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CREDENTIALS
MD, FACS – Double Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr. James Depew is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who brings deep technical expertise, artistic precision, and heartfelt compassion to every procedure. Joining The Graivier Center in 2025, Dr. Depew is honored to collaborate with a nationally recognized team of plastic surgeons dedicated to transformative patient care.
Blending rigorous surgical training with a natural eye for beauty, Dr. Depew takes a personalized and detail-driven approach to plastic surgery—helping patients achieve results that are both aesthetically refined and deeply empowering.
Credentials Rooted in Innovation, Precision, and Compassion
With the precision of a surgeon, the vision of an innovator, and the heart of a humanist, Dr. James Depew brings more than technical mastery to the operating room—he brings a transformative experience. Backed by dual board certifications and years of advanced training, Dr. Depew works alongside a highly skilled and compassionate team to deliver results that are refined, natural, and deeply personal.
Education & Training: Excellence from the Start
Dr. Depew began his academic career at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he double-majored in mathematics and chemistry, graduating with high honors. He went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of Virginia, laying the foundation for his dual specialization.
He completed a competitive five-year general surgery residency at Memorial Health University Medical Center through Mercer University in Savannah, Georgia, serving as Chief Resident in his final year. He then pursued his passion for aesthetic and reconstructive surgery through a three-year plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, where he again earned the title of Chief Resident during his final year.
Dr. Depew is board-certified by both:
- The American Board of Plastic Surgery
- The American Board of Surgery
He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)—a distinction that reflects his surgical skill, ethical commitment, and patient-first approach.
Awards, Recognition & Humanism in Medicine
His deep compassion for others matches Dr. Depew’s clinical talents. In 2014, he was inducted into the Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society, a recognition reserved for physicians who demonstrate excellence in patient-centered care, empathy, and integrity.
He has been consistently acknowledged by his peers and patients alike, earning accolades such as:
- “Patients’ Top Choice” – U.S. News & World Report
- “Best of Cobb County: Plastic Surgeon” – 2025
Vision, Technology & Precision
Dr. Depew’s lifelong interest in computer programming and advanced technology enhances his precision as a plastic surgeon. He actively explores emerging surgical tools and platforms to optimize outcomes, reduce recovery times, and improve patient safety. As a member of scientific advisory boards for Apyx Medical and Cytrellis, he contributes to the development of cutting-edge innovations in aesthetic medicine.
Philosophy: Beauty Rooted in Authenticity
Whether performing facial rejuvenation, body contouring, or reconstructive procedures, Dr. Depew’s goal is always the same: to help patients feel more confident in their own skin. Natural results, artistic balance, and a high degree of technical finesse characterize his work.
He believes plastic surgery should never feel artificial or overdone—it should enhance the unique features and individuality that make each person extraordinary.
Beyond the Operating Room
A dynamic individual both professionally and personally, Dr. Depew is an avid scuba diver, international traveler, and natural light photographer. He is currently learning to surf and continues to pursue new experiences that expand his perspective on form, beauty, and movement.
He met his wife, Jessa, during his surgical internship in Knoxville. She is a clinical pharmacist with a specialty in rare diseases and the founder of The Quadrilingual Academy in Smyrna, GA. Together, they are raising three multilingual children who speak English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese.
Memberships & Affiliations
Dr. Depew maintains active membership in several leading medical and surgical societies, including:
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
- The Southeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Cobb County Medical Society
- Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Credentials At-a-Glance
- Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery
- Facial Plastic Surgery
- Body Contouring & Post-Weight Loss Surgery
- Advanced Scar Revision
- Non-Surgical Aesthetic Enhancements
- American Board of Plastic Surgery – 2019
- American Board of Surgery – 2015
Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia (2008)
Virginia Commonwealth University (2003) – Chemistry & Mathematics
University of Tennessee Health Science Center – Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (2013–2017)
Memorial Health University Medical Center – General Surgery (2009–2013)
University of Tennessee Medical Center – General Surgery (2008–2009)
