Medically Reviewed by Victor E. Collier, MD

McLeod Health has expanded its commitment to medical education and community care with the launch of an Internal Medicine Residency Program. Led by Program Director Dr. Victor Collier, the program represents an important milestone in McLeod’s mission to train and retain high-quality physicians for the Pee Dee region and beyond.

The journey to establishing the program began in November 2024, when McLeod submitted its application to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the national governing body for residency programs. Following a successful site visit, the program received full approval in April 2025. The first class of residents will start their training in July 2026.

According to Dr. Collier, the program offers unique advantages that set it apart from others in the state. “The biggest benefit is the size of the hospital and the services available in the hospital, and just the diversity of the surrounding community,” he said. “We also have a medical staff who is very committed to medical education, and our residents will get exposure to everything they need to be successful in primary care, hospital medicine or fellowships.”

Each year, the program will welcome 10 new residents, with a total of 30 residents once the three-year program reaches full capacity. Dr. Collier emphasized that McLeod is looking for applicants who reflect the organization’s values — individuals devoted to quality, compassion, and service. “We’re especially interested in people who have connections to the area, with the long-term goal of training them here and then getting them to stay here and actually serve our community,” he explained.

As program director, Dr. Collier oversees every aspect of training — from recruitment and onboarding to education for both residents and faculty. His vision is clear: “Our goal really is to be the best training program in the state of South Carolina.” Noting that they want to help students go on to be successful in primary care, hospital medicine, and internal medicine subspecialties like cardiology, critical care, endocrinology, and more.

Beyond education, the program has a direct and lasting impact on patient care. McLeod has opened an Internal Medicine Clinic, providing expanded access to primary care for the community — including patients with and without insurance. Over time, as more residents complete their training and choose to stay in the area, the program will help strengthen the region’s primary care network, support preventive health efforts, and keep more people well and out of the hospital.

With this new residency program, McLeod Health continues to invest in the future of medicine and in the health of the communities it serves — building a legacy of care, education, and excellence that will last for generations. To learn more about the program click here.