Dr. Joseph Williams
Dr. Joseph Cecil Williams, MD, FACP
With over four decades of distinguished medical practice, Dr. Joseph Cecil Williams is a highly accomplished internist, geriatrician, and healthcare leader. A Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Williams has dedicated his career to providing exceptional care, advancing medical education, and leading initiatives in both clinical and community healthcare settings.
Educational Background
Dr. Williams began his academic journey in Hamilton, GA, graduating from Harris County High School in 1969. He earned his undergraduate degree from Mercer University in Macon, GA, in 1973 and completed his medical education at the Medical College of Georgia in 1977. Following medical school, he pursued a residency at the Medical College of Georgia Teaching Hospitals and served as Chief Resident at Richland Memorial Hospital and the W.J. Bryan Dorn Veterans Hospital in Columbia, SC.
Board Certifications
Dr. Williams holds board certifications in Internal Medicine (1981) and Geriatrics (1988), with recertifications extending through 2024. He actively participates in the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program for both specialties, demonstrating his commitment to ongoing professional development.
Clinical and Leadership Roles
Dr. Williams has served in numerous clinical and leadership capacities, including:
Staff Physician, W.J. Bryan Dorn Veterans Hospital (1981–1982)
Founder of Excelsior Medical Clinic, Sumter, SC (1982–2014)
Hospitalist (Nocturnist), Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital Systems (2014–2022)
Staff Physician, VA Outpatient Clinic, Sumter, SC
Medical Director for several hospice and skilled nursing facilities, including Agape Care Hospice (2018–present).
As Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Tuomey Hospital (1990–1992) and Medical Director of Tuomey Hospice (1988–1990), Dr. Williams has contributed significantly to shaping healthcare in South Carolina.
Academic Contributions and Research
Dr. Williams has been an active contributor to medical education and research. He served as an instructor at the USC School of Medicine in Columbia, SC, and was a member of the Editorial Review Board for Postgraduate Medicine. Additionally, he participated as a clinical investigator in the landmark ALLHAT study from 1996–2002, furthering advancements in hypertension and cardiovascular disease management.
Community Engagement
Dr. Williams has a longstanding commitment to community service, exemplified by his leadership roles with the NAACP, Sumter County Mental Health Board, Wateree AIDS Task Force, and The Family Unit, Inc.
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Williams is an active member of the American Medical Association (AMA) and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (ACP). He has also been a member of the Sumter-Lee-Clarendon Medical Society and the South Carolina Medical Association.
Legacy of Care
Dr. Williams is widely respected for his compassionate patient care, dedication to medical education, and impactful leadership in internal medicine and geriatrics. Through his clinical expertise and community involvement, he has left an enduring mark on the lives of countless patients, families, and healthcare professionals.