Dr. James A. Stroman, II - Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School '09

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DR. JAMES A. STROMAN, II – A JOURNEY FROM ORANGEBURG TO HEALING HIS HOMETOWN

Dr. James A. Stroman II, a 2009 graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, is a name that has become associated with dedication, community service, and a passion for healthcare. Today, he is a Family Medicine specialist at MUSC Health Primary Care – Summers Avenue, a position that allows him to give back to the community that raised him.

Born and raised in Orangeburg, Dr. Stroman grew up in a household where education was a key focus. His parents, both educators, instilled the value of hard work and the importance of giving back to the community. "I’m the youngest of three children, and both of my parents were teachers. My mother was a math teacher and band director, and my father is also a band director," Dr. Stroman recalls. “Being around education all the time made me know that I didn’t want to go into teaching. But I also knew that education would be a huge part of my journey.”

Dr. Stroman’s path to medicine was sparked by personal experiences and a desire to help others. His mother’s ongoing battle with a heart condition and his own early medical experiences, including a difficult birth and childhood jaundice, led him to develop an interest in healthcare. “I knew early on I wanted to help people, but it wasn’t until I shadowed a doctor in high school that I knew medicine was the right path for me,” he said. “Seeing my OB-GYN, Dr. Richardson, and learning about how my own birth story impacted my mother’s health, really sparked my interest in the medical field.”

Despite a clear interest in medicine, Dr. Stroman faced the reality of his academic and personal journey when deciding where to attend college. Originally thinking he would go to Clemson University, Dr. Stroman ultimately chose Claflin University, where he found the support and mentorship he needed to succeed. “I went to Claflin after talking with a counselor who offered me admission and a full ride to the Honors College. It wasn’t until later, when I lost my mom, that I realized I was meant to stay in Orangeburg. I needed that grounding and support,” he reflects.

Dr. Stroman graduated from Claflin University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology before continuing his education at Meharry Medical College, earning a Master of Health Sciences degree in 2017. He then completed his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2021, with clinical training at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.

As a Family Medicine doctor, Dr. Stroman is committed to providing holistic care to patients of all ages. His passion lies in creating strong, trusted relationships with patients to help them manage conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and mental health challenges. "Family Medicine allows me to connect with patients in a way that treats not just their conditions but also their overall well-being," he explains. "It’s about understanding where they come from and providing care that’s tailored to their needs.”

Dr. Stroman’s commitment to service extends beyond his role as a physician. He is deeply involved in the Orangeburg community, serving as a keynote speaker for events like the Breast Cancer Awareness Day at Orangeburg Technology Center and volunteering at local health fairs and career fairs. He’s also been a regular contributor to the community through outreach programs, such as the Coronavirus Community Outreach and Back to School Event in 2020 and his continued involvement with local schools.

As a recipient of the Dr. Disher Scholarship, which supports medical students from Orangeburg pursuing careers in underserved areas, Dr. Stroman has always been driven to return to his roots. “Orangeburg has given so much to me, and I want to give back by providing quality care here,” he says. “Family medicine is a specialty that is truly needed in our community. Many people here don’t have a primary care physician, and I want to make sure we are meeting those needs.”

Beyond his medical career, Dr. Stroman is also an accomplished musician. He plays the alto saxophone and piano and enjoys performing at church services, banquets, and weddings. “Music is a stress reliever for me, and it allows me to connect with others in a unique way. It’s part of who I am,” he adds.

When asked about his connection to Orangeburg, Dr. Stroman defends his hometown with pride. “Orangeburg is a unique place. Yes, it has its challenges, but it also has great potential. We have talented people here, and I want the next generation to see that anything is possible with hard work and determination,” he says.

Dr. Stroman’s journey—from his time at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School to medical school and now as a Family Medicine physician—demonstrates the power of education, resilience, and a commitment to serving others. His story shows that no matter where you come from, you can achieve your dreams if you are dedicated to helping others along the way.

Through his work and his continued community involvement, Dr. Stroman is not only improving health in Orangeburg but also inspiring others to follow their own paths in medicine and service. His message is clear: giving back to the community that raised him is his life’s work, and he’s determined to ensure that future generations know they too can accomplish great things.

This piece is part of an ongoing series telling the stories of our OCSD Alumni! We share a new alumni story once a month, and we want YOUR story. If you or someone you know is an OCSD graduate and an excellent representative of the Orangeburg community and the idea of #WeAreOne, whether they live in Orangeburg County or not, please fill out the form linked below. You can also show your OCSD Alumni pride on social media with the hashtag #OCSDAlumniStories

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