Expanding A Family’s Legacy: Recognition at Roper Hospital

The Parker Board Room now honors the successful medical careers of both Edward Frost Parker, MD (1910–1998), a cardiothoracic surgeon, and his son, Telfair Hodgson Parker, MD, a general surgeon. The space was originally dedicated in 2006 in honor of Edward Frost Parker, MD. In recognition of gifts to the Roper St. Francis Foundation from Anesthesia Associates of Charleston, Roper Emergency Physicians, and Surgical Associates of Charleston, P.A., the Parker Board Room was rededicated in 2020 after Edward’s son, Telfair, retired from his successful surgical career with Roper St. Francis Healthcare. 

A painted portrait of Edward Frost Parker, MD was completed in 1983 by artist Ray Goodbred. As part of the rededication plan for Telfair Hodgson Parker, MD, a portrait matching the specifications of the father’s portrait would be an appropriate celebration of the Parker legacy in the Parker Board Room. Linda Luzum, a portrait artist in Atlanta, Georgia, was commissioned for the project. She has painted other portraits for the healthcare system.

Heurista was contracted to design, fabricate, and install a recognition plaque telling the story of the Parker legacy at Roper St. Francis, as well as updated dimensional lettering and general improvements to the space including the installation of the portraits of the father and son.

On November 18, 2020 the Roper St. Francis Foundation held an unveiling event in the Parker Board Room with members of the Roper St. Francis surgical staff, and Parker family members. The recognition event was also broadcast virtually to allow others to participate safely within COVID-19 guidelines.  

Rachel McLarty is the Senior Graphic Designer at Heurista and has been with the firm since 2013.