and other hospital programs,” said Dr. Amy Curtis, Gibbs Cancer Center’s medical director. “When we combine our individual vocational talents with a shared investment in our community's health, the impact is far greater than any one of us could achieve alone.” 

The project is designed to strengthen patient safety, infection prevention, and family-centered care while providing enhanced support for mothers and infants during a critical stage of development. Dedicated milk technicians will help monitor milk supplies and provide earlier intervention when mothers experience challenges maintaining milk production. 

“This project is a great indication of our investment in a holistic approach in taking care of our newborn patients,” said Dr. Wayne Davis, with Medical Group of the Carolinas – Family Medicine – Greer. “This will also help our team members continue providing first-class care while also promoting a family-centric environment for our new families. This will enhance family bonding time that is so important while creating increasing quality of care in our NICU.” 

 “Physicians witness the power of exceptional care every day and understand firsthand what patients need most,” said Polly Edwards-Padgett, Executive Director of Spartanburg Regional Foundation. “Through the Physician Giving Society, our physicians are leading by example, investing in the future of healthcare, advancing innovation, and ensuring the highest quality care for generations to come."  

Those interested in joining or learning more about this remarkable group and its impact can reach out to Gina De La Cruz Turcotte, the Foundation’s Director of Philanthropy at gturcotte@srhs.com. 

Physician Giving Society Members  

Heather N. Allen, MD 

Joshua P. Baird, MD 

Katee E.  Castleman, MD 

Steven W. Corso, MD 

Amarinthia E.  Curtis, MD 

David Cykert, MD 

Dean  E.  Davis, MD 

Wayne  Davis, Jr., MD 

Melissa Earles, MD 

Phillip Esce, MD 

Ryan  Fields, MD 

Robert Flandry, DO 

James  Harber, MD 

Michael  Humeniuk, MD 

Frances Kunda, MD 

Thomas  Leong, MD 

Christopher M. Lombardozzi, MD 

Kristine  A.  Lombardozzi, MD 

John Mauch, DO 

Kurtis  Melin, MD 

Debra L. Miller-Cox, MD 

Charles E. Morrow Jr, MD 

Richard  K. Orr, MD 

Michael J. Orseck, MD 

J.  Paul  Ross, III, MD 

C. Jason Rousseau, DO 

Hanna  S.  Sahhar, MD 

Donna  Payne Smith, MD

Brian C. Thurston, MD 

Ryan B. Tuttle, MD 

Enoch  G.  Ulmer, Jr, MD