The legacy of Sen. Ernest “Fritz” Hollings
MUSC Hollings Cancer Center bears the name of Ernest “Fritz” Hollings, a U.S. senator and South Carolina governor who had a vision for a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Carolina.
His support was invaluable in establishing the cancer center, which continues to honor Sen. Hollings’ legacy of public service, serving all residents of the state from the richest to the poorest, from the big cities to rural hamlets, from every background and from every walk of life.
Hollings was born and raised in Charleston, graduated from The Citadel and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon his return home, he obtained a law degree and served in the General Assembly before being elected governor in 1958. He then went on to serve in the U.S. Senate from 1966 to 2005.
During his career, he took a great interest in health care, particularly in health disparities and the lack of access in rural communities. Hollings worked to secure the funding that was needed to establish a cancer center in South Carolina, and Hollings opened its doors to patients in 1993. He also worked over the long term to ensure that federal investment in biomedical research was available. He collaborated with MUSC leaders to attract some of the world’s best physicians and researchers.
In addition to these efforts, Hollings helped lead the congressional effort to develop the Community Health Center program, which brings medical care to poor and underserved areas. He also authored legislation creating a nationwide program to screen women for breast and cervical cancer and worked with other senators on the appropriations committee to double funding for the National Institutes of Health.
MUSC President David J. Cole, M.D., FACS, described Sen. Hollings as a generational statesman and tireless advocate for the people of South Carolina. “He leaves an enduring legacy for South Carolina and the nation,” he said.
“One dimension of his legacy will certainly be his determined efforts to assure that all South Carolinians have access to high-quality health care. The impact of the senator's unwavering vision and commitment can be seen through the transformative work of the dedicated staff of Hollings Cancer Center.”
Hollings became the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in 2009, a designation it still maintains. These centers represent the top 4% of cancer centers in the United States.
Hollings Today
In 2023, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, which opened its doors to patients in 1993. A gleaming, energy-efficient, 88,000-square-foot new building on the inside, the exterior of Hollings highlighted the history of the site: the cancer center retained the façade of the first building on the modern MUSC campus, dating to 1913.
Today, Hollings serves nearly 6,000 patients each year, while researchers maintain a robust portfolio of basic and translational science research. Through partnerships with institutions throughout the state, including the MUSC Health Regional Health Network, Hollings brings the latest care to communities far and wide. We remain as focused as ever on our mission: to reduce the burden of cancer on the lives of the people of South Carolina.
