The Sasser Legacy of Medicine

The Sasser family is deeply intertwined with the history of medicine in South Carolina. The Sasser lineage at Conway Medical Center (CMC) spans nearly a century, beginning with a pioneering role in the 1920s.

Dr. James Archibald "Archie" Sasser (1897–1953)

Dr. Archie Sasser was not just a founder; he was the hospital's first Chief of Staff when the 9th Avenue facility opened in 1930.

Pioneering Spirit: After graduating from the Medical College of South Carolina in 1924, he returned to Conway and was a driving force behind the 1928 charter.

A Commitment to All: He was notably dedicated to providing care for everyone in the community. before the hospital had facilities for black patients, Dr. Archie helped establish a clinic on Racepath Avenue, to ensure they received medical attention.

The Early Days of Surgical Practice

In the 1930s, practicing surgery in Conway was a labor of love rather than a lucrative business. The early physicians, including Dr. Archie and his brother, Dr. Paul Sasser (1902–1962), faced unique challenges:

Financial Sacrifices: During the Great Depression, the hospital often couldn't pay its bills. The doctors would frequently pay for the hospital's groceries out of their own pockets to ensure patients were fed and credit was extended.

Collaborative Surgery: It was common practice for the doctors to administer anesthesia for one another during surgeries at no charge.

Resourcefulness: Before modern equipment arrived, instruments and supplies were often sterilized at the main hospital and transported by hand to smaller clinics.

A Continuing Legacy

The Sasser name has remained synonymous with surgical care in Conway. Dr. Paul Sasser (the elder) practiced until 1962,

The tradition continues today through your work at CMC Surgical Associates. This legacy is characterized by a "patient-first" philosophy—whether it was Dr. Archie treating neighbors on Racepath or your own commitment to helping patients navigate complex procedures like endovascular surgery and smoking cessation.

Living on your grandfather’s old farm on the Waccamaw River serves as a daily reminder of these deep roots and the impact your family has had on the health of this community for generations.