Dr. Brett SmithD.O.
Rheumatology
at Tennessee Direct Rheumatology — Knoxville, TN
About
Dr. Brett Smith is a board-certified osteopathic physician practicing rheumatology and internal medicine in Knoxville, Tennessee. He earned his undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida in 2006. He then completed his medical degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine. His internal medicine residency took place at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, followed by a rheumatology fellowship at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where he earned the American College of Rheumatology Distinguished Fellow Award in 2015.
Dr. Smith holds fellowship status in the American College of Rheumatology and has practiced in East Tennessee since 2015, including work at East Tennessee Children's Hospital. He treats both adult and pediatric rheumatologic conditions, from rheumatoid arthritis and lupus to ankylosing spondylitis and fibromyalgia. Beyond rheumatology, he holds four ISSA certifications in personal training, bodybuilding, strength and conditioning, and nutrition. He served the Tennessee Rheumatology Society as president from 2021 to 2024 and spent seven years on faculty at Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has contributed to publications and media outlets including WebMD, Medscape, Healio, and CreakyJoints. Originally from South Florida, Dr. Smith chose Knoxville as his home in 2015 after marrying Dr. Sarah, a Knoxville native. He lives with his wife and three children, and enjoys hiking, cycling, lifting weights, gardening, and participating in his local church.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Florida, B.S. Microbiology and Cell Science, 2002-2006
Medical School
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Osteopathic Medicine, 2006-2010
Residency
Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, 2010-2013
Fellowship
Rheumatology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, 2013-2015
Additional Training
ISSA Certified Personal Trainer; ISSA Certified Bodybuilding Specialist; ISSA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist; ISSA Certified Nutrition Specialist; Associate Professor and Assistant Professor, Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2017-2024
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Smith right for?
Dr. Smith is a strong fit for adults and children managing autoimmune or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, or ankylosing spondylitis. Patients seeking a single physician for both rheumatology and primary care benefit from his dual focus. Adults who want to actively improve cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and metabolic health will find his ISSA certifications and longevity programming directly useful. He also works well with patients dealing with fibromyalgia, chronic joint pain, or osteoporosis who prefer a thorough, unhurried clinical relationship.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Smith treats a wide range of rheumatologic and autoimmune conditions. These include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. He also manages common internal medicine conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease as part of his primary care services.
Dr. Smith holds fellowship status in the American College of Rheumatology, which he earned in 2015 after completing his rheumatology fellowship at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. He also received the ACR Distinguished Fellow Award that same year. He has practiced rheumatology continuously since 2013.
Yes, Dr. Smith sees both adult and pediatric rheumatology patients. He has treated juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other childhood autoimmune conditions throughout his career in East Tennessee, including through his work at East Tennessee Children's Hospital.
Dr. Smith holds four certifications from the International Sports Science Association: personal training, bodybuilding, strength and conditioning, and nutrition. He integrates this expertise directly into patient care through VO2 max testing, body composition analysis, and personalized cardiorespiratory and strength programming.
Dr. Smith takes a comprehensive, lifestyle-integrated approach to fibromyalgia. He offers a structured 12-week Intensive Fibromyalgia Intervention that includes twice-weekly visits and osteopathic manipulative medicine sessions. The program addresses sleep, physical fitness, diet, and stress as core contributors to pain and fatigue.
Yes, Dr. Smith offers internal medicine services as part of his direct care membership. Members can designate him as their primary care physician and receive up to 25 office visits per year, direct access by phone, text, and email, and standard annual labs included in the membership.
Dr. Smith performs joint injections, joint aspirations, ultrasound-guided injections, and platelet rich plasma therapy. He also offers osteopathic manipulative medicine for chronic pain conditions including neck pain, low back pain, hip pain, and headache disorders.
Dr. Smith has contributed expert commentary to outlets including WebMD, Medscape, Healio, CreakyJoints, and Everyday Health. He has spoken at the Tennessee Osteopathic Medical Association and the American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He also served as president of the Tennessee Rheumatology Society from 2021 to 2024.
The Enduring Health program is a longevity-focused health plan Dr. Smith designed around measurable healthspan metrics. It includes VO2 max testing every six months, monthly body composition analysis, resting metabolic rate testing, cardiorespiratory and strength programming, advanced cardiovascular blood work, and genetic screening for dementia and cardiovascular disease.
Doctor profile last updated August 19, 2026