Lisa Foster Emory Faculty
Lisa Foster Emory Faculty

Lisa Foster, MD

Pain Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

4.8 - 843 Ratings

Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center - Johns Creek

6335 Hospital Parkway, Ste 400, Johns Creek, GA 30097
Telehealth Visits Available

Availability within 30 days*

Book Online (404) 778-7000

About

Dr. Foster is a board certified, fellowship trained interventional physiatrist, specializing in non-operative spine care.
A native of Wichita, KS, she received her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at the University of Kansas and her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Dr. Foster completed both her residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and her subspecialty fellowship training in Interventional Pain Medicine at Emory University Hospital.
Dr. Foster has published numerous articles and presented at national conferences in the fields of spine and rehabilitation medicine. Most recently, she was a contributing author for a book chapter on the workup and conservative management of lumbar degenerative disk disease in JL Pinherio-Franco’s Advanced Concepts in Lumbar Degenerative Disk Disease.
Dr. Foster employs a comprehensive, multi-modal approach for the treatment of spinal conditions with the goal of optimizing function and improving the quality of life of her patients. She has extensive training in minimally invasive, fluoroscopic guided procedures for the treatment of various spine disorders.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Foster enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and hiking in remote parts of globe.

Languages

  • English

Emory Affiliation

  • Emory Clinic - School of Medicine Faculty
  • Emory Healthcare Network
  • Emory Physician Group Practice

Academic Title

  • Assistant Professor

Year Started Practicing

  • 2016

Locations

Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center - Johns Creek

6335 Hospital Parkway
Ste 400
Johns Creek, GA 30097

Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center - Johns Creek location map

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Ratings & Reviews

4.8 out of 5 overall rating 843 ratings

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

4.8 Provider showed concern
4.8 Provider explained things clearly
4.8 Provider discussed treatment options
4.9 Provider included you in decisions
4.8 Likelihood of recommending this provider
5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-26

Dr Foster is great at her job. Concern, knowledge, my issues all handled professionally and down to my level so ICould understand all

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-24

Dr Foster is clear and thoughtful about the options for treating my pain. I don't ever doubt that a successful outcome is priority, while considering all aspects of any options.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-23

Dr. Foster has consistently been devoted to resolving my ongoing issue with my back. It is chronic in nature and she just goes that extra mile to ensure I have the best quality of life possible. She is always available for any questions and she responds very quickly to any messages I send. I am so happy she is my doctor and I would recommend her to anyone and guarantee they would be as happy as I am with her care.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-23

Very good experience

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-23

I have already recommended Dr. Foster To others and also Dr. Goltzer who did my knee replacement in Sept. 2025.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-21

My case is complex but not serious. Dr Foster was kind, upbeat, very thorough and thoughtful. She listened, gave terrific explanations, made me feel like a partner in my care.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-20

I would definitely see Dr Foster again.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-17

Dr. Foster is very good about making quick assessments and explaining medical terms in a manner easily comprehensible.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-16

Dr. FOSTER is so kind, caring, thorough, knowledgeable, and reassuring. I pray she knows this!!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-16

Dr Foster is a very interactive physician who answered rack of our issues,

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-03

Dr. Foster is thorough and very patient oriented. A rare trait today in most doctors.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-02

Love Dr Foster she is always so helpful and includes my opinion on treatments.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-27

Dr Lisa is highly recommended to friends and families most intelligent in her expertise and experience

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-20

My Dr follow up appointment but still reviewing all of my MRI with previous MRI comparisons with satisfaction treatment and best advice

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-20

My doctor was outstanding. My only concern was the speed in which the physician reviewed my case and moved onto the next case. The doctor was very friendly & extremely professional. I Have no complaints against her. She was friendly and personable while she was with me and looking at my case. When she was finished with me, she was gone obviously a very busy woman. She walked out the door and went to her next patient, and we didn't even see which door she went into. She was she shot out of the room 100 miles an hour & dissappeared.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-20

Thorough explanations and available options made decisions easier. I left with a clear plan.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-13

I was pleased with Dr.Foster. She listened well, detailed in her explaining my problems to me, through in explaining options to me. She was kind and empathetic!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-07

