Meet Our Team
Our team is made up of highly trained medical professionals including physicians, pharmacists, and knowledgeable clinical staff. We look forward to caring for you and your family.
Words from Our Founder
Hitchcock Family Medicine was founded as a Direct Primary Care practice to bring medicine back to its roots: meaningful time with patients, free from the burden of excessive paperwork and red tape. Frustrated with the limits of traditional healthcare systems, I chose not to wait for external reforms but to lead the change myself. Here, medicine is practiced as it was meant to be — focused, patient-centered, and deeply fulfilling.
Meet Our Team
Together, our team provides personal, transparent, and integrated care. While each member has a specialty, we all share the same mission: putting patients first.
Dr. Matthew Hitchcock grew up in Dunlap, Tennessee and graduated from The McCallie School before earning his undergraduate degree in microbiology from Clemson University. He completed medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and was commissioned as an active-duty officer in the United States Navy. Dr. Hitchcock completed his Family Medicine residency at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in California.
During his military service, Dr. Hitchcock deployed twice on humanitarian missions to the South Pacific and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for extraordinary service. He also served as a faculty physician for the Family Medicine Residency Program and as Chief Medical Informatics Officer at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.
When Dr. Hitchcock transitioned out of the Navy and moved back home to Chattanooga, he and his wife, Kathleen, founded Hitchcock Family Medicine, the first Direct Primary Care practice in Tennessee. He is passionate about providing high quality, personal care to his patients.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Hitchcock enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He enjoys cooking, traveling, camping, hiking, and reading. He can often be found playing lacrosse or video games with his children or attending a Broadway show with his wife.
Originally born in Huntsville, Alabama, Dr. Ashley Sanders grew up near the beaches of St. Petersburg, Florida. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida before attending medical school at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. Upon graduation, she entered active duty as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy and completed her Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego.
During her military career, Dr. Sanders participated in a humanitarian mission aboard the USNS Mercy. She later served as a staff physician and Clinical Director for Aeromedical Evacuations at Naval Hospital Guam and completed her final tour at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, where she supervised Family Medicine residents and chaired the Infection Control Committee.
Dr. Sanders is proud to call Chattanooga home following her military service. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, and watching college football.
A Cleveland, Tennessee native, Dr. Todd Torbett has deep roots in Southeast Tennessee. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and his medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Following residency, Dr. Torbett returned home to serve the primary care needs of his community. His faith plays an important role in both his life and his approach to medicine. He is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and values building lasting relationships with his patients and their families.
Outside of the office, Dr. Torbett enjoys spending time with his wife, and their daughter. Together, they enjoy traveling, listening to music, watching movies, cooking meals as a family, and cheering on the Volunteers each fall at Neyland Stadium.
Dr. Michael Shepherd spent much of his childhood and early adult life in California. He earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University and completed his Family Medicine residency in Hinsdale, Illinois.
He began his career serving as the sole physician in a small northern California town, where he managed a rural hospital and emergency department. This early experience shaped his practical, full-scope approach to family medicine. He later founded and operated two private practices before moving to Chattanooga, where he spent 12 years as a faculty physician with the Chattanooga Family Medicine Residency Program, teaching procedures and mentoring future physicians.
Dr. Shepherd and his wife, have two children and are the proud grandparents of four. He enjoys woodworking and values the time he spends with his grandchildren.
Dr. Erik Ewing was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. He served four years in the United States Air Force, where he worked as an Arabic cryptologic linguist before pursuing his calling in medicine.
Dr. Ewing earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his Family Medicine residency in Rome, Georgia. He is passionate about developing strong, lasting relationships with individuals and families. His primary focus is early disease prevention, while also providing comprehensive care for patients managing chronic conditions.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Ewing enjoys supporting his family’s activities and being actively involved in his community. He and his wife, are proud parents of four boys and spend countless hours cheering them on at their sporting events.
Kathleen grew up in South Carolina and attended Clemson University, where she completed her undergraduate degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. After working in research for a few years, she returned to the classroom to study nursing and graduated with her BSN from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. The first part of her nursing career was spent in Labor and Delivery, where she was passionate about building trust and supporting her patients while they were in her care.
In 2015, when her husband (Dr. Hitchcock) transitioned out of the Navy, they moved back to Chattanooga and started Hitchcock Family Medicine. As a nurse, Kathleen focused on building relationships with patients and ensuring they felt like an integral part in their healthcare team. As the business has grown, she has gradually stepped back from nursing duties and into the role of Practice Manager and then Chief Operating Officer.
In her free time, Kathleen enjoys reading, listening to music, crocheting, traveling, baking, and spending time with her husband and their four children.
Originally from North Georgia and now based in Chattanooga, Miranda earned her nursing degree from Chattanooga State, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Dalton State, and a Master of Business Administration from Kennesaw State University. She has more than 10 years of experience in healthcare, providing patient-centered care across a variety of settings.
Miranda is passionate about helping patients feel empowered in their health journey. She focuses on building trust, offering guidance, and creating a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable and actively participating in their care.
Outside of work, Miranda enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, traveling, reading, and trying new recipes.
Lexi grew up in Cleveland, Tennessee, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lee University. She has over five years of experience in primary care and began her nursing career in the emergency room, gaining valuable experience in fast-paced, high-acuity environments.
