McLeod Health celebrated the unveiling of a portrait to honor Dr. Sompong Kraikit on March 14, 2023.

During a portrait unveiling ceremony at the McLeod Medical Plaza, Donna Isgett, President and CEO of McLeod Health, welcomed family members, friends and former colleagues of Dr. Kraikit. She explained that McLeod honors the lifetime achievements of role models who have impacted the organization in superlative ways with the commissioning of a portrait.

“Today, we are bestowing the highest honor presented to an individual by our organization – a portrait that will hang in perpetuity along our halls of honor. 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,” said Isgett. “At McLeod, we are continually seeking to improve – intrinsic in the nature of Dr. Kraikit, who was a part of those processes that advanced our nephrology program and sought to reduce the pain, suffering and discomfort of those who entrust us with their care. We are so thankful for the work of Dr. Kraikit, and his colleagues, to provide that medical excellence to this organization and the Pee Dee.”

On behalf of the McLeod Health Board of Trustees, Chairman Benjamin T. Zeigler, said, “These works of art are reminders of how individuals like Dr. Kraikit have fundamentally changed healthcare delivery, improved outcomes for patients and stretched the organization forward as a change agent in their professional field. We are so appreciative for the positive relationships fostered by Dr. Kraikit both within McLeod and in our community as an ambassador for McLeod Health. This is an honor we are proud to make possible for his most generous gifts of time and talent.”

Zeigler was followed by remarks on Dr. Kraikit’s 30 years of caring for patients at McLeod Health by Dr. Dale Lusk, Chief Medical Officer for McLeod Health, and Dr. Alva Whitehead, former Vice President and Medical Staff Advisor for McLeod Health.

In his remarks, Dr. Lusk said, “Specializing in the treatment of kidney disease, diabetes, and other renal concerns requires a physician with a calling to care for some of the sickest patients in healthcare, often requiring both hospitalizations and years of ongoing management of chronic diseases. The CDC reports that more than 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, and we in South Carolina have more than our fair share of that population. Dr. Kraikit choosing to practice in our region helped to ensure our friends, neighbors and family had access to care for those serious concerns. His contributions to McLeod and the community continue to make a difference in the education of nurses and physicians in our region.”

Dr. Whitehead added, “The presentation of this portrait in honor of Dr. Kraikit recognizes the life and work of this selfless man who shattered the glass ceiling as the first physician of far east descent who paved the way for our appreciation for so many others who have followed. I doubt many, maybe only a very few, have been of such value to our medical staff, nurses and patients as well as Francis Marion University, Florence-Darlington Technical College and indeed the community as Sompong and his wife Suwanee. The good Lord has blessed them and in so doing, blessed all of us.”

McLeod has a long-standing tradition of acknowledging the life-time achievements of McLeod Physicians, Nursing Professionals and Organizational Leaders. 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 rendering 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.

Tuesday’s event marked the 33rd portrait honoring individuals during the past three decades.

About Dr. Sompong Kraikit
Years of Service: 1976 – 2006
Dr. Kraikit began practicing medicine in the Florence community in 1976. Board certified in internal medicine and nephrology/hypertension, Dr. Kraikit served as the medical director of the Acute Dialysis Unit and Medical Intensive Care Unit at McLeod Regional Medical Center for ten years. He also started the Renal Symposium in 1982 to educate nurses on how to take care of the renal patient. Additionally, he established a renal education fund at McLeod Regional Medical Center.

Determined to further education for students both locally and internationally, Dr. Kraikit has supported Francis Marion University (FMU) and Florence-Darlington Technical College with scholarships. He also chaired the Health Sciences Development Committee to transition the nursing program from MUSC to FMU. The FMU Luther F. Carter Center for Health Sciences in downtown Florence also includes the Sompong Kraikit Simulation Laboratory.

Dedicated to philanthropy and his community, Dr. Kraikit served on the boards of the Francis Marion University Foundation, Trinity Collegiate School and the Florence Museum.