At Studer Family Children’s Hospital, leadership begins with heart.
Dr. Jason Foland, MD, President of Studer Family Children’s Hospital, has built his life—and career—around one unwavering truth: he loves children. His own. And yours.
“My heart has a special place for the children born on our campus and those who walk through our doors as patients,” Dr. Foland shared.
His path to pediatric medicine was shaped early in life, rooted in the quiet examples of compassion and service he witnessed growing up.
“I learned how to be respectful of others, and especially of children, by watching my grandfather,” he said. “He worked in tool and die manufacturing for the auto industry in Detroit, but in his spare time, he gave his energy to kids and families in need.”
Using his access to tools and machines, his grandfather would create simple objects and bring them to schools, turning learning into play. As he got older, he taught high schoolers how to use those same tools—passing on both skills and confidence.
“He inspired me. Not by what he said, but by how he gave back.”
Another formative influence came from a neighbor, Dr. Rojas—an interventional cardiologist who practiced medicine in bold new ways during the 1980s.
Dr. Jason Foland, President, Studer Family Children’s Hospital“I was just in third grade, but I noticed how he made things better for everyone around him. He was generous. He was kind. And I thought, ‘I want to be like him.’”
Still, the moment that forever cemented Dr. Foland’s future in pediatric intensive care came with the tragic loss of his best friend, Matt Lighter.
“We were inseparable,” he recalled. “Basketball was our thing—playing it, watching it, talking about it.”
But at just 17 years old, Matt collapsed during a game and passed away from hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
“It was one of the most devastating moments of my life,” Dr. Foland said. “And in that grief, I realized I wanted to be in healthcare. I wanted to be in pediatric ICU. I wanted to save kids’ lives.”
That calling has never wavered.
Today, as President of Studer Family Children’s Hospital, Dr. Foland is still honoring that promise—bringing his deep compassion, tireless dedication, and visionary leadership to the forefront of pediatric care on the Gulf Coast.
“Pediatric medicine has been my passion my entire life,” he said. “And I’ve carried that passion into this role since my starting date of January 2024,’ he said.
I am committed to delivering care to children when they are the most vulnerable and at when they are at their greatest need.”
He sees collaboration as key to building a healthier future, especially through partnerships like the one with Nemours Children’s Health. “By collaborating with Nemours Children’s Health, we are working toward a healthier future for Pensacola families,” he continued.
In his role, Dr. Foland is also focused on working with fellow hospital leaders to “enhance ways to improve patient, associate, and physician experiences.”
For Dr. Foland, leading a children’s hospital isn’t just a job—it’s a deeply personal mission rooted in love, loss, and legacy.
You can meet Dr. Foland on August 15, 2025, at Studer Family Children’s Hospital during the Cat Country Cares for Kids Radiothon.
Find out more about Cat Country Cares for Kids Radiothon here: https://bit.ly/CatCountry987CaresForKids2025
