News & Events

Dr. vonLehe in Iraq

Would we say that Dr. John vonLehe is an overachiever? Perhaps with the credentials he carries we would, but knowing him is like knowing a long time friend. It is true that Dr. vonLehe has a juris doctorate degree, is a Lieutenant Colonel with the South Carolina Medical Command in the SC National Guard, and is a medical doctor.

Dr. vonLehe has an affable nature for all the hats he wears. He is upbeat and always approachable. When his patients see him they simply leave in a better frame of mind. It is just the kind of feeling you get when you spend time with him while in his competent care. He has the gift of connecting with all age groups - men, women, adolescents, and children. Dr. vonLehe joined East Cooper Family Practice and established a satellite location in the high growth area of Park West in Mt. Pleasant. In the short amount of time since he finished his Residency in 2002, he has cultivated loyal patients, serves as Medical Director for Mt. Pleasant Manor and Savannah Grace Nursing Homes, and currently Chairman of the Department of Family Practice at East Cooper Regional Hospital. We can add that he does this along with his National Guard duty, and having a young family of 4 children and his wife. He is the hero when he comes home. From daddy’s girls to sons pursuing athletics and hunting. Of all his titles, one word that describes him best is servant. 

Dr. vonLehe and the Health Care Hero Finalists

In December 2004 Dr. vonLehe was called to serve in Iraq with the Medical Corps. His assignment was a 3-month tour that fell right at the holidays. He was gone for Christmas and New Years, missing magical moments with his family. “There are some holidays and special family events I missed; however, the assignment instilled the feeling of never taking a day for granted.” Dr. vonLehe adds, “the silver lining was that I was there during the national elections. How moving it was to be there during this historic event. Women were weeping with joy, and entire families came to participate in this election.”

Yet another hat he wears is Chairman of the Community Relations Committee at Lowcountry Medical Associates. Dr. vonLehe provides the leadership of coordinating the group practice organization of 60 primary care physicians with events that give back to the community. In less than one year, he has facilitated and lead initiatives that have raised significant resources to return to the American Heart Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Roper St. Francis Foundation, and the Coastal Community Foundation. But balancing many balls seems to be what he does well. He is a servant in all that he does.  

Each year the Charleston Regional Business Journal and WellPath, a health care plan in the Carolinas, recognize people and organizations that have a passion for health care and a compassion for patients at the Health Care Heroes awards dinner. Nominees are honored in the following seven categories: physician, nurse, health care researcher, first responder, volunteer, community outreach and health care professional. This year's event was held at the Embassy Suites Ballroom in the North Charleston Convention Center on November 30.