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’Think big’ | Longtime Tidelands Health breast surgeon ushers in new era of care, offers hope
’Think big’ | Longtime Tidelands Health breast surgeon ushers in new era of care, offers hope
For nearly three decades, patients facing breast cancer have received more than high-quality, compassionate care from Dr. Craig Brackett.
He has given them hope.
In addition to paving the way for advanced breast care in the region, the longtime breast surgeon at Tidelands Health has become known for his compassion and support as much as his expertise in treating breast cancer and helping patients return to the healthy lives they enjoy.
Even on their hardest days, he provides peace.
“Why is it that I feel so good that he told me I have breast cancer?” survivor Mary Lynn Duvall recalls feeling after an appointment with Dr. Brackett. “Sure, I was scared, worried, upset. But I feel like he gave me a lot of hope. He gave me that sense of comfort.”A new era of breast care
Three decades ago, Dr. Brackett arrived at Tidelands Health with a calling and a vision.
He set out to create a trusted breast care center offering the latest technology and treatment capabilities so patients could get advanced breast care treatment in their own community.
“You always think big,” Dr. Brackett said. “This wholeheartedly has been a team approach.”
Because of his efforts, Tidelands Health was among the first in South Carolina to earn accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. The health system incorporates the latest technologies, including 3D mammography, to detect and treat breast cancer. Patients receive innovative, customized care through a tumor board of specialists that reviews patient cases to collectively determine the best treatment plan for each patient’s unique circumstances.
Each step of the way through the years, Dr. Brackett has helped build trust and hope for patients.
“I’m all about trying to provide hope,” he said. “Earning accreditation just affirmed what we were trying to do. It showed a real commitment. We had to earn that trust by proving we were doing it right through accreditation.
“I’m so grateful for patients’ trust.”
Through the years, patients have shown their gratitude for Dr. Brackett and their care. A collection of cards and handwritten notes from grateful patients fill a drawer in Dr. Brackett’s desk.
“I’ve saved every one of them over the years,” he said as he thumbed through the stack of notecards. “They mean so much to me. Those notes are special. It affirms what you do and why and motivates you to get better and better.”Together in pink for 20 years
In addition to offering trusted care, Dr. Brackett had the goal two decades ago to create a community event to raise awareness of breast cancer.
Created in 2006, the Tidelands Health In the Pink breast cancer awareness walk has evolved into the region’s premier breast cancer awareness event, with 2,500 walkers expected to participate in this year’s walk Saturday, Oct. 11, at Brookgreen Gardens. Register now at tidelandshealth.org.
“It’s really become a signature event,” Dr. Brackett said. “It’s more powerful now because of the size of it and the outreach. It’s such a special day to celebrate this community.”
Survivors inspire others. Family members walk to remember those who lost their battle with breast cancer. Others come together in teams to raise money for the Tidelands Health breast care program.
“Each walk is special in its own way because of the champions that speak and the survivors who participate,” Dr. Brackett said. “It promises so much hope and encouragement.”
In the Pink had a record-setting year in 2024, raising more than $220,000 for the Tidelands Health breast care fund with more than 2,100 walkers.
For Dr. Brackett, it was almost overwhelming. The crowd of pink-clad survivors and community members gathered was a reminder that his initial vision had become reality.
“It just was a calling to do this,” Dr. Brackett said. “It was just in my heart.”
Learn more in a video of Dr. Brackett here.
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About Tidelands Health
Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.
Tidelands Health
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Dawn Bryant Director Strategic Communications
- September 09, 2025
- 8436521636
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