Editors Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2022 issue of Contineo, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Medicine alumni newsletter. Lillian Whitley Cavin is a native of Bennettsville, and the daughter of the late Jack and Mabel Whitley. She is a 1974 graduate of Marlboro Academy and a 1978 graduate of Clemson University.

On a recent visit to campus, alum Lillian Whitley Cavin, M.D., ’83 from Spicewood, Texas, reminisced about her days as a medical student with Dean Raymond DuBois.

“Like many medical students, I didn’t really know what I wanted to be. I did a pathology rotation, and it was a phenomenal program. We had wonderful faculty – Dr. Sosnowski, Dr. Pratt-Thomas, Dr. Peter Gazes and others. I remember Dr. Sabin’s lecture in the basic science building, while he was working on a book with Dr. Frank Netter (surgeon and medical illustrator). It was really nice having him on the faculty and being able to see him in person. I had a wonderful career and I appreciate my education here very much,” said Cavin, who finished her medical studies early.

“I had completed all my course work for my medical degree, hence my graduation date of December 1982. I needed a job to support myself, so I talked the Franklin Fetter Clinic into hiring me. I had my degree but could not get a license under South Carolina law, so I worked under the doctors there. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I saw things that just never made it to the Medical University, like STDs, scabies, and the like. We helped take care of migrant farm workers as well,” she added.

She also met her husband, Wylie Cavin III, J.D., in Charleston while he was stationed there with the Navy.

Cavin completed a BS in Zoology at Clemson University. Following her time at the College of Medicine, she finished a residency and fellowship at the University of Arkansas. She is currently working with Eagle Radiology, PLLC as a teleradiologist for multiple companies.

The Cavins recently made a charitable gift annuity to the College of Medicine, the proceeds of which will create a dean’s unrestricted fund to help with various projects designed to improve the experiences of our medical students while in training. In honor of this generous donation, a conference room was named for Dr. Lillian Whitley Cavin.