Dr. Caetie Rabon: Champion for Rural Health Care

By Leah Fleming

Living in a rural South Carolina community holds all the charm and beauty one may imagine in a serene landscape painting. Fortunately for residents living in these rural towns, the choice to live in a quieter setting doesn’t equal a sacrifice to access state-of-the-art medical care.

Dr. Caetie Rabon serves as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for McLeod Health Inland Rural Hospitals. Appointed in 2021, the purpose of her role is to ensure McLeod Health patients living in Cheraw, Clarendon, Dillon and their surrounding areas receive safe, quality and compassionate care close to home.

“As a physician with a passion for rural health, I believe patients living in rural areas deserve first-class health care locally. At these hospitals, patients are cared for by their own community members without the burden of travel.”

A native of Sumter, South Carolina, Dr. Rabon understands firsthand the impact of local people caring for local people.

“In smaller hospitals, we have an opportunity to know our patients, staff and community on a personal level,” she explained. “I want to make sure we provide the same care I would expect for my own family.”

Rural healthcare also shines a light on many unique challenges. For instance, in the age of ridesharing services, it may seem straightforward to get to one’s destination. However, it can be problematic for some rural patients trying to get to a doctor’s appointment or medical test because they may not have a car, may not drive or may not have money for gas.

Coupled with transportation challenges are things many take for granted, such as internet access or strong cell service.

As a result, one focus for rural hospitals is overcoming these barriers to ensure patients receive the appropriate care in a timely manner.

Part of the work for McLeod Health inland rural hospitals emphasizes improvements in telehealth services so patients can access specialists locally. There are also ongoing efforts to strengthen primary care services to provide a medical home for patients and manage their preventive care.

“Encouraging screening colonoscopies and mammograms, for example, can reduce the occurrence of diagnosing cancer at advanced stages,” explained Dr. Rabon. “Helping patients control their blood pressure and diabetes can hopefully prevent strokes and heart attacks, which requires hospital care.

“Our priority is effecting change and being proactive in fulfilling the McLeod Health mission of improving the health of the people in our care.”

This proactive approach serves Dr. Rabon well in her role as a CMO.

“On a local level, I travel to our three rural hospitals and help oversee clinical operations, quality and safety programs and improvement projects. I also inform our medical staff of new healthcare regulations. As we identify the opportunities, challenges and successes specific to each area, I can identify the most effective solutions and support for my colleagues.”

Dr. Rabon also cares for patients at the bedside as a Hospitalist for McLeod Health Clarendon. She believes caring for patients strengthens her role as an administrator because she can see firsthand what patients need while in the hospital.

On a global level, Dr. Rabon is a part of a team of other CMOs at McLeod Health who meet regularly to make sure all physicians and staff at every McLeod Health entity are providing safe and low-cost care to patients across North and South Carolina. The team is led by Corporate Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Quality and Safety for McLeod Health Dr. Dale Lusk.

“Being part of a large healthcare system gives us direct access to critical resources such as staff, equipment, and facility improvements,” added Dr. Rabon.

The goal is to not only bring three rural hospitals together, but as a system, establish a culture of collaboration and cohesiveness.

“Our mission as a hospital system extends beyond the facility. We are intentional about being present both in the hospital and in the community.

“Our patients are at the center of everything we do. We see patients at their best and worst. When they recover and go home, we celebrate. When they receive a difficult, life-altering diagnosis, we comfort them.

“I never want to forget my purpose as a physician and CMO. I’ve always been told ‘joy is in the journey,’ and it has been an exciting journey to get this far.”