Dr. Carlton CoveyMD, DipABLM, AAFP, Col USAF, MC
Family Medicine
at Athena Direct Primary Care & Lifestyle Medicine — Pittsford, NY
About
Dr. Carlton Covey, MD, DipABLM, AAFP, Col USAF, MC, earned his Doctor of Medicine from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. His undergraduate work in Exercise Science and Cardiac Rehabilitation at Ithaca College, followed by a Master of Education in Exercise Physiology from the University of Georgia, gave him a deep foundation in human physiology before medical school. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Malcolm Grow Medical Center, Andrews AFB, where he was selected as Chief Resident. He later completed a Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at Uniformed Services University.
S. Air Force, retiring at the rank of Colonel. His final military role was Program Director of the Travis Sports Medicine Fellowship at Travis Air Force Base, where he launched the program, designed its musculoskeletal ultrasound curriculum, and secured ACGME accreditation. Born and raised in Caledonia, New York, he joins Athena Direct Primary Care & Lifestyle Medicine in Fall 2026 after relocating with his family. He holds board certification in Family Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, B.S. Exercise Science / Cardiac Rehabilitation, Cum Laude (1994–1998)
Medical School
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, Doctor of Medicine (MD) (2002–2006)
Residency
Family Medicine, Malcolm Grow Medical Center, Andrews AFB, MD (2006–2009), Chief Resident (2008–2009)
Fellowship
Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD (2015–2016); Faculty Development Fellowship, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI (2010–2011)
Additional Training
Master of Education (M.Ed.), Exercise Physiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (1998–2000); Air War College, Air University (Correspondence, 2020)
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Covey right for?
Dr. Covey is a strong fit for adults who want a physician with deep expertise in both musculoskeletal health and chronic disease prevention. Patients managing sports injuries, joint pain, or activity-limiting conditions benefit from his Sports Medicine training. He also serves adults focused on lifestyle-based approaches to long-term health. Patients who value a physician who takes time to explain the reasoning behind their care will find his educational philosophy a natural match.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Covey officially begins seeing patients in September 2026 after relocating from the west coast with his family. He offers virtual Meet & Greet appointments as early as June 2026 for prospective patients who want to connect before his arrival. The practice is currently accepting waitlist enrollments for his panel.
Dr. Covey holds triple board certification in Family Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. S. Air Force Medical Corps. These credentials span more than two decades of clinical and academic practice.
Dr. Covey focuses on musculoskeletal injuries and sports medicine, chronic disease management, and cardiovascular disease prevention. His clinical interests include musculoskeletal health, lifestyle-based approaches to chronic conditions, and patient education around exercise physiology and body function.
S. Air Force, retiring as a Colonel. He cared for active-duty service members throughout his career, directed a sports medicine fellowship program at Travis Air Force Base, and held faculty and associate program director roles in Family Medicine. He secured ACGME accreditation for the Travis Sports Medicine Fellowship and designed its musculoskeletal ultrasound curriculum.
Ed. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Georgia. He completed his medical degree at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. His Family Medicine residency was at Malcolm Grow Medical Center, Andrews AFB, where he served as Chief Resident, followed by a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Uniformed Services University.
Dr. Covey believes patients gain confidence and agency when they truly understand their own bodies. He emphasizes education as a core part of every clinical encounter. He integrates Lifestyle Medicine principles into his practice, focusing on prevention, movement, and chronic disease management through evidence-based, sustainable strategies.
Yes. Dr. Covey offers complimentary virtual Meet & Greet appointments starting as early as June 2026. These no-obligation sessions give prospective patients a chance to meet him and ask questions before he begins seeing patients in September 2026.
Yes. Dr. Covey grew up in Caledonia, New York, just outside Rochester. He returns to the region in Fall 2026 when he and his family relocate from the west coast to join Athena Direct Primary Care & Lifestyle Medicine.
Doctor profile last updated April 4, 2026