About
Dr. Jeffrey Heckert is a board-certified family physician with more than 30 years of experience practicing in coastal Delaware. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware in 1981, then went on to earn his Doctorate of Medicine from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He completed his internship and family medicine residency at the Medical Center of Delaware (Christiana Care) in Wilmington, finishing his training in 1992.
Dr. Heckert holds board certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine and carries the Fellow designation from the American Academy of Family Physicians. He first came to the Lewes and Rehoboth Beach area at 17. His years working as a lifeguard with the Rehoboth Beach Patrol, where he provided emergency first aid, drew him toward medicine. He opened his first practice in Rehoboth Beach in 1991. Preventive medicine has been his clinical passion throughout that career. He applies his engineering background daily, using a problem-solving mindset to diagnose and prevent disease. Dr. Heckert serves on the faculty as a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Family Medicine at Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University. He holds an affiliation with Beebe Medical Center. Outside the office, he lives in Lewes with his wife and their dog Rhett. He spends time on the water and is an avid woodworker currently working to master woodturning.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Delaware, B.S. Civil Engineering, 1981
Medical School
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA — Doctorate of Medicine 1989
Residency
Family Medicine, Medical Center of Delaware (Christiana Care), Wilmington, DE, 1990-1992
Additional Training
Internship, Medical Center of Delaware (Christiana Care), Wilmington, DE, 1989-1990
Certifications
Who is Dr. Heckert right for?
Dr. Heckert is a strong fit for adults who want a physician focused on prevention and long-term health management. Patients managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular risk benefit from his proactive clinical approach. His engineering-trained problem-solving style suits patients who want thorough diagnostic thinking and clear explanations. Those who value a long-term relationship with a single, accessible physician will find his practice model well-suited to their needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Heckert specializes in family medicine and preventive medicine. Prevention has been his primary clinical passion throughout his career. He approaches each patient with the goal of identifying and addressing health risks before they become serious conditions.
Yes. Dr. Heckert holds board certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine. He also holds the Fellow designation from the American Academy of Family Physicians (FAAFP), recognizing his ongoing commitment to the specialty.
Dr. Heckert earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He then completed both his internship and his family medicine residency at the Medical Center of Delaware (Christiana Care) in Wilmington, finishing in 1992.
Dr. Heckert has practiced medicine for more than 30 years. He opened his first practice in Rehoboth Beach in 1991. Before joining MDVIP, he helped build the largest primary care practice in Sussex County.
Dr. Heckert earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware before entering medicine. He applies that analytical, problem-solving approach every day in his clinical work. He uses it to work through diagnoses and develop strategies for preventing disease.
Dr. Heckert maintains an affiliation with Beebe Medical Center. This gives his patients access to coordinated care when hospital services become necessary.
Yes. Dr. Heckert serves as a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Family Medicine at Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University. He has held this role since 2000.
Yes. Dr. Heckert is reachable by phone after hours and on weekends for urgent matters. This direct access is a core feature of his MDVIP practice membership.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026