Dr. Foster is great! Personable, knowledgeable and showed me the problems I have on x rays and listed my options. She ordered an MRI to help with my diagnosis.After a frustrating 2 months with pain in my hip and back I feel confident in my care with Dr. Foster.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-05

Dr. Foster remains my favorite doctor of any kind and of any discipline. Her ability to set me at ease, help diagnose exactly what my issues are and communicate in a way that is not too technical for me to understand, is unmatched in my experience. She listens to my explanation of my issues and allows me to be very specific. If only she could treat me for the myriad of other ailments I have. Another thing, she allowed me to make decisions about my recovery on my own without interjecting too forcefully that I undertake a procedure that may or may not be necessary and may or may not fix my problem. Supporting my decision to move forward with more PT and exercise reinforced my sense of autonomy about my body and my care. She is a truly wonderful doctor!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-05

Excellent

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-27

Dr. Foster should be teaching other Drs. How to behave and treat patients. She is so nice and genuinely personable. You can just tell she cares and isn't even trying to care. It seems to come natural for her. I appreciate her and wish more Drs. Had her uncanny ability to provide quality care.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-25

Wish all my docs were this great

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-22

I do appreciate to back surgery as a last step/approach. But at the same know that if needed one day, it will be advised

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-17

Dr Foster is great. Communicates very well

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-17

Dr. Foster and her team are outstanding! They are quite competent and genuinely caring. I've never had better care.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-14

Compared current X-rays to past X-rays and understands why I don't want surgery. PT has been prescribed.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-06

Dr. Foster is thorough and professional, while still being caring and supportive. I count myself lucky to be a patient of hers.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-06

Dr. Foster is a great doctor. She really took the time to examine me to verify what might be wrong and knew who to refer me to who could be more specific about my condition.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-05

Dr. Foster somehow is quick while not appearing to be rushed. She listens well, and treats me with respect.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-21

Dr. Foster is terrific!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-07

Loved Dr Foster!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-06

Dr is very professional to find out my new back neck pinch nerve and plan to resolve thanks

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-30

Dr is very friendly and helpful for my treatment

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-22

Dr. Foster and I had a great chat as to my progress regarding my neck issues and when asked about future preventive measures, she gave me her opinion which was in-depth.

2 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-19

Doctor's notes regarding history are wrong to the point of becoming antithetical to the truth on some important points.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-12

She was nice and thorough.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-12

Dr Lisa Foster. Took her time and listened to every problem that I had.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-02

Dr Foster was very thorough in explaining what was going on with me, including showing me the actual MRI films so I could better understand my condition. She gave me all options explaining thoroughly each one. I appreciate the time she took with me to make sure I knew what my options were. When I decided on having a procedure done, she got my appointment arranged as soon as possible, which is around two weeks away. I'm so impressed with her, her professionalism, and the interest she showed in me.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-08

Excellent caring

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-24

Next time I'd appreciate if mri of the lumbar and sacrum Was ordered at once.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-22

Dr. Foster was very thorough and considerate and helpful. She explained everything in detail.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-02

Dr. Foster best spine doctor ever, I trust her advice and feeling blessed by having her as my doctor.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-01

I really trust the examination and treatment here

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-29

Dr.Foster confirmed what I knew about my back, We did not confirm that the back Id the cause of my leg problem but we are taking steps through PT to confirm.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-17

The best experience.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-10

Sometimes Dr. Foster spoke too fast for a hard of hearing senior to follow.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-29

Dr Foster was amazing! She really showed that she cares for her patients and try's her best to do everything for them. Great advise she gave me and guided me to the direction I needed for my concern. Hands down best Emory Doctor I met so far!!

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-29

Dr. Foster was very helpful. She took time to explain the situation with my back and my options. She was helpful in guiding me to the next steps in the process. I would recommend her.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-22

Dr Foster is fantastic! Listens and explains clearly the treatment plan

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-21

Dr Foster is great

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-20

My favorite physician

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-19

Dr Foster has excellent communication skills. Very caring and takes whatever time is necessary with me. I never feel rushed or unheard.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-19

I am always amazed at the level of concern and caring that this team presents! Dr. Foster and her team are terrific.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-14

I'm very impressed with the professionalism and dedication of Dr. Lisa Forest. She recovered my previous bad experience with one week prior appointment.

