April 15, 2026 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu
“It’s nice to come home,” says Debra Krotish, a clinical assistant professor who joined the Department of Exercise Science last fall.
Krotish is not only a 2007 graduate of the Arnold School’s Ph.D. in Exercise Science program, but she has also spent 10 years as a faculty member in the USC School of Medicine Columbia. And she didn’t come home alone. Silas, her service animal, has his own USC ID and is always by her side.
Krotish’s initial research interests focused on geriatrics due to her involvement with projects led by Distinguished Professor Emerita Harriet Williams, who passed away earlier in 2025. She became curious about how what she was learning applied to her own aging parents and even wrote an exercise booklet for AARP with her mother as the model – making her a bit of a star in her hometown.
Some of Krotish’s postgraduate positions included coordinator of geriatrics research for Palmetto Health and leading the South Carolina SeniorSMART Center as Executive Director. Her interests have expanded, however, to include global health and international Olympic events.
Krotish’s connection with Peru began when her she joined her daughter, an OB/GYN physician at Prisma Health, for part of her medical residency in Cusco. Inspired by the opportunities for student learning and local impact, she has served as vice president for a Peruvian medical clinic, and as executive director and founder for a nonprofit organization.
“It is always interesting to see the change in the students when we work with people who have a complete lack of resources, but in reality, the indigenous people feel that they have everything they need and are extremely happy,” Krotish says. “We partner closely with clinicians and volunteers who have devoted their lives to this work, and it is rewarding to work with people who have sacrificed so much to help others.
Her work with the Olympic Training Center focuses on Taekwondo, a sport she picked up after college due to an abusive relationship. She soon competed, then coached, and later became an international referee. Eventually, Krotish took on the role of organizing and managing international events for USA Taekwondo.
“Taekwondo is a very small sport in comparison to the larger organizations like gymnastics, and I have been privileged to watch these athletes grow up in the sport,” she says. “I’m looking forward to involving Arnold School students, faculty and staff in my work with the Olympic Training Center and/or in Peru.”
“Deb’s experiences give her an opportunity to bring public health and exercise science to life for the students,” says exercise science chair Shawn Arent. “Her work outside the classroom brings unique perspective with it along with connections which can really benefit the program. She’s excited about the work she’s done, and this is obvious in any interaction with her.”