Vera Church Hyman

         FLORENCE – Dr. Vera Church Hyman, 90, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2024.  She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of the late Joseph and Vera Sheffield Church.  She was predeceased by her husband, Peter D. Hyman, Sr.

         Dr. Hyman set an example locally, especially for women, for excellence in the medical field since 1955.  Desiring to ensure the future of the program that encouraged her to pursue her dreams, Dr. Hyman galvanized interest in laboratory  sciences and pathology for future students by recruiting and even establishing a scholarship.

         While attending the University of South Carolina, Dr. Hyman realized that science came easily to her, so she chose to major in biology and declared herself pre-medicine. At a time when few women considered this career path, Dr. Hyman’s father encouraged her to follow her dreams.  However, it was in the 1950’s, when she married the late Peter Hyman who wanted to open his legal practice in Florence, that she put her dream of becoming a physician on hold. Peter supported his wife’s wish to work in medicine, so he enrolled her in the Medical Technology program at McLeod.  Through this program, Dr. Hyman was able to get a closer look at the medical profession, which further inspired her to become a physician.

         Dr. Hyman graduated from the McLeod School of Medical Technology in 1955 and worked as a medical technologist until she went back to school to become a pathologist.  After having three children in four years, and with Peter’s encouragement, Dr. Hyman applied and was accepted to the Medical College of South Carolina and received her medical degree in 1969.  She once recalled that there were only two women in her class, and she was the only one to graduate.  Dr. Hyman went on to complete her Residency at Massachusetts General in Boston before returning to Florence to practice with Pee Dee Pathology in 1973.

         During her career at McLeod in the early 1970’s, the hospital, like many others across the country, experienced difficulty finding qualified Medical Technologists.  Dr. Louis Wright, Director of McLeod Laboratory Services at the time, asked Dr. Hyman to re-establish the McLeod School of Medical Technology in 1977.  Dr. Hyman agreed, and she served as the school’s Medical Director until her retirement in 2004.  She also served for five years as the Director of Medical Education for the Pee Dee Area Health Education Center.

         Dr. Hyman was honored in 2005 with a commissioned portrait, which hangs in perpetuity at McLeod Regional Medical Center, in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the organization and community.

         Dr. Hyman was known for her contagious laughter, wit, and candor.  She was passionate about her work as a medical professional and leaves a legacy of driving others to join the vocation of medicine and seek quality outcomes.

         Surviving are her three children, Dr. Peter D. Hyman, Jr., Helen Hyman Sandven and Martha Elizabeth Hyman; three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

         Services for Dr. Hyman will be private.

         Memorials may be made to the Dr. Vera C. Hyman Medical Technology Endowed Scholarship through the McLeod Foundation, P.O. Box 100551, Florence, SC 29502.

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