About
Stephen Carek MD, CAQSM, DipABLM is a Family Medicine physician in Greenville, South Carolina. Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, he attended Clemson University for college, the Medical University of South Carolina for medical school, Atrium Health in Charlotte, NC, for his Family Medicine residency, and completed a Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Florida. He currently serves as the Program Director for the Prisma Health/USC School of Medicine Greenville Family Medicine Residency Program in Greenville, SC, and is an Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. He has received several awards that recognize contributions in teaching and scholarship. He has received the Family Medicine Residency Excellence in Teaching Award, the Mecklenburg Area Partnership for Primary Care Research Award for Outstanding Research and Community Service, the NCAA Research Award and recognized by the Society of Teachers in Family Medicine as a New Faculty Scholar. His academic and research interests include resident and medical student education, quality improvement, population health and promoting physical activity in medical education. He has partnered with Clemson University to help with the Health Extension for Diabetes program, which offers education and resources for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes to manage their condition through lifestyle and medical interventions.
How their research is transforming health care
Primary care research and quality improvement initiatives play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of healthcare delivery. Through ongoing research endeavors, primary care physicians continuously strive to enhance patient outcomes, optimize care processes, and address evolving healthcare challenges. These efforts not only contribute to the development of evidence-based practices but also foster innovation in preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions that benefit patients and the communities they live in. Moreover, quality improvement initiatives focus on enhancing the efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of healthcare services within primary care settings. By implementing evidence- based protocols, integrating technology solutions, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, primary care practices can mitigate medical errors, reduce healthcare disparities, and enhance patient satisfaction. Research and quality improvement in primary care not only advances clinical knowledge but also translates into tangible improvements in patient care, ultimately fostering a more efficient, accessible, and patient-centered healthcare system.
Health research keywords
Quality improvement, healthcare equity, technology, education
