About
Dr. Kristen Updegraff earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Georgia in 1995. She then completed her Doctorate of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta in 2000, where she received the "Physician's Physician" Award upon graduation. Her residency and internship training in Family Medicine took place at New York/Presbyterian-Columbia Hospital in New York City from 2000 to 2003.
Dr. Updegraff holds board certification from the American Board of Family Medicine. She has practiced in Savannah's Coastal Empire community for over 22 years. Savannah Magazine recognized her as Best Family Medicine/General Physician every year from 2013 through 2019. Her clinical focus spans preventive care, cardiovascular health, diabetes management, dermatology, and women's health. She is passionate about partnering with patients to maintain long-term wellness and prevent the progression of chronic disease. Outside of medicine, she enjoys yoga, cycling, studying Ancient Greek, and spending time with family.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Georgia, Athens, GA — Bachelor of Science, Biology, 1995
Medical School
Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA — Doctorate of Medicine, 2000
Residency
Family Medicine, New York/Presbyterian-Columbia Hospital, New York, NY, 2001-2003
Additional Training
Internship, New York/Presbyterian-Columbia Hospital, New York, NY, 2000-2001
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Updegraff right for?
Dr. Updegraff is a strong fit for adults seeking a long-term primary care relationship built on prevention. Patients managing cardiovascular risk, diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol benefit from her focused chronic disease approach. Women looking for a physician attentive to their specific health needs will find her specialties well-suited. She also serves patients with dermatological concerns alongside their primary care. Anyone who values consistent access to their own physician - including same-day appointments and after-hours phone availability - will feel at home in her practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Updegraff focuses on preventive care, cardiovascular health, diabetes management, dermatology, and women's health. She also treats hypertension, high cholesterol, and a range of chronic diseases. Her goal is to help patients maintain long-term wellness and slow or prevent the progression of chronic conditions.
Yes, Dr. Updegraff holds board certification from the American Board of Family Medicine. She has practiced as a board-certified family physician in Savannah for over 22 years.
Dr. Updegraff earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. She completed her internship and Family Medicine residency at New York/Presbyterian-Columbia Hospital in New York City. She returned to Georgia and has practiced in the Coastal Empire community ever since.
Yes. Savannah Magazine named Dr. Updegraff Best Family Medicine/General Physician each year from 2013 through 2019. The Medical College of Georgia also honored her with the "Physician's Physician" Award in July 2000 upon her graduation.
" She wants every patient to feel safe, seen, heard, and valued as an individual. Her approach centers on building a genuine partnership focused on prevention and personalized wellness planning.
Yes. Women's health is one of Dr. Updegraff's core clinical focus areas. She addresses women's health concerns alongside primary care, preventive screenings, and chronic disease management.
Yes. Dr. Updegraff is reachable by phone after-hours and on weekends. Members can contact her directly for urgent matters outside of the standard Monday through Friday schedule.
Dr. Updegraff holds affiliations with Memorial HCA and St. Joseph Candler Hospital in the Savannah area. She can also help coordinate care at Medical Centers of Excellence when patients need specialized services beyond what is available locally.
Doctor profile last updated April 4, 2026