For residents of the South Carolina Lowcountry, the journey to recovery no longer requires a long-distance commute. The St. Joseph’s/Candler (SJ/C) Bluffton Campus at Buckwalter Place has transformed the local healthcare landscape, specifically by bringing comprehensive, high-tech cancer care to the heart of the community.
A “Medical Home” for the Lowcountry
Located at 100 Buckwalter Place Boulevard, the 40,000-square-foot regional campus was designed to consolidate medical services that were previously scattered across Beaufort County. By housing primary care, specialized treatment, and advanced technology under one roof, SJ/C has created a “medical home” that prioritizes patient convenience and coordinated care.
Bringing the Fight to Bluffton
Before the opening of this campus, many cancer patients in Bluffton and Hilton Head faced the exhausting reality of driving to Savannah for daily or weekly treatments. The Buckwalter Place campus eliminates this burden by offering:
- Advanced Radiation Oncology: The facility features a state-of-the-art linear accelerator for precise radiation treatments.
- Medical Oncology and Infusion: A dedicated infusion center with 11 chairs allows patients to receive chemotherapy and immunotherapy in a comfortable, local setting.
- PET-CT Imaging: On-site advanced diagnostics ensure that treatment planning and monitoring happen right in the neighborhood.
- The Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion (LCRP) Connection: Patients have direct access to the full resources of the NCI-designated Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion, including clinical trials and genetic counseling.
Holistic Care: Beyond the Treatment Room
The campus was built with the understanding that healing involves more than just medicine. The facility incorporates several “soothing surroundings” designed to reduce the stress of a cancer diagnosis:
- A Serenity Garden for quiet reflection.
- A Devotional Chapel and an interior healing fountain.
- Patient Navigators and oncology dietitians who guide patients through every step of their journey, from financial navigation to nutritional support.
Expert Leadership
The oncology partnership is led by Dr. Gary W. Thomas, Medical Director of SJ/C-SC Cancer Specialists, along with Dr. Gregory Haidemenos and Dr. J. Keegan Bakos. This team has earned the prestigious QOPI (Quality Oncology Practice Initiative) certification from the American Society of Clinical Oncology—the only practice in the region to hold this distinction—ensuring that Bluffton residents receive nationally recognized standards of care close to home.
Looking Ahead
While Phase One focused heavily on oncology, the campus continues to grow. Future expansions are set to enhance primary care, imaging, and specialty services, ensuring that as Bluffton grows, its healthcare infrastructure grows with it.