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-23

Didn't feel like the doctor took time to review my MRI results until just before walking in the room. Felt the conversation was rushed.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-23

I really liked the candor of Dr Foster. She talked about options with me and I felt like it was a very engaged visit. I like her approach to back treatment.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-22

Good experience

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-22

Dr. Foster was informative and clear in her explanations. I did not fell hurried.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-22

Dr. Foster was amazing. She knew EXACTLY how to proceed with treating my pain and proceed with external therapy treatments to further provide me with healing. Thank you, Dr. Foster

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-05

We were very impressed with Dr Foster. She was compassionate, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-03

Dr. Foster doesn't keep you waiting more than a few minutes. She makes sure all my questions are answered and covers any further needs are met. She gives advice on what I need to do to prevent any problems going forward. She makes you feel that she really cares about me!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-02

Dr. Foster succinctly provided me with the 4 options I am facing concerning the upper part of my spine. This included ordering a serrated set of MRI's for my mid and lower back as I am experiencing chronic pain in those areas as well. She is an excellent listener, practitioner and knows her profession well. I am very happy I was referred to her and look forward to working with her on the best care for me and my personal health situation.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-24

Dr. Foster isn't like the average Socorro she exceeded my expectations which have low due to the awful doctors I've had over the years. She was attentive, caring and thorough. She was not arrogant and had a very pleasant and approachable demeanor.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-07

I know almost everyone in the department and am always very satisfied with the care that I receive.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-09

I continue to be very impressed with Dr. Foster's concern and willingness to provide me with all the information that I need and her respectfulness of my involvement in care decisions.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-01

Dr. Foster was very attentive, took the time to listen to my concerns, and explained the options in detail. I would definitely use her as my doctor again

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-29

Dr Foster has a wonderful bedside manner but was not able to help me

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-25

Very attentive to description of pain, suggested future tests and care

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-24

Emory Orthopedics always have provided exceptional care to me. Highly recommend to friends and colleagues including families.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-17

Dr. Foster is taking care of me with professionalism,competence and kindness, best doctor ever, I feel blessed by her care and knowledge.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-16

Very impressed with Dr. Foster. Excellent visit and happy with plan of action

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-04

Dr. Foster is an excellent communicator. I really appreciate her inclusive manner. I chose to come to her because of a friend's recommendation and I would definitely recommend her!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-03

Dr Foster is great. This is why I travel. 200 miles to Emory for treatment and to see my doctors.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-01

Excellent!!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-01

Very impressed with knowledge and felt comfortable with plan moving forward!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-01

She asked good questions and explained options well.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-26

Dr. Foster is an excellent physician and takes the time to discuss and answer each of your questions.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-25

Dr.Foster spent a lot of time thoroughly examining me and discussing the MRIs in detail and educating with different treatment plans.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-25

Very personable, attentive and listened to my issues. Discussed treatment options and partnered a treatment plan.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-12

Amount the best I've seen since coming to Emory 22 years ago.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-08

Dr. Foster listened to my concerns. She was very informative and provided good explanation.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-02

Very Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-25

She always spoke clearly and directly to me and my daughter.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-22

Dr. Fisher is excellent, and I believe she Has clarified some findings recorded by my previous spine provider they have been most helpful to me.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-21

Dr Foster showed concern for my issues. She was thorough, positive light hearted and did not rush my appt.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-19

Dr Foster is excellent in explaining the problem and engaging you in the care plan

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-13

Love myself some Emory!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-07

Dr Foster was amiable and professional. I am confident of her ability in

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-06

Dr. Foster is terrific! She listens and is straightforward with her answers.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-04

.Doctor Foster was quite knowledgeable .She seemed to understand why I wanted to get relief from my lower back pain.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-01

She thoroughly reviewed my condition and offered for me to take a MRI before developing the most effective treatment plan.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-29

Dr. Lisa Foster was absolutely phenomenal. I loved her patient bedside manner. She made me feel at ease during the explanation of my issues. She was thorough and knowledgeable and exceeded all expectations. I would highly recommend her hands-down.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-24

