James Sams
About James Sams
James Sams serves as the Market President for Privia Health in Georgia, a position he has held since 2014. With a background in medicine and leadership, he has contributed to various healthcare organizations, including Piedmont Healthcare, where he held multiple roles including Chief Medical Officer.
Work at Privia Health
James Sams has served as Market President for Privia Health in Georgia since 2014. In this role, he focuses on enhancing healthcare delivery in the Greater Atlanta Area. His leadership emphasizes empowering independent physician practices to achieve the Triple Aim goals of improving patient experience, enhancing population health, and reducing costs. He has also held the position of CEO of Privia Medical Group of Georgia, where he implemented strategies to support physician practices in navigating the evolving healthcare landscape.
Education and Expertise
James Sams holds a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Emory University School of Medicine, which he completed from 1975 to 1979. He also completed an Internship and an Internal Medicine Residency Program at the Medical University of South Carolina between 1979 and 1982. Additionally, he earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Mercer University from 2011 to 2013. His educational background provides him with a strong foundation in both medical practice and leadership.
Background
Before joining Privia Health, James Sams had a notable tenure at Piedmont Healthcare. He worked as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the Piedmont Clinic from 2013 to 2014 and previously served as Medical Director for Primary Care Physicians from 2010 to 2013. His experience also includes a role as CMO for South Region Hospitals at Piedmont Healthcare in 2012-2013. His career reflects a commitment to improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
Achievements
James Sams was a founding member and board chair of Fayette Medical Clinic, recognized as the first primary care-based multi-specialty group in the county. He has also served as chairman of the board of Sentinel Health Partners, focusing on global risk Medicare contracting. During his time at Piedmont Medical Care Corporation, he oversaw the implementation of the Patient-Centered Medical Home model and launched a national payer’s Collaborative Accountable Care model, demonstrating his leadership in innovative healthcare solutions.