The acquisition of Tri-County Pediatrics by SouthernMED Pediatrics, effective December 3, 2025, represents a significant consolidation of pediatric healthcare services in northern South Carolina's rapidly developing Tri-County region. This strategic expansion addresses growing healthcare demands in an area considered part of the broader Charlotte metropolitan community, where population growth has increased pressure on medical resources.
Tri-County Pediatrics, founded in 2001 by Dr. Gaurang Shah, brings two established office locations in Rock Hill and York into the SouthernMED network. Dr. Shah, recipient of the 2016 Rural Health Physician of the Year Award, will continue leading patient care at both locations, ensuring stability for families who have relied on the practice for over two decades. The practice's certification as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) indicates its established commitment to coordinated, comprehensive care delivery.
This acquisition strengthens SouthernMED's operational density in northern South Carolina, complementing its existing Fort Mill office and recently acquired Rock Hill location formerly operating as Sunshine Pediatrics. Both Tri-County offices will maintain current operating hours, including Saturday morning availability at the Rock Hill location, preserving accessibility that families have come to depend upon.
The integration enables expanded access to coordinated pediatric services including behavioral health integration, telemedicine, online appointment scheduling, and enhanced communication tools. These resources support children and families throughout developmental stages while addressing healthcare disparities in medically underserved communities. For additional information about SouthernMED Pediatrics' mission and services, visit https://www.southernmedpeds.com.
Dr. R. Kyle Guyton, Co-Founder of SouthernMED Pediatrics, emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion. "Welcoming Tri-County Pediatrics into the SouthernMED family marks an exciting step in strengthening pediatric care across the northern part of our state," said Dr. Guyton. "Dr. Shah has built an exceptional practice rooted in accessibility, quality, and community connection. By joining forces, we can expand resources, elevate clinical support, and improve access for families throughout the Fort Mill, Rock Hill, and York areas."
Dr. Gaurang Shah echoed this sentiment, noting the alignment of mission between the practices. "It is an honor to join SouthernMED Pediatrics," said Dr. Shah. "For more than 20 years, our focus has been providing exceptional care to families across our community, including those in rural areas. Partnering with SouthernMED allows us to enhance that mission while maintaining the personalized, relationship-driven care our patients value."
This acquisition occurs within SouthernMED's broader statewide network of seventeen offices, supported through its partnership with US Pediatric Partners. The consolidation reflects ongoing trends in healthcare where larger networks integrate established community practices to expand service capabilities while maintaining local presence and continuity of care. For families in the Tri-County region, this means preserved relationships with trusted providers alongside enhanced access to specialized resources and technologies that might otherwise require travel to larger metropolitan centers.
