Our Leadership, Team & Philosophy

Helping you channel your full potential.

Working with his affiliate practice, FitMed Partners,
Dr. McConnell offers preventive age management,
bio-identical hormone therapy, and
medically-based fitness and nutrition programs.

Bright McConnell, III, MD

Charleston Sports Medicine’s founding physician, Bright McConnell, III, MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and specializes in sports and regenerative medicine. He uses the latest treatments and technologies including minimally invasive procedures and surgical solutions to treat general orthopedic, sports injuries and degenerative diseases. He specializes in the treatment of knee and shoulder disorders. Dr. McConnell is also certified as a clinical densitometrist in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. A long-standing proponent of orthobiologics, his Daniel Island-based practice is the orthopedic regenerative medicine leader in this area.

Dr. McConnell received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Georgia, followed by a surgical internship and orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Florida. As a senior resident, he completed a Travelling Resident Program in Europe, studying orthopedic medicine in the Netherlands, Italy, and Switzerland.

Dr. McConnell’s sports medicine fellowship training was completed at the National Athletic Health Institute/Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Inglewood, California. During his time in California, Dr. McConnell worked with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dodgers, and the LA Rams, amongst many other professional athletes. He was the team physician for the College of Charleston athletic teams and was a partner of Orthopaedic Specialists of Charleston for almost 20 years before establishing his current private practices.

He is active in many orthopedic and regenerative medicine societies and associations. His accolades and affiliations include “Best Doctors in America,” Member of American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Member of American College of Sports Medicine, Member of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry, and Fellow American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Dr. McConnell is married with three children and resides in McClellanville, SC. His interests include aviation and marine activities. He is an instrument-rated private pilot and recently obtained his US Coast Guard Captain’s License. He also enjoys his tractor time as a recreational farmer.

Eric Friedman, MD

Eric Friedman, MD is a board-certified sports medicine doctor who is passionate about helping patients become active again through non-operative, conservative measures. He completed his undergraduate studies in Health and Exercise Science at Wake Forest University, where he graduated with honors. He stayed at Wake Forest University for his medical degree, before going to emergency medicine residency at the University of Maryland/Shock Trauma program in Baltimore. After residency, he did a sports medicine fellowship at Duke University and served as a Team Physician for all of Duke University Athletics (yes, he worked with Coach K).

Dr. Friedman has lectured locally, nationally, and internationally on various sports medicine topics. Additionally, his research has been published in multiple peer-reviewed academic journals, and he has written numerous textbook chapters.

He has been a part of medical coverage for marathons, ultra-marathons, NCAA tournament games, and multiple professional sports. He recently became one of the physicians of the USA ski and snowboard team.

He uses orthobiologics as well as various other methods to help keep you out of the operating room and keep you active.

Dr. Friedman and his wife reside on Daniel Island and are excited to have moved to Charleston. They were even featured, along with Charleston Sports Medicine, in an episode of HGTV’s House Hunters. Originally from New York, Dr. Friedman is a big NY sports fan and enjoys spending time with his wife and dog.

Sue Harter, PT, ATC-R, CSCS

Sue Harter is a Licensed Physical Therapist (PT), a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC-R) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). She brings a wealth of expertise and educational background to her practice, ensuring that each patient receives top-tier care.

Sue has established herself as a leader in the field of physical therapy with over thirty-six years of treating patients in the Charleston area. She received her BS in Athletic Training from Miami University, her MAT in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her MS in Physical Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

Sue has also made significant contributions to academia as an Adjunct Professor for the Charleston Southern University (1995 – 2000) – Exercise Science Program, and an Adjunct Professor for the College of the Charleston (1989 – 2010) – Athletic Training/Exercise Science Program.

In addition to her academic roles, Sue’s athletic experience includes a prestigious tenure as an athletic trainer for the U.S. Soccer Women’s World Cup team from 1990 to 1996. She also has over a decade of experience providing sideline coverage for high school football teams, ensuring athletes receive immediate and expert care.

Her areas of expertise include:

Sports Medicine

Total Joint Replacement Recovery

Return to Sport Training

Post-Operative Conditions

Youth Physical Therapy

Trigger Point Dry Needling

Return to Golf Training

Strength and Conditioning

Class Four (HLL) Laser Treatment

Dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care, Sue helps Charleston Sports Medicine Physical Therapy patients achieve their physical goals and enhance their overall quality of life. Whether you are recovering from surgery, aiming to return to your favorite sport, or seeking to improve your general fitness, Sue’s expertise makes her an invaluable ally in your physical health journey.

Our Philosophy

Dr. Bright McConnell has practiced orthopedic surgery in Charleston, SC for over 30 years. He stays ahead of new technologies, processes, and treatment opportunities. Charleston Sports Medicine patients benefit from current treatment options for musculoskeletal problems that are less debilitating and proven in efficacy. Over the past decade, the science behind orthobiologics has exploded. Typically referred to in several different forms, orthobiologics was first utilized in oral surgery in the mid-1990s.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Dr. McConnell worked with PRP for years as the team physician for the College of Charleston. PRP was used on injured athletes to achieve rapid recovery and healing. Referred commonly among athletes as “spinning blood”, PRP has progressed over the years into an effective, minimally invasive technique to increase regeneration and healing of osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, and chronic tendon problems.

At the other end of the Orthobiologics spectrum is the growing interest in stem cell utilization as it relates to orthopedic or musculoskeletal medicine. While invasive treatments such as joint arthroplasty, total hip replacement, and total knee replacement remain appropriate solutions for the reduction of pain and the improvement of function for many patients, regenerative medicine therapies are a minimally invasive option for many patients. Determining whether a patient is a candidate for minimally invasive regenerative medicine treatments begins with an evaluation. If traditional treatments such as bracing or biomechanical optimization, and a treatment course with interarticular medication including corticosteroid injections and image-guided hyaluronate injections have occurred and failed to relieve pain, further options should be considered. Stem cell therapy has been a breakthrough therapy for knee osteoarthritis and joints and other issues that previously only had surgery as an option.

The recent literature supports the use of either bone marrow aspirate with or without adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells or “lipo-aspirate” either separately or in combination. Clinical studies support the orthobiologics and stem cell use in the orthopedic specialty. While downtime and price point are considerably lower than surgical treatments, insurance companies continue to deny coverage. Therefore, therapies are often “out of pocket”. Charleston Sports Medicine works hard to keep fees reasonable and competitive. In fact, we recommend strongly comparing experience, board certification, utilization, and price prior to committing to a regenerative treatment in orthopedics.

Also, there is the availability of amniotic allogra. An allogra tissue is a donation from someone else and may be derived from the amniotic tissue from the placenta obtained at the time of child delivery. It is important to note that the amniotic tissue has nothing to do with the controversial area of embryonic stem cell therapy, or utilizing fetal tissue. Typical harvesting occurs from previously screened mothers delivering healthy babies via C-section. e amnion tissue has immunologic protection. is means there is very little risk of the tissue being rejected by the recipient.

We are equally excited about subchondroplasty. Subchondroplasty is a less invasive alternative to knee replacement that allows instant stabilization of the failing bone structure and gives it immediate support. A simple cannula is placed into the affected area of the bone and calcium phosphate is injected. e surrounding bone will incorporate the calcium phosphate and grow into it.

The orthopedic industry continues to develop new and exciting treatments under the category of orthopedic regeneration or orthobiologics. Patients and practitioners alike look forward to the continued improvements and availability of technologies in the eld of orthobiologics as it relates to musculoskeletal medicine.

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