L. Nelson Elam, M.D., FAAP

Dr. L. Nelson Elam is a board-certified pediatrician dedicated to helping children build healthy foundations for life while partnering with parents every step of the way. Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in Lexington, Kentucky, and completed his pediatric residency at Memorial Health Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Elam is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Medical Association of Georgia, and the Georgia Medical Society.

For Dr. Elam, pediatrics is about much more than caring for children when they're sick—it's about helping families raise healthy, confident, and resilient children. He believes that preventive care, healthy habits, and strong partnerships with parents give children the best opportunity to thrive throughout every stage of life.

Originally from eastern Tennessee, Dr. Elam came to Savannah for his pediatric residency after he and his wife fell in love with both the training program and the Coastal Georgia community. They decided to make the area their home, and today he considers it a privilege to care for generations of local families. One of the most rewarding parts of his career has been seeing former patients return years later with children of their own.

In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Elam enjoys mentoring future healthcare professionals by teaching medical, nurse practitioner, and physician assistant students during their clinical rotations. He was honored with the Deborah Fulmer Resident Teaching Award during residency in recognition of his commitment to education. He also has a deep appreciation for the arts and believes creativity plays an important role in enriching a community. That passion inspired him to help create an art gallery within the Richmond Hill office that showcases artwork from local students, giving young artists an opportunity to display their talents while creating a welcoming environment for patients and families.

Outside the office, Dr. Elam enjoys woodworking, building projects, reading history, fantasy, and science fiction, and spending time with his wife, their five children, and granddaughter. Nearly every year for almost two decades, he has completed a 50-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail with family and friends. He is also fluent in Spanish after serving a two-year mission in Chile.

Dr. Elam hopes every family leaves an appointment feeling more confident—not only in the care their child has received, but in their own ability to make healthy decisions together. He is a strong advocate for play-based childhoods, encouraging children to spend less time on screens and more time exploring, learning, and developing the independence and resilience that will serve them throughout life. And if you happen to have a good story—or even a great dad joke—he'll always be happy to hear it.