Dr. Calem Anderson Al-Shaikhly, DO, has always been detail-oriented and someone with a natural curiosity. 

For that reason, he is passionate about caring for a wide range of patients and helping them understand the core issues behind their symptoms. 

"Quality of life is so important," Dr. Al-Shaikhly said. "I tell patients, especially if they're sick individuals, that I'm probably going to ask you questions and state things in a way which no other doctor has ever done. Because it's probably the way you need to hear it. And most of the time what I hear is, 'Thank you.'" 

Dr. Al-Shaikhly is one of the newest physicians to join Medical Group of the Carolinas — Family Medicine — Five Forks. 

One thing Dr. Al-Shaikhly works to address is medical literacy and finding ways to educate patients on health. He does this by being honest and direct with his patients but always with a compassionate heart.  

A saying he grew up hearing from his father is derived from a common proverb in Islamic culture. 

"If you see something wrong, fix it with your hands. If you can't do that, fix it with your mouth. If you can't do that, fix it with your heart," Dr. Al-Shaikhly said. "I think there's some of that I can employ in every patient." 

Unconventional path to medicine 

Growing up in Louisiana, Dr. Al-Shaikhly didn't always know he'd be in the medical field.  

For a time, he followed his family's footsteps in the construction business. 

Then he nearly became a police officer and began going through the stages of applying to various law enforcement agencies. But he instead followed his sister to college, where she was a pre-pharmacy major, and he majored in biology. 

"I went to make a vacation of it. Then I took some of the same courses she took, and it ended up really solidifying the sciences for me and here I am," Dr. Al-Shaikhly said. "I think I always loved the sciences and the nitty gritty details of things, so that certainly helps in medicine." 

Dr. Al-Shaikhly comes to family medicine through his residency program at Spartanburg Medical Center, where he worked as a resident physician from 2019 until his graduation in June 2022. 

Taxidermy, woodworking and antiques 

Outside of medicine, Dr. Al-Shaikhly turns his attention toward other intricate hobbies like European taxidermy, which involves exposing and preserving the bones of an animal. 

He also spends time woodworking, doing mechanical work and scouting out the next piece of antique furniture to bring home. He’s particularly fond of an antique wooden “gaming table” he found underneath a stack of lamps in an antique store in Greer. 

A friend once called him "naturally curious," which he said is an accurate description of his character.  

It’s one reason he enjoys "the complex patient," as well as the well-child check-ups, women's health and mental health appointments, he said. 

"I want to see the full spectrum," he added. 

Dr. Al-Shaikhly is now accepting new patients at Pelham Medical Offices at Five Forks. To schedule an appointment with him, visit Pelham Medical Offices at Five Forks or call 864-849-9170.