Spence M. Taylor

Spence M. Taylor, M.D. is a nationally recognized academic physician leader with 30 years of experience as a senior executive, surgeon, full professor, and researcher. He currently serves as vice president of physician engagement, chief academic officer, and President of the GHS Clinical University at Greenville Health System (now part of Prisma Health). His leadership established the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville and designated GHS as an academic health center through a tripartite partnership with Clemson University (research), University of South Carolina (clinical), and Furman University (undergraduate).

Dr. Taylor's educational background includes:

• B.S. from Clemson University
• M.D. and general surgery residency from the Medical University of South Carolina
• Vascular surgery residency at Baylor College of Medicine under Drs. Michael DeBakey and Stanley Crawford

His research focuses on functional outcomes after vascular interventions for lower extremity peripheral artery disease, with over 125 peer-reviewed publications. As an academic leader, he pioneered South Carolina's first vascular surgery residency, expanded general surgery training, and developed fellowships in minimal access and vascular medicine. His work bridges clinical practice with innovative academic healthcare system design.

Dr. Taylor served as President of the Southern Surgical Association (2015) – the first Greenville surgeon and only second in South Carolina to hold this position – and currently serves as an American Board of Surgery director. He has received multiple teaching awards and established the GHS Academy of Leadership and Professional Development to cultivate healthcare executives.