Interim Chief Medical Officer & Family Nurse Practitioner
David E. Thompson is an accomplished clinical leader and dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner who has been an essential cornerstone of the Sandhills Medical team in Lugoff since 2011. Appointed as Interim Chief Medical Officer in April 2024, David seamlessly bridges senior medical leadership with hands-on patient care, utilizing his extensive experience to drive clinical excellence across the organization. With over three decades of healthcare experience and more than 15 years as an advanced practice nurse, he brings a deep, well-rounded perspective to community health.
David stands firmly rooted in the Patient-Centered Medical Home model of care. He believes that outstanding healthcare requires a balance of thorough clinical diagnostics, patient education, and active advocacy. He is passionate about collaborating with individuals and families from all backgrounds to safely manage acute and chronic conditions, ensuring every patient feels respected and empowered.
David’s profound clinical authority is built on a diverse and rigorous career path. In addition to his long tenure at Sandhills Medical, he spent 30 years as a Critical Care Registered Nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at Prisma Health in Columbia. Furthermore, David is a proud military veteran, having served honorably as a Medical Specialist/Combat Medic and Licensed Practical Nurse within the United States Army and the United States National Guard. This extensive background provides him with a unique capability for managing complex care and directing quality improvement (QI/QA) initiatives.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Family Nurse Practitioner: Indiana State University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): University of South Carolina Upstate
Clinical Specialties: Advanced Diagnostic Assessment, Acute & Chronic Disease Management, Preventive Care
Military Service: Veteran, U.S. Army & U.S. National Guard
A longtime resident of the Irmo and Columbia areas, David has dedicated his professional life to safeguarding the health of South Carolinians. He is proud to bring his global military medical training and deep local expertise to the patients and healthcare providers at Sandhills Medical.