Beyond the White Coats
The people who work here enable the high quality of care that Aiken Regional provides to patients. For many, that commitment extends into their spare time and everyday lives.
Whether it is using their medical knowledge to lend a hand or applying the lessons of outside endeavors to the benefit of patients, the physicians featured here -- like many others affiliated with Aiken Regional -- are committed to having a positive impact on the Aiken community.
Need Help Finding a Doctor?
For help scheduling an appointment with a doctor on staff at Aiken Regional, call Direct DoctorsSM Plus at 1-800-882-7445. An operator, who speaks English or Spanish, will help you find a doctor and connect you with his or her office to schedule an appointment.Supporting Athletes of All Ages
Years of playing sports and coping with related injuries led Vaughan Massie, MD, Vice Chairman of the Department of Surgery, to specialize in orthopedic surgery and complete a fellowship in sports medicine.
"I have loved sports my entire life," says Dr. Massie, who enjoys tennis, basketball, weight lifting and skiing. "Because of my personal experiences, I understand athletes and can relate to them."
When he's not treating sports injuries as part of his medical practice, Dr. Massie serves as the team physician for the University of South Carolina–Aiken, Aiken High School, South Aiken High School and Silver Bluff High School.
He is often seen attending college and high school sporting events. "I enjoy my involvement with local teams. Players, coaches and parents also find it reassuring to have a familiar face on the sidelines and in the training room," he says. "I offer advice about avoiding injuries; provide nonoperative treatment for minor injuries, such as sprains and strains, and surgical intervention for more serious injuries when necessary and assist throughout the rehabilitation process."
Dr. Massie finds it rewarding to treat athletes of all ages, from senior golfers to injured football players. "My goal is to help get athletes healthy -- as safely, efficiently as possible -- so that they can stay active and competitive."
Providing Care to Those in Need
Michael Vasovski, DO, a family medicine physician, spends one evening a month caring for patients at the Community Medical Clinic of Aiken County. The clinic provides free care to people who don't have health insurance and who don't qualify for public assistance. Dr. Vasovski started working at the clinic when it opened its doors 10 years ago.
"We have a large, caring and giving community in Aiken," he says. "All the physicians who work at the clinic are volunteers. We take care of patients' primary care and outpatient needs and give them a medical home."
Dr. Vasovski explains that the demand for free medical care has remained steady in the Aiken area, where mill closings have had an impact on local residents. Many people who visit the clinic have a disability and are going through a lengthy process to qualify for other services.
"You don't have to look at other areas of the country or world to find people who need access to medical care. There's a need right here at home," he says.
"The patients we see at the clinic have the same health issues as everyone else; their situations in life are just a little different. I enjoy working at the clinic because it's one way I can give back to the community."
Performing for a Cause
Fifteen years ago, Francis DiBona, MD, a nephrologist, and his wife, Debbie, came up with a creative way to combine their interest in theater with their desire to help kidney patients. They founded the Aiken Kidney Benefit, a nonprofit organization that hosts yearly theatrical productions to raise money for the nonmedical needs of kidney patients.
The benefit raises about $25,000 to $30,000 each year. Funds are distributed to kidney patients in need of financial assistance. "Many kidney patients, especially those on dialysis, can't work and have difficulty getting around," Dr. DiBona says. "We're able to help them pay an electrical bill, fix a car or have dental work."
The DiBonas enlist the help of more than 100 talented performers, directors and crew members who volunteer their time to produce each elaborate production. Previous shows have included Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, The Wizard of Oz, Oliver, The Music Man and Annie. Mrs. DiBona has performed in most of the productions. Dr. DiBona usually works behind the scenes directing, designing playbills and seeking support from local sponsors.
"These shows are a major undertaking, but I'm proud of what we accomplish," Dr. DiBona says. "Together, we put on great shows and attract enthusiastic crowds -- all for a good cause." Their next production, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, opens in March.
Helping Others Get Back in the Saddle
Neurologist Melvyn Haas, MD, moved to South Carolina after his medical residency in 1972 because he wanted to live in a place where he could practice medicine, participate in foxhunting and own horses. He has remained an active physician and equestrian in the Aiken area ever since.
For years, he ran local foxhunts as the master of foxhounds and still participates in hunts as often as he can.
A serious riding accident in 1983, however, kept him out of the saddle for months. "I broke my neck while jumping," he explains. "Not only did I have to recover from the injury, I also had to regain my confidence in jumping."
Dr. Haas uses that experience and his skills as a neurologist to help fellow riders. "People who have riding injuries often come to me because they know I understand their desire to resume riding as soon as possible," Dr. Haas says.
Today, he owns four horses and rides three or four days a week. "A good gallop is a great way to relieve stress," he says. "Neurology keeps my mind sharp, and foxhunting keeps my body strong."