Dr. Foster and all staff members are wonderful. Will highly recommend this team.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-18

Dr Lisa Foster spoke to me and my son and d in law clearly keeping us in the conversation as to my health needs.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-15

La Dra. Foster es una excelente profecional,muy amable,me explico paso por paso cada detalle e hizo todo lo posible en ayudarme,La Dra. Foster es una Maravillosa persona.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-10

Very engaged and communicated very well.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-09

Dr Foster did a great job.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-08

Excellent

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-07

Great experience.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-28

Always a good experience.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-26

The doctor is very friendly and professional.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-21

Dr. Foster is the greatest

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-18

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-15

Would definitely recommend Dr. Foster for back care!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-12

Dr.Foster and staff have been great! Thank you

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-11

The Dr provided exactly what I had hoped, not in terms of outcome but quality of advice

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-06

Dr. Foster gets an excellent in all categories

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-01

Excellent

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-25

Excellent in every aspect of the conversation

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-25

I have always had a great experience with Dr Foster and her staff.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-25

Dr Foster was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of information with me

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-23

Dr. Foster is very helpful in finding the ipain and the cause

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-18

Dr Forster is an outstanding physician, shows care toward patient and provide excellent explanation about cause and treatment plan.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-28

My first time to see Dr Foster. Was very impressed. She was thorough in her exam and fully explained my options. She was open & receptive to dialogue.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-27

Dr. Foster made me feel a part of the decisions for my care. I will be back and will recommend her.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-10

Very professional, polite, willing to answer any question, understandable explanation of my condition, including suggested physical therapy as alternative to surgery. She exhibited patience with 73 year-old stubborn patient!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-06

Dr Foster is caring, knowledgeable and an excellent doctor. I would highly recommend her.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-06

Dr Foster's patient approach is genuine, respectful and caring. She took the time to discuss my situation with me and welcomed all questions.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-06

Great experience, Dr Foster provided excellent advice and guidance for my post MRI findings without rushing. Very thankful for all her support and inputs for my plan of care.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-05

Dr. Foster made certain that allof my questions were answered and my concerns addressed.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-03

Excellent advise and care.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-27

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-22

Dr Foster is a superb doctor and listens intently to patients. Have recommended her to friends and family with neck and back issues.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-18

Dr. Foster is great and I recommend her to other frequently

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-29

Knowledgeable and thorough. Excellent listener. Gave her full attention through out the entire visit.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-27

I have already recommended her to a few people. Her staff and her are very friendly and helpful

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-25

Very responsive

3 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-25

My answers to your questions concerning the attending physician, Dr. Lisa Foster, would probably have been much more positive, if not excellent, had she spent more time explaining her clinical observations and answering any questions I may have. She was obviously very rushed, which did not provide adequate time for me to formulate questions about unfamilia medical specifics. There are several medical doctors In my family and given my knowledge about the current dynamics of medical care, I would have to assume that Dr.Foster has to large a case load which Is not healthy for her nor your patients. Alex Mallie

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-18

I have a complicated case that was a result of medical care elsewhere. Dr. Foster has listened carefully to me and reviewed a lot of my medical records and she gave me recommendations for further care.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-17

She listened and I did not feel rushed

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-15

Love her

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-10

Dr. Foster was very thorough and discussed the conservative course we would follow primarily.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-04

She's great!

2 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-27

She obviously had not reviewed her notes. Thought it had been a year since I'd seen her-it had been about 6 was. I had to tell her the purpose of the visit was to review my MRI

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-25

Dr Foster is the best. Personable, extremely knowledgeable, caring.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-13

Dr Foster and her team went above the call of duty

Credentials

Education

  • Fellowship: Emory University School of Medicine, Pain Management, 2016
  • Residency: Emory University School of Medicine, Physical Medicine & Rehab, 2015
  • Internship: Virginia Commonwealth Univ Health System, Physical Medicine & Rehab, 2012
  • Medical Education: University of Kansas School of Medicine, MD, 2011

Board Certifications

  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2016
  • Pain Medicine, American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2016