About
Dr. Bret Heerema brings one of the most distinctive educational and service backgrounds in direct primary care. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a degree in High Energy Physics. He later earned a Master's in Nuclear Engineering and a Master of Public Health from Harvard University. Dr. Heerema served 37 years in the United States Air Force and built deep expertise in medicine practiced in demanding, high-pressure environments.
He holds dual board certifications in Occupational Medicine and Aerospace Medicine. His clinical focus covers primary care, preventive medicine, and chronic disease management including diabetes and hypertension. At Valor Direct Primary Care, Dr. Heerema personally answers the phone and keeps his panel deliberately small so each patient receives thorough, unhurried care. He co-founded Valor alongside PA Benjamin McGarvey with the conviction that patients deserve direct access to their provider and healthcare free of administrative interference.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Air Force Academy, High Energy Physics
Additional Training
Master's in Nuclear Engineering; Master of Public Health, Harvard University
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Heerema right for?
Dr. Heerema is a strong fit for adults and families seeking a primary care physician with deep preventive and chronic disease expertise. Patients managing diabetes, hypertension, or other long-term conditions benefit from his focused, personalized approach. His occupational and aerospace medicine background makes him well-suited for patients with complex health histories. Anyone who values direct provider access and unhurried appointments will find his practice model a natural match.
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Primary CareFrequently Asked Questions
Dr. Heerema focuses on primary care, preventive medicine, and chronic disease management. He regularly treats patients managing diabetes, hypertension, and other long-term conditions. His background in occupational and aerospace medicine also gives him a strong foundation for evaluating complex or unusual health concerns.
Yes. Dr. Heerema holds board certifications in both Occupational Medicine and Aerospace Medicine. He earned these certifications after completing advanced degrees including a Master of Public Health from Harvard University and a Master's in Nuclear Engineering.
Dr. Heerema served 37 years in the United States Air Force. He trained and practiced medicine in austere, high-pressure environments throughout his military career. That experience shapes his practical, efficient approach to patient care at Valor Direct Primary Care.
Dr. Heerema graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, where he studied High Energy Physics. He later earned a Master's in Nuclear Engineering and a Master of Public Health from Harvard University. He developed his clinical expertise across decades of military medical practice.
Yes. Dr. Heerema personally answers the phone for his patients. Because Valor caps its total panel at 500 patients, both he and PA McGarvey maintain the availability to take calls directly rather than routing patients through staff layers.
Dr. Heerema sees patients ages six and older at Valor Direct Primary Care. The practice welcomes children, teens, young adults, and adults of all ages within that range.
Yes. Members can call or text Dr. Heerema directly after regular clinic hours. This direct line to the provider is a standard part of every Valor membership, not an add-on service.
Dr. Heerema builds personalized treatment plans for patients managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension. He schedules longer appointments, 30, 60, or 90 minutes, to give each patient sufficient time for thorough discussion and planning. His preventive medicine background means he also focuses on catching and addressing risk factors early.
Doctor profile last updated June 8, 2026