About
Dr. Brad S. A. in Biological Chemistry from Johns Hopkins University in 1975, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. D. in 1979, and gained admission to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his Internal Medicine internship and residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dr. Lerner relocated to Sarasota in 1982 and built a long career in both clinical medicine and administrative leadership. In 1994, he created First Physicians Group, Sarasota Memorial Hospital's only primary care group, and served as its Chief Medical Administrative Officer for more than a decade. He holds board certification in Internal Medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Lerner co-founded LernerCohen Healthcare in 2005 with a focus on prevention, wellness, and cholesterol and osteoporosis management. Outside medicine, he enjoys golf, tennis, paddle boarding, Pilates, and yoga. He and his wife Melissa completed a 210-mile fundraising bicycle ride supporting the Young Survivors Coalition.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Johns Hopkins University, B.A. Biological Chemistry, 1975
Medical School
University of Florida College of Medicine, M.D. 1979
Residency
Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Lerner right for?
Dr. Lerner is a strong fit for adults seeking an experienced internist with deep roots in Sarasota. Patients managing cholesterol disorders, osteoporosis, or complex chronic conditions benefit from his broad clinical background. His decades of leadership at First Physicians Group prepared him to coordinate care across specialists. Patients who value prevention and a long-term physician relationship thrive under his care.
Similar Doctors Nearby
Dr. Louis CohenM.D.
cholesterol disorders, osteoporosis, geriatric medicine +1 more
Dr. Boris MedvedovskyD.O.
kidney disease, hypertension, nephrology conditions
Dr. Jose SantanaM.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P.
hypertension, diabetes, heart disease +7 more
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Lerner focuses on internal medicine and preventive care, with particular interest in cholesterol disorders and osteoporosis. He approaches each patient with an emphasis on health promotion and early intervention rather than reactive treatment.
Yes. Dr. Lerner holds board certification in Internal Medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine, earned in 1982.
D. from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1979. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dr. Lerner has practiced medicine in Sarasota since 1982. He led First Physicians Group as Chief Medical Administrative Officer before co-founding LernerCohen Healthcare in 2005.
Dr. Lerner prioritizes prevention and wellness over reactive treatment. He believes physicians should have the time to address each patient's full health picture, including lifestyle, nutrition, and long-term risk factors.
Yes. Dr. Lerner served as Chief of Internal Medicine at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and as a member of the Medical Executive Committee. He also created and led First Physicians Group, the hospital's only primary care group, from 1994 to 2005.
Doctor profile last updated June 9, 2026