Orangeburg native returns to give back

Stroman has joined forces with Dr. Franklin Coulter, M.D., at MUSC Health Primary Care-Summers Avenue, formerly the Coulter Clinic, enhancing primary care access for area residents.

Stroman’s longstanding ties to Orangeburg set him apart. A graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School and Claflin University, his connection to the community runs deep.

His early exposure to health care came when he worked as a medical scribe in the emergency departments of the former Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg and Lexington Medical Center before pursuing further medical training.

He earned his Master of Health Sciences degree at Meharry Medical College before enrolling at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, and he completed his clinical training at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.

Now, Stroman is returning to Orangeburg with a focus on giving back to the community that played such an important role in shaping his path.

“I wouldn’t be the physician or person I am today if it weren’t for the Orangeburg community,” Stroman said, reflecting on his journey.

His return, he said, is driven by a desire to serve the people of Orangeburg through family medicine, a specialty that allows him to care for patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly.

“Family medicine is unique because you’re able to treat a wide range of conditions – hypertension, diabetes, mental health concerns – and address the needs of the entire family. I see it as the perfect way to give back to my community,” he explained.

Stroman’s decision to return was also shaped by the support he received from his community during his medical training.

He was a recipient of the Dr. Disher Scholarship, which encourages Orangeburg natives to return to their roots and practice medicine in underserved areas.

“Once you find your gift, you give it back,” Stroman said.

He feels that medicine, alongside his love for music, are the gifts he’s been given to share with his community.

In addition to his medical career, Stroman is an accomplished musician.

He has been playing the piano and alto saxophone for more than 20 years and often uses music to both motivate and de-stress.

“Music is a universal language, and I use it to tell stories and connect with people in ways that words sometimes can’t,” he said.

Stroman often performs at church services and events around Orangeburg, finding a balance between his passions for medicine and music.

“Playing music keeps me grounded. It’s a way for me to channel my energy, whether I’m celebrating or going through challenges in life. I can tell my story through the instrument I’m playing.”

Coulter, a longtime physician in Orangeburg, is excited to have Stroman join the team at MUSC Health Primary Care-Summers Avenue.

With the clinic’s rebranding and expansion, the two physicians are poised to increase access to health care for residents of Orangeburg and the surrounding areas.

MUSC Health-Orangeburg’s executive director of ambulatory services, Echo McAlhany, highlighted the significance of Stroman’s return.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have physicians like Dr. Stroman who are not only passionate about medicine but also dedicated to the communities that raised them. Being a native of Orangeburg, he has a unique advantage in understanding the challenges of rural health care, and he can connect with patients who share those experiences.”

Stroman is acutely aware of the barriers to health care in rural areas like Orangeburg.

He emphasized the importance of patient education, advocating for practical solutions that meet patients where they are.

“A lot of times, we talk about diet and exercise in a way that seems overwhelming or like a punishment, but that doesn’t have to be the case,” he said. “I like to start by asking patients what they enjoy eating or what activities they like and then work with them to make small, sustainable changes. It’s about building healthy habits without making people feel like they must give up everything they love.”

Stroman also sees mental health as a critical area of need in rural communities.

“Access to mental health care is a significant barrier, not just here but across the country,” he explained. “It’s important to have conversations with patients about their mental health and make sure they feel supported. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and we need to encourage an open dialogue.”

Through his work at MUSC Health Primary Care-Summers Avenue, Stroman said he aims to provide comprehensive care that addresses the mind, body and spirit of his patients.

Stroman relies on a daily philosophy he follows shared with him through his work with others.

“If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life.”