A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DR. DOUGLAS E. "DOUG" HOLFORD, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER FORTY-TWO YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly have learned that Douglas Holford will begin a well-deserved retirement after more than four decades as a distinguished and highly regarded board certified orthopedic surgeon in Aiken; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Holford earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry with honors from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He graduated in the upper third of his class from Loma Linda University Medical School in California; and

 

Whereas, he completed a rotating internship with the University of Southern California-Los Angeles Campus Medical Center and a general surgery internship at United States Public Health Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He then completed an Orthopedic Surgery residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a spine surgery fellowship with Henry LaRocca, M.D., in New Orleans; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Holford completed a fellowship in sports medicine and arthroscopy at Hughston Orthopedic Clinic in Columbus, Georgia, with James R. Andrews, M.D. In New Orleans, he met his future medical practice partner, Dr. Clark Moore, who told him that Aiken was a special town needing orthopedists; and

 

Whereas, he and his wife decided to move to Aiken in 1982, after being impressed with Aiken's strong community spirit and with the new Silver Bluff High School that had opened one year prior; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Holford began a general orthopedic practice, Carolina Orthopedic Associates, but focused on sports medicine in Aiken, as such an emphasis was not present there. At that time, the high schools did not have physicians at the football games, and he began the program with the coaches and student trainers. With community support and the strength of this small program, the students worked hard, and the community rose to whatever need the program had; and

 

Whereas, their practice grew, and Carolina Orthopedics Associates became Carolina Musculoskeletal Institute and then merged to Augusta-Aiken Orthopedic Associates. The number of orthopedists increased and covered the home football games; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Holford volunteered to stay with Silver Bluff and did for forty-two years. He gladly wears his two state championship rings that were given to him when the Silver Bluff football team won.  He did his best to follow the team to their play-off games and state championship games. In the fall of 2024, he retired from his practice specializing in sports medicine, arthroscopy, hip and knee reconstruction, and spine surgery, but he continues to support Silver Bluff High School's program; and

 

Whereas, dedicated to his profession, he is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, South Carolina Orthopedic Society, Hughston Society, Neufeld Society of Loma Linda University School of Medicine Alumni,             American Medical Association, South Carolina Medical Association, and South Carolina Medical Society; and

 

Whereas, together with his beloved wife, Flo, he reared two fine children, Erin and Zachary; and

 

Whereas, grateful for his many years of distinguished service to the City of Aiken, the South Carolina General Assembly takes great pleasure in extending best wishes to Doug Holford as he transitions to a richly deserved retirement and the leisurely pace of the days ahead, and the members wish him many years of enjoyment in his well-earned retirement. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Dr. Douglas E. "Doug" Holford upon the occasion of his retirement after forty-two years of exemplary service, and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Douglas E. "Doug" Holford.

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