New Cardiologist Strengthens Walton County Heart Care Team
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has welcomed board-certified cardiologist Dr. Darin Busby to its cardiology practice in Miramar Beach, expanding access to specialized heart care for residents across Walton County, including Freeport.
Busby, who specializes in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine, brings seven years of experience to the practice. His office is located in the Medical Office Building on the Sacred Heart Emerald Coast campus at 7720 U.S. 98, Suite 110. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 850-267-1603. He joins what Ascension describes as the area’s largest heart care team, strengthening a network that has been actively expanding into north Walton County.
The arrival comes on the heels of Ascension’s June 2026 expansion of cardiology services to DeFuniak Springs, where the health system opened a new cardiology office at North Walton Doctors Hospital at 4415 U.S. 331 — roughly 15 miles north of Freeport on the highway Freeport residents use to reach the county seat. Ascension also operates a primary care clinic in Freeport, giving Freeport patients a direct connection to the Sacred Heart network for referrals to cardiology services.
The expansion of heart care in Walton County addresses a recognized need in the region. Freeport’s nearest full-service hospital with emergency cardiac capabilities is Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach, approximately 25 miles south. The addition of Busby to the Miramar Beach practice, combined with the DeFuniak Springs cardiology office along the US 331 corridor, gives Freeport residents two closer options for specialized cardiovascular care without traveling to Pensacola or Destin.
Originally reported by Mid Bay News and the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce.
