SGMC Health welcomes cardiothoracic surgeon Jim Foster, MD

Surgeon brings over 20 years of experience to expand access to advanced heart and lung care in South Georgia

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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SGMC Health is expanding its Heart & Vascular program by welcoming Jim Foster, MD, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, to its growing team. Dr. Foster brings more than two decades of experience caring for patients with complex heart and lung conditions, expanding access to advanced cardiothoracic surgical care for patients across South Georgia and North Florida.

Why it matters

The addition of Dr. Foster to SGMC Health's team strengthens the health system's position as the region's leader in heart and vascular services, ensuring patients have access to high-quality, specialized care close to home. SGMC Health is the only hospital in South Georgia offering an open-heart surgery program, a dedicated structural heart center, and a comprehensive cardiac electrophysiology program.

The details

Dr. Foster specializes in the surgical treatment of chest-related conditions involving the heart and lungs. He is passionate about helping patients achieve meaningful improvements in both quality of life and long-term health outcomes through surgical intervention. Dr. Foster joins SGMC Health after spending the past 20 years at Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, where he built a respected career in cardiothoracic surgery.

  • Dr. Foster earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his residency in general surgery at Mercer University Medical Center of Central Georgia.
  • He went on to complete a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina.
  • Dr. Foster has been married to his wife, Kelly, for 28 years.

The players

Jim Foster, MD

A board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with over two decades of experience caring for patients with complex heart and lung conditions.

SGMC Health

A health system in South Georgia that is expanding its Heart & Vascular program and strengthening its position as the region's leader in heart and vascular services.

Atrium Health Navicent

A health system in Macon, Georgia, where Dr. Foster spent the past 20 years building a respected career in cardiothoracic surgery.

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What they’re saying

“My decision to become a physician stemmed from my desire to provide a meaningful service that positively impacts people's lives. Cardiothoracic surgery allows me to make a significant difference in patients' well-being, and I'm grateful to be part of a field where many conditions can be effectively treated with excellent outcomes.”

— Jim Foster, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon (valdostadailytimes.com)

“Working with the team at SGMC Health aligns perfectly with my commitment to growth, patient care, and collaboration. I'm looking forward to settling in Valdosta and serving patients close to home.”

— Jim Foster, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon (valdostadailytimes.com)

The takeaway

The addition of Dr. Jim Foster, an experienced cardiothoracic surgeon, to SGMC Health's team strengthens the health system's position as the region's leader in heart and vascular services, ensuring patients in South Georgia and North Florida have access to high-quality, specialized care close to home.