Our Team
Director
Patrick M. O'Neil, Ph.D., is professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at MUSC. He received his BS in economics from Louisiana State University and his MS and PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Georgia. Dr. O'Neil has specialized in obesity since 1977 in numerous clinical, teaching, research and public education roles. He is and has been principal investigator for many externally funded clinical trials of weight-loss agents and interventions. He is the author of more than 100 professional publications, chapters, and presentations. Dr. O'Neil is a former President of The Obesity Society and has served on the editorial boards of several obesity-related scientific journals. He is a former member and chair of the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Psychology. In 2015 he was elected mayor of the Town of Sullivan's Island, having served as a member of Town Council since 2001.
Patient Services Staff
Shawn Witherspoon
Shawn is a patient service specialist at the MUSC Health Weight Management Center. Her duties include greeting patients and assisting the various staff and faculty at the MUSC Health Weight Management Center. She has experience in management and was the leader of production of Charleston's very own Moo Roo Handbags for 6 years. Shawn is currently earning a bachelor's degree in business.
Physicians
Robert Malcolm, M.D. is a board-certified psychiatrist, clinical researcher, and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at MUSC. He obtained his BS in Psychology from the University of Maryland and his MD from MUSC and completed his residency in psychiatry at Stanford University Medical School where his interest in obesity was first kindled. He founded the Weight Management Center in 1974 and since then has overseen the medical aspects of Center clinical and research programs. In addition to his work and publications in obesity, Dr. Malcolm is also a recognized researcher and clinician in the areas of depression and substance abuse and is a retired Air Force Flight Surgeon.
David Sword, BS, DPT, CCS, CEP, CSCS
Dr. David Sword holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Exercise Science and Physical Therapy. He received his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in physical therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. Dr. Sword served as a faculty member in the Division of Physical Therapy at MUSC for 23 years and has been the Senior Exercise Physiologist with the MUSC Weight Management Program for the past 20 years. His clinical practice has focused on cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, weight management, and health promotion. Dr. Sword holds the following certifications:
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Certified Specialist (CCS) – American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) – American College of Sports Medicine
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) – National Strength and Conditioning Association
Nursing Staff
Rhoda Ascanio, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Rhoda is a family nurse practitioner at the MUSC Health Weight Management Center. She started her professional life as a research biologist but was inspired to return to nursing school in 2004 to become a nurse practitioner after working for a faith-based lifestyle change program. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in nursing followed by a Master of Science in nursing; both from MUSC. She then worked overseas with cardiac rehabilitation patients in Sydney, Australia. Upon her return to Charleston in 2010, she worked with a local endocrinologist, local cardiothoracic surgeons, and for a Medicare and Medicaid insurance provider conducting in-home patient assessments before coming to the MUSC Health Weight Management Center. She is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Behavior Specialist
Sarah is a licensed Social Worker and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina. She received her bachelor's degree from Sewanee: The University of the South before completing her master's in social work and a doctorate degree in public health in the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior at the University of South Carolina.
Sarah has also received her board certification in Interdisciplinary Obesity and Weight Management. Sarah’s clinical and research interests are primarily in designing and implementing behavioral interventions, developing mobile apps for weight loss, and the use of mobile and wearable technology to improve access to weight management services.
Registered Dietitians
Megan Tomlin, MS, RDN, LDN
Megan Tomlin, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian with a Bachelor's degree in Dietetics, Master's in Community Nutrition. She completed her Dietetic Internship at the Medical University of South Carolina before starting as a full-time RD in obesity medication and weight management. She has completed the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s certificate of training in Obesity for Pediatrics and Adults. Megan is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their health goals by creating sustainable, personalized strategies that fit their unique lifestyles.
Tonya F. Turner, MPH, RDN, LDN
Tonya is associate director for clinical services and a registered dietitian and nutrition specialist at the Weight Management Center. Tonya graduated from Purdue University with a BS in dietetics. She completed her dietetic internship at Viterbo University and earned a master's degree in public health from Walden University. Tonya has been certified through the American Dietetic Association in adult weight management and has been board certified as a specialist in obesity and weight management. Tonya was recently recognized by the South Carolina Dietetic Association as the Young Dietitian of the Year for 2010.
Bailey Edge, MS, RDN, LDN
Bailey Edge, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian and nutrition specialist. Bailey graduated from Auburn University with a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics. She earned her MS degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has completed the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s certificate of training in Obesity for Pediatrics and Adults and is actively pursuing board certification as a specialist in obesity and weight management.
Exercise Physiologists
Traci Finley, MS
Traci Finley is an Exercise Physiologist at the Weight Management Center and The Health and Wellness Institute. Traci graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at the College of Charleston and with a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology at the University of South Carolina. Traci has a wide range of clinical experience in Cardiac Rehabilitation, personal training and coaching, exercise testing and prescription, and exercise program development and guidance. She has a particular interest in working with clients with various comorbidities and challenges. Traci has been a distance runner for over 30 years and carries an RRCA Run Coaching Certification. Traci particularly enjoys the varied types of clients and goals that keep her role toggling between weight management and health and wellness very dynamic and engaging.
Research Staff
Mary Harley, BS
Mary is the Research Coordinator at the MUSC Health Weight Management Center. She recently transferred from her position as the Data Coordinator and more previously as the Patient Service Specialist position. Mary has been with the Weight Management Center since 2010. Mary graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Business Administration. She has experience in business management, including a combined 14 years at MeadWestvaco in the Purchasing Department in the Chemical Division and as Administrative Assistant in the Enterprise Information Systems Division.
Contact
Phone: 843-792-2273
Email: wmc@musc.edu
Address:
1122 Chuck Dawley Boulevard
Building B
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
