Direct Primary Care Athens TN

Age 18+ | $89 per month

Under 18 | $35 per month

Family Max | $248 per month*

*Includes 2 Adults and 2 Or More Children Under 18

Mr. Brian Fretwell, the Founder and CEO of DPCA, originally hails from Vero Beach, FL, and has resided in Cleveland, TN, throughout his adult life. With a background as a former field and flight Paramedic, he holds dual degrees in PA studies and Public Health from Nova Southeastern University. Over 27 years, he has amassed extensive experience in Emergency, Family, and Occupational Medicine.

Under Mr. Fretwell’s leadership, DPCA has pioneered a unique form of Primary Care Medicine, focusing on excellence in care, exceptional value, and added benefits. His vision aims to improve access to quality, affordable healthcare through innovative solutions for individuals and businesses across the region.

Outside his professional endeavors, Mr. Fretwell enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and engaging in civic volunteerism and philanthropy. An avid conservationist, he pursues hunting and fishing and passionately supports the Tennessee football team.

Dr. Coker grew up in Wilmore, Kentucky and attended the University of Kentucky studying Chemical Engineering. Upon graduation, Dr. Coker worked as a Navy Nuke Instructor for four years. Then, Dr. Coker went back to school and attended the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 2014. Dr. Coker completed his residency at the Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune. Dr. Coker joined the DPCA team in 2022 and is excited to have the opportunity to get to know his patients and serve the Cleveland community.

In Dr. Coker’s free time, he loves spending quality time with his wife and four children. Dr. Coker enjoys being outside – whether that is tubing on the lake, hiking mountains, or swimming in the ocean. Dr. Coker is a follower of Jesus.

Dr. David Byrd is a native of Elizabethton in beautiful East Tennessee.  He did his undergraduate studies at ETSU obtaining a BA in History and Spanish in 1984. He was then accepted into ETSU’s prestigious Quillen College of Medicine, renowned for being one of the nation’s leading schools for rural medicine and primary care training, graduating in 1988.  His involvement in Public Service also began as a volunteer EMT for the Carter County Rescue Squad during his early years in college. He now serves McMinn County as a Hazmat Technician and a reserve deputy.

He also gives back to the community by participating as the Medical Director and Volunteer of Good Faith Clinic for the uninsured in Athens, TN.  He is Board Eligible for the American Board of Family Practice and is a Certified Medical Review Officer.  

In his spare time, he enjoys precision shooting, gardening, harvesting fruit trees, and raising shrimp and turtles for fun. He resides in Athens, TN with his wife Jennie Byrd, MD. 

Mandy Croft, LPN, has dedicated over a decade to the medical field, excelling in a variety of roles with passion and professionalism. Her career began in healthcare administration, where she built a strong foundation in patient care and operations. Over the years, Mandy earned certifications in phlebotomy and, in 2020, completed her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential.

With experience spanning multiple specialties—including Home Health, Sleep Medicine, Oncology, Orthopedics, Urgent Care, and Family Practice—Mandy’s true passion lies in primary care. She takes great pride in forming meaningful relationships with her patients and advocating for their health and well-being.

Outside of her professional life, Mandy treasures spending quality time with her husband, Steven, and their daughter, Bella. An avid photographer and traveler, she also loves attending concerts and festivals. Known for her vibrant personality and colorful hair, Mandy is an advocate for bat and reptile rehabilitation and has a deep fascination with The Titanic and its history. When she’s not collecting crystals and gemstones, she enjoys watching movies with her beloved Chihuahua, Kipper.