Dr. King Joins NMHS Cardiothoracic Surgery Group

TUPELO, Miss.—North Mississippi Health Services welcomes Dr. Dakota C. King to Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Clinic.

Dr. King joins cardiothoracic surgeons Dr. Evan Garner, Dr. David Talton and Dr. Vishal Sachdev, and vascular surgeons Dr. Jack Neill and Dr. Joey Stinson, as well as the clinic’s nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Dr. King recently completed a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern, following a general surgery residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

“What I enjoy most about being a cardiothoracic surgeon is not only performing the complex operations but also playing such a large role in the critical care afterward,” Dr. King said. “For me, it’s the combination of the technically demanding surgery and the ability to guide the patients through recovery which makes the work most meaningful.”

She grew up in the small town of Sebastopol and graduated from Kosciusko High School. Dr. King holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in industrial engineering, both from Mississippi State University. She earned her medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 2017 and is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.

“I chose a career in medicine because it was both challenging and rewarding,” Dr. King said. “Each patient pushes me to grow— whether it’s trying to connect with a patient, learning a new skill or making difficult decisions. The reward comes in knowing that I directly impact people’s lives in some of their most vulnerable moments.”

Her clinical expertise includes traditional open heart and lung procedures, as well as advanced techniques such as robotic and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Dr. King has also contributed to numerous research projects and peer-reviewed publications, including studies on endoluminal vacuum therapy and complex transplant cases.

Dr. King served as administrative chief resident and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society in 2022. She is a member of The Society of Thoracic Surgery, American College of Surgeons and Women in Thoracic Surgery.

She and her husband, Jake, have two young daughters, Emersyn and Kora. Jake is an industrial engineer who has worked in both the automotive and defense industries. Outside of work, Dr. King likes to cook, garden and spend time outdoors.

For appointment information, call (662) 377-7170 or 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).