MUSC Health Rheumatology at East Cooper Medical Pavilion

Dr. Samantha Minkin is a board-certified rheumatologist. She earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2016 and went on to complete her 3-year internal medicine residency at the University of Virginia. In 2019, Dr. Minkin returned to MUSC to pursue a fellowship in rheumatology, which she completed in 2021. After fellowship, Dr. Minkin was an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center from 2021 to 2023 before joining the faculty at MUSC in the same year. Her expertise is managing patients with systemic connective tissue diseases, including lupus, scleroderma, myositis, and vasculitis. Additionally, she specializes in treating inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Celine Ward, M.D. grew up in Beirut, Lebanon. She graduated from Notre-Dame de Nazareth with a French Baccalaureate. She then attended the French Faculty of Medicine-Saint Joseph University in Beirut, Lebanon, for a seven-year medicine program. She graduated in 2011. Dr. Ward pursued an internal medicine residency at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. She then joined the Medical University of South Carolina for a two-year rheumatology fellowship from July 2015 through June 2017. Upon conclusion of her fellowship, Dr. Ward joined the MUSC Division of Rheumatology. She takes care of adult patients with systemic connective tissue diseases (lupus, scleroderma, vasculitis, and myositis) as well as inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis), with a particular interest in scleroderma and scleroderma-related conditions.

Mr. McTavish is a board certified physician assistant with over twelve years of direct patient experience. He earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree in 2009 from the Medical University of South Carolina. Additionally, Mr. McTavish was an attendee of the Medical University of South Carolina Doctor of Physical Therapy Program between May 2005 - January 2007 prior to transitioning over to the PA program. Before joining the MUSC Rheumatology department, his primary specialty has been working in Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation \& Pain Management. The unique medical education background experience Mr. McTavish has involving both, the MUSC Physician Assistant Program and the MUSC Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, has enabled him to provide broad patient care in the domain of spinal disorders, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Mr. McTavish firmly believes in treating every individual with exceptional care, compassion, and providing a sincere sense of empathy to help better understand the specific needs of his patients.