Dr. Ben Butler is a Georgia native, UGA graduate, and board-certified internal medicine physician who believes the best medicine is built on a long-term relationship between patient and doctor. His goal is not simply to treat illness, but to help patients understand their health, prevent disease, and build habits that support a healthier life for years to come. 

Dr. Butler earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his Internal Medicine residency at UAB–Montgomery, where he served as Chief Resident and Junior Faculty. He then completed fellowship training in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, Virginia. 

After returning to Athens in 2022, Dr. Butler spent four years caring for patients with both common chronic conditions and some of the most complex and serious illnesses in medicine. His experience caring for critically ill patients gave him a unique perspective on the importance of what happens before someone becomes seriously ill and reinforced his belief that proactive, accessible primary care can make a meaningful difference in long-term health. 

Today, Dr. Butler combines his experience in pulmonary and critical care with a personalized approach to primary care. He emphasizes prevention, accessibility, and truly knowing his patients while using evidence-based medicine to help them take an active role in their health. His background provides particular expertise in respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, chronic cough, shortness of breath, and sleep-related concerns. He approaches these conditions as part of the bigger picture, recognizing the connections between lung, cardiovascular, and metabolic health, as well as sleep, nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle. 

Dr. Butler believes excellent medicine requires trust, clear communication, and shared decision-making. He wants his patients to have a physician who knows them, is accessible when they need him, and is invested in their health for the long term. 

Dr. Butler and his wife have three children and are grateful to call Watkinsville and the Greater Athens community home. Since returning to Athens, Dr. Butler has been involved with Mercy Health Center and graduate medical education programs at Piedmont Athens Regional and St. Mary’s Hospital. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time outdoors, coaching his children’s sports teams, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.