One of his favorite books as a child was a compilation of anatomy wall charts. He told his father that one day he’d memorize every word on the pages.
That was an early indication of the future that laid ahead of Dr. Chris Friendly.
Years later, when he was a freshman in college, he spent considerable time caring for his ailing grandmother, and it further fueled his passion for health care. He studied medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina and went on to become a family medicine resident at AnMed.
Now, as he looks to completion of his residency in the summer of 2025, he knows what will come next. He’ll practice at the new AnMed Piedmont campus at AnMed Primary Care - Piedmont.
His lifelong investments in education will begin to pay off for patients at the same time AnMed’s investment in northeastern Anderson County begins to pay off for the growing community.
The $50 million campus is emblematic of growth happening throughout the AnMed system.
New ventures and new services being delivered to the community
Bolstered by increased commitment and federal appropriations, AnMed Piedmont saw its walls erected in the summer of 2024, and construction remained on track for an opening in the first half of 2025.
The ambulatory campus at the corner of state Highway 86 and Old Williamston Road just off Interstate 85 Exit 35 will have two floors for patient care. Included will be an emergency department, primary care and specialty care, physical therapy, laboratory and imaging services, EMS and sheriff’s office substations, and more.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts and commitments of our team, we’re growing and directing assets where the community needs them, and AnMed Piedmont is a perfect example of our investments,” said AnMed CEO William Kenley. “We’re applying every resource to deliver the exceptional, compassionate care that our community needs and deserves.”
More services, more access, more convenience and more abilities are developed with every investment from AnMed.
Providing exceptional, compassionate care is a ‘privilege’
New ventures in urgent care, therapy and kidney-transplant support were announced in 2024.
Another new practice opened, in pediatrics.
New services were added, and history was made with the state’s first robotic standalone surgical maze procedure to treat atrial fibrillation.
Now the 116-year-old independent, not-for-profit health system is poised for an even brighter 2025, and Dr. Friendly will play a part that epitomizes AnMed’s progress.
The thing I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to form long-lasting relationships with patients as we work together to improve their health and lives,” Dr. Friendly said. “I enjoy the challenge that medicine provides, the teamwork that’s required and the ability to use a unique skillset to give back to humanity in a positive way.
“It is such a privilege to be a part of such a compassionate and trusted profession.”
