Dr. Alicia McFarland featured in Faces of South Carolina for Leadership in Pediatric Medicine
March 4, 2026
Dr. Alicia McFarland, Chief Medical Officer of the South Carolina Pediatric Alliance, has been selected for SCBIZ Faces of South Carolina in recognition of her leadership, dedication to children’s health, and commitment to strengthening pediatric care across the state.
A board-certified pediatrician, Dr. McFarland is widely respected for her work grounded in continuity of care, family partnership, and evidence-based medicine. Her path to pediatrics began in childhood along the North Carolina coast, where she developed a calling to serve children and families. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before earning her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and completing her residency at Palmetto Health Richland Memorial Hospital.
Choosing pediatrics over obstetrics, Dr. McFarland was drawn to the opportunity to walk alongside families from infancy through adolescence, forming lasting clinical relationships that extend beyond routine visits. Patients and families consistently praise her thoughtful communication, compassionate approach, and individualized attention to care.
Dr. McFarland believes deeply in the resilience of children and the remarkable outcomes possible when families and clinicians work together. As a mother of three, she brings both professional expertise and personal perspective to her role.
“Being a mom makes me a better pediatrician; it shapes how I listen, advise, and support other families,” Dr. McFarland says. “This is not a job; it is a calling. There is no substitute for having a trusted pediatrician who truly knows your children and supports the whole family.”
In her role as Chief Medical Officer of South Carolina Pediatric Alliance, Dr. McFarland helps lead pediatric care standards and support services across multiple practices, strengthening access and quality of care throughout the region. She also serves on the Heathwood Hall Episcopal School Board, advocating for children’s well-being beyond the exam room.
Outside of her clinical and leadership responsibilities, Dr. McFarland enjoys travel, lifelong learning, and time with her family.
Her feature in Faces of South Carolina highlights not only her professional achievements but also her deep-rooted commitment to community, family-centered care, and the future of pediatric medicine in South Carolina.
About South Carolina Pediatric Alliance
South Carolina Pediatric Alliance is a collaborative organization formed by the merger of Sandhills Pediatrics and Palmetto Pediatric & Adolescent Clinic. The SCPA serves as the trusted cornerstone of pediatric care in the communities they serve – where every child receives compassionate care, and every family feels supported, informed, and empowered throughout their child’s journey to wellness.
