Dr. Shenary CotterBSN, MD, FAAFP
Family Medicine
at Gainesville Direct Primary Care Physicians — Newberry, FL
About
Shenary Cotter, BSN, MD, FAAFP, holds dual board certifications in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine, adding the Obesity Medicine certification in 2023. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine and completed her Family Medicine residency there as well, serving as Chief Resident of the OB track in 2000. A National Health Service Corps Scholarship took her to an underserved area in East Tennessee, where she practiced full-scope family medicine including operative obstetrics.
Dr. Cotter's career has spanned hospitalist medicine, emergency medicine, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and outpatient care. Before co-founding Gainesville Direct Primary Care Physicians, she served as faculty at the University of Florida, teaching clinical medicine to medical students and sitting on the College of Medicine Admissions Committee. Her surgical background enables her to perform a broad range of procedures for members. She is passionate about helping patients achieve their healthiest selves through both lifestyle change and medical treatment and actively supports Healthy At Every Size practices. She currently accepts patients under the Obesity Medicine Intensive membership only.
Education & Training
Medical School
University of Florida College of Medicine
Residency
Family Medicine (Chief Resident, OB track), University of Florida College of Medicine, 2000
Additional Training
National Health Service Corps Scholarship; Board Certification in Obesity Medicine (2023)
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Cotter right for?
Dr. Cotter is an excellent fit for adults focused on weight management, metabolic health, and preventive care. Patients dealing with obesity, hypertension, or diabetes benefit from her dual board certifications in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine. She works well with patients who want a physician who integrates lifestyle change alongside medical treatment. She currently accepts new patients under the Obesity Medicine Intensive membership only.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Cotter currently accepts new patients under the Obesity Medicine Intensive membership only. Patients interested in weight management, metabolic health, and related chronic conditions should inquire about this membership option.
Yes. Dr. Cotter obtained her board certification in Obesity Medicine in 2023. She also holds board certification in Family Medicine and carries the FAAFP designation.
Dr. Cotter earned her medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine. She completed her Family Medicine residency there as well, serving as Chief Resident of the OB track and finishing in 2000.
Dr. Cotter focuses on obesity, hypertension, diabetes, acute infections, and cardiovascular conditions. Her Obesity Medicine certification reflects a deep clinical commitment to weight management through both lifestyle intervention and medical treatment.
Yes. Dr. Cotter's training includes operative obstetrics, and her surgical background allows her to perform a broad range of procedures for practice members. She has also practiced emergency medicine and hospitalist medicine throughout her career.
Yes. Dr. Cotter served as faculty at the University of Florida College of Medicine, where she taught clinical medicine to medical students and served on the Admissions Committee.
Dr. Cotter supports Healthy At Every Size practices and believes patients deserve help achieving their healthiest selves through a combination of lifestyle change and appropriate medical treatment. She focuses on individualized, non-judgmental care for patients navigating weight-related health concerns.
Doctor profile last updated April 10, 2026