About
Dr. R. Erik Hartvigsen earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of South Carolina in 1981. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Carolina School of Medicine in 1985. He completed his internship and residency in Family Medicine at Richard Memorial Hospital in Columbia, serving as Chief Resident from 1987 to 1988.
Dr. Hartvigsen holds board certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine. He also holds certificates of additional qualification in sleep medicine and hospice and palliative care from the American Board of Family Medicine. He serves as Medical Director of both Heartstrings Hospice and SleepWorks. Since 1994, he has held a faculty appointment as Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He describes himself as an Army brat who believes in leading from the front. He practices what he preaches, which makes his recommendations credible and achievable for patients. His passion for sports medicine grew from decades of competitive soccer coaching. He has served as Soccer Team Physician at Spring Valley High School since 2002. He also coaches and serves as team doctor for the South Carolina United Futbol Club. The American Medical Association has honored him with its Physicians Recognition Award seven times.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of South Carolina, Bachelor of Science, Biology 1981
Medical School
University of Carolina School of Medicine, Doctorate of Medicine 1985
Residency
Family Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine / Richard Memorial Hospital, Columbia, SC, 1986-1988; Chief Resident 1987-1988
Additional Training
Internship: University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Richard Memorial Hospital, Columbia, SC, 1985-1986
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Hartvigsen right for?
Dr. Hartvigsen serves adults across the Midlands of South Carolina seeking prevention-focused primary care. Patients managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension benefit from his long-term, relationship-driven approach. He is a strong fit for patients who want direct access to their physician, including after-hours contact. His background in sleep medicine makes him well-suited for patients dealing with sleep disorders. Those facing serious or terminal illness find his hospice and palliative care expertise particularly valuable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Hartvigsen treats a wide range of primary care conditions. His clinical focus includes type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, sleep disorders, and chronic illness. He also brings deep experience in preventive care and sports medicine.
Yes. Dr. Hartvigsen holds Diplomate status with the American Board of Family Medicine. He also holds certificates of additional qualification in sleep medicine and hospice and palliative care, both through the American Board of Family Medicine.
Dr. Hartvigsen focuses on the whole patient rather than isolated organ systems. He describes his philosophy as leading from the front, meaning he practices the healthy habits he recommends to patients. He builds care plans around each patient's personal goals alongside clinical best practices.
Dr. Hartvigsen has practiced in Columbia since completing his residency at Richard Memorial Hospital in 1988. He founded Hartvigsen Family Medicine in 2006 and has served patients in the Columbia area for nearly four decades.
Yes. Dr. Hartvigsen serves as Medical Director of Heartstrings Hospice and created the General Inpatient Hospice Service at Providence Hospital in 2012. His palliative care expertise supports chronically ill patients through complex health challenges.
Dr. Hartvigsen holds a certificate of additional qualification in sleep medicine from the American Board of Family Medicine. He also serves as Medical Director of SleepWorks, a position he has held since 2012.
Yes. Dr. Hartvigsen has maintained an active role in sports medicine for decades. He has served as Soccer Team Physician at Spring Valley High School since 2002 and has provided sports physicals for Richland County School District II since 1988. He volunteers as team doctor for the South Carolina United Futbol Club.
Dr. Hartvigsen earned his medical degree from the University of Carolina School of Medicine in 1985. He completed both his internship and Family Medicine residency at Richard Memorial Hospital through the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, finishing as Chief Resident in 1988.
Yes. Dr. Hartvigsen has served as Adjunct Clinical Faculty and Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine since 1994.
Doctor profile last updated April 4, 2026