Lexi values family medicine for the continuity it provides, allowing her to build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients across the lifespan. She creates a welcoming, compassionate environment where patients feel respected, supported, and confident in their care.
Outside of work, Lexi enjoys spending time with her husband and their daughter, building a life centered on faith, family, and community.
A Chattanooga native, Mia earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, graduating with honors. Her nursing experience in primary care, women’s health, postpartum, and behavioral health, give her a broad foundation to support patients of all ages.
Mia works to ensure every patient feels comfortable, heard, and supported. She values building strong relationships and providing thoughtful, patient-centered care.
Outside of work, Mia enjoys baking, gardening, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and their pup.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Josi earned her nursing degree from Southern Adventist University in Chattanooga. With over nine years of clinical experience, she is passionate about family medicine and pediatrics, focusing on supporting families.
Josi is dedicated to helping patients feel supported and confident in their care. Her experience traveling has broadened her perspective and enhanced her ability to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. She takes pride in providing clear guidance and reassurance to help families navigate their healthcare needs.
Outside of work, Josi enjoys cooking homemade meals, volunteering in her community, and spending time with her husband.
Originally from West Virginia, Chris now calls Chattanooga home. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lee University and has specialized experience in cardiac telemetry.
Chris brings a strong work ethic and a compassionate approach to patient care. In addition to his work in healthcare, he proudly serves in the Air National Guard, reflecting his commitment to service both in and out of uniform.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys baking desserts and spending time with his beloved dog, Gaius.
Erin grew up in upstate New York and earned her nursing degree from Cedarville University. Before joining Hitchcock Family Medicine, she spent three years in the neonatal intensive care unit, developing a strong foundation in compassionate, patient-centered care.
Erin values the relationships built in family medicine and strives to ensure each patient feels cared for and supported. She is dedicated to delivering thoughtful, attentive care to patients of all ages.
Outside of work, Erin enjoys traveling with her husband, visiting local farmers markets, and trying new restaurants around Chattanooga.
Originally from Chattanooga, Jesse spent several years in New York City pursuing his education and working in film and theater as an actor and filmmaker. His background in storytelling shapes his approach to patient care, with a focus on empathy, connection, and meaningful communication. He is passionate about strengthening community relationships and ensuring patients feel heard, respected, and confident in their care. As the Patient Experience Coordinator at HFM, Jesse is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for every patient and family.
Outside of work, Jesse enjoys spending time with his husband and their son, sharing a love for the performing arts and their Chattanooga community.
Dr. Robby Eskridge is a Georgia native who began his pharmacy career working as a shift supervisor and pharmacy tech while still in high school. He went on to attend the University of Georgia for his undergraduate degree and obtained his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree before relocating to Chattanooga. Bringing over 20 years of experience in retail, clinical, and long-term care pharmacy, he is committed to transparent pricing, strong patient relationships, and patient-first care.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, golf, cooking, travel, live music, as well as running his camper van rental business, Nomad Be Happy.
Dr. Neil Patel is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He graduated from The McCallie School before heading to Boston, Massachusetts, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering and was a member of the men’s soccer team. He later returned to the South to attend medical school and complete his residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Dr. Patel went on to complete an advanced fellowship in Body Imaging at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
Dr. Patel has been practicing full time in the North Georgia region and is proud to serve as the Director of Imaging at Hitchcock Direct Imaging.
In his free time, Dr. Patel enjoys spending time with his four young children. You can often find him on the sports field, either coaching or cheering from the stands. He also enjoys summer days on the lake and a good round of golf.
Sara grew up in Warner Robins, Georgia and earned her degree in Radiologic Technology from Central Georgia Technical College. She later moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee to pursue advanced training in Computed Tomography and earned her CT certification from Chattanooga State Community College. Sara has since gained extensive experience in both outpatient and hospital-based imaging and focuses on providing high-quality imaging services with compassionate patient care.
Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending time with her husband and son, trying new recipes, attending live music events, reading, embroidering, and hiking to waterfalls.
Kalyn is originally from Simi Valley, California, and graduated from West Coast Ultrasound Institute before relocating to Chattanooga. With over five years of experience in outpatient ultrasound, including general imaging and procedural support, Kalyn strives to make each patient feel comfortable, informed, and genuinely cared for. She considers it a privilege to support patients from early pregnancy through geriatric care, walking alongside them during meaningful moments in their health journey.
Outside of her clinical work, Kalyn enjoys spending time with her daughter, hiking, traveling, boating, and participating in her church and local community.
Care Built Around Relationships
At Hitchcock Medical Group, healthcare is more than office visits. Our physicians, nurses, and staff work together as a coordinated team to provide more personal care, better continuity, and easier access when you need us.
RELATIONSHIP-BASED CARE
We believe healthcare works best when patients are truly known by their care team.
PHYSICIAN-LED EXPERTISE
Your care team works directly alongside your physician every day.
TEAM-BASED SUPPORT
Our nurses, staff, and physicians collaborate closely to coordinate your care.
COMPASSIONATE CARE
We strive to make healthcare feel more personal, accessible, and human.
TRANSPARENT & TRUSTED
Clean communication, transparent pricing, and long-term relationships are central to how we practice medicine.
Testimonials
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