McLeod Health celebrated the unveiling of a portrait to honor Dr. Alva W. Whitehead, Sr., on November 5, 2025.

During a portrait unveiling ceremony at the McLeod Medical Plaza, Ronald Fowler, Chairman of the McLeod Health Board of Trustees, welcomed family members, friends and former colleagues of Dr. Whitehead. “It is both an honor and a privilege to welcome you to this special occasion — the unveiling of a portrait that will forever commemorate the legacy of a remarkable individual: Dr. Alva Whitehead.
“This evening, we are bestowing our highest honor to our esteemed colleague and former Chief Medical Officer. The purpose of this distinction is to spotlight and memorialize the recipient’s rare qualities of extraordinary service, coupled with significant contributions to better both the organization and his or her community.

“We gather not only to reveal an image, but to reflect on the impact of a life dedicated to healing, leadership, and service. Dr. Whitehead’s contributions to McLeod Health and to the broader medical community have left an indelible mark — one that continues to inspire generations of caregivers, colleagues, and patients alike. This portrait is more than paint and canvas. It is a tribute to compassion, excellence, and the quiet strength that defined Dr. Whitehead’s career. It will stand as a daily reminder of what it means to lead with integrity, to serve with heart, and to uplift others through medicine,” said Fowler.

Dr. Michael Rose, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for McLeod Health, described Dr. Whitehead as a mentor who fostered a culture of professionalism. “He founded the Pillars of Professionalism for Physicians as well as the Physician Leadership Academy. The pillars developed by Dr. Whitehead represent core values that guide physicians in delivering exceptional care, emphasizing integrity, compassion, and excellence. These pillars were created to recognize and reinforce the highest standards of professional behavior among physicians at McLeod Health. Symbolic of the foundational qualities that define a physician’s professional excellence, the pillars are not just traits but guiding principles that influence behavior, decision-making, and patient care. Dr. Whitehead embodies each of these characteristics.”

Dr. Rose was followed by remarks on Dr. Whitehead’s career with McLeod Health by Dr. Tarek Bishara, a member of the McLeod Board of Trustees and a physician colleague.

In his remarks, Dr. Bishara said, “When asked about his philosophy toward medicine and leadership, Alva summed it up in just six words: ‘Raise its character; Improve its science.’ Six words that define his career. Six words that capture the essence of how he led — with intellect, integrity, and heart. Those of us who have had the privilege to know Dr. Whitehead know he is far more than a physician leader. He is a gentleman and a scholar in the truest sense — a historian, a mentor, a steady voice of reason — a man who elevates the tone of every room he enters.
“On behalf of all of us who have been inspired by your life’s work — thank you. Your impact is woven into the very fabric of McLeod Health and this community.”

In accepting this honor, Dr. Whitehead said, “There are many others who deserve this honor. I am the product of the impact of this environment on me, of those around me – leaders who inspired me to do better in new areas, other physicians whose consultations advanced my medical knowledge, patients who trusted me, indeed who taught me how to become their doctor, and of course my wife and family who tolerated the difficult times and celebrated the good times. I know they had some difficult times because when my son Van was about the age of eight or nine, he got one of my prescription pads and wrote a prescription for me ‘not to have to go to work forever.’ I have it framed at home. I am getting closer to that time. Thank you for the opportunity to express my gratitude and for this honor.”

In closing the program, Donna Isgett, President and CEO of McLeod Health, added, “Dr. Whitehead is indeed an ambassador for McLeod, and in all respects deserving of this lifetime achievement award. Many of us formulate our own ideas and philosophies about what constitutes greatness or makes a hero — but what comes to the forefront about Dr. Whitehead is his commitment, authenticity, mentorship, and honesty. McLeod Health, and our world, are better places because of him.”

McLeod has a long-standing tradition of acknowledging the lifetime achievements of McLeod professionals including Physicians, Nurses, Advanced Practice Professionals, Ancillary Staff, Organizational Leaders, and members of our Board of Trustees. One of the most significant opportunities for recognizing meritorious service and paying tribute to the fine character of these individuals is through the act of commissioning a portrait in their honor by the McLeod Health Board of Trustees. The artist’s renderings of these individuals are placed on permanent display in areas representative of both the location of their service as well as commemorating their expertise in the field.

Wednesday’s event marked the 38th portrait honoring individuals during the past 35 years.

About Dr. Alva W. Whitehead, Sr.
Years of Service: 1976 – 2025
A native of Lake City, Dr. Whitehead graduated from Davidson College in North Carolina. He received his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Emory University Affiliated Hospital followed by a residency in Internal Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Whitehead was in private practice with Florence Diagnostic Associates for 25 years. During his career with McLeod, he served as Chief of Staff for McLeod Regional Medical Center, as a member of the McLeod Health Board of Trustees, Vice President of Medical Services, as a Medical Advisor and a non-clinical consultant. Dr. Whitehead was also instrumental in the formation and establishment of the McLeod Health Pillars of Professionalism, an annual awards event to recognize those physicians who reflect the highest values in professional excellence. In 2017, he was honored with a Pillar of Professionalism award for his more than 40 years of leadership and care, and for the friendships developed with his colleagues and staff of McLeod Regional Medical Center.