Dr. Ben Butler is a Georgia native and a graduate of the University of Georgia, where he earned his degree in Biology. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and went on to complete his residency in Internal Medicine at UAB–Montgomery. Following residency, he served an additional year as Chief Resident and Junior Faculty before pursuing fellowship training in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, Virginia. 

Dr. Butler returned to Athens in 2022 to practice pulmonary and critical care medicine, where he spent four years caring for patients with complex and serious illnesses in both hospital and outpatient settings. Through these experiences, he developed a deep appreciation for the importance of proactive, relationship-based care—an approach that focuses not only on treating disease, but also on preventing illness and helping patients live healthier lives. 

In his practice, Dr. Butler emphasizes accessibility, continuity, and personalized care. He believes the foundation of excellent medicine is a strong patient–physician relationship built on trust, clear communication, and shared decision-making. His approach combines evidence-based medicine with a commitment to truly knowing and partnering with his patients in their long-term health. 

Since returning to Athens, Dr. Butler has been involved with Mercy Health Center and the graduate medical education programs at both Piedmont Athens Regional and St. Mary’s Hospital. He is also a clinical preceptor for medical students at the AU/UGA Medical Partnership.  

Dr. Butler and his wife have three children and are grateful to be a part of the Greater Athens Community. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time outdoors, coaching his children’s sports teams, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.