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W. James Pettit, MD

Family Medicine

Hospital Affiliations
INOVA Alexandria Hospital
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Dr. Pettit

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MDVIP Annual Membership Fee
MDVIP’s annual fee covers the Wellness Program and generally can be made in quarterly, semi-annual and annual payments. Payment options vary by physician.
Quarterly
$600.00*
Semi-Annual
$1,200.00*
Annual
$2,400.00*
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About W. James Pettit, MD

I believe each of us can achieve optimal health regardless of our stage in life or current medical condition.  As your personal doctor, I will partner with you to find your best path to wellness based on your individual circumstances and needs.  The essence of good medicine is a strong and trusting doctor-patient relationship.  This begins by taking the time to listen to all of your concerns and treating you compassionately as an individual, not simply as a number or a diagnosis.

I emphasize preventive medicine and early detection, as most conditions can be successfully managed if caught early.  I look for non-pharmocologic  treatment (i.e., lifestyle modifications) where possible, reserving prescription medication for when necessary.  For acute illness, I am committed to seeing you with a same-day or next-day appointment.

As a primary care physician and family doctor, I enjoy seeing patients of all ages and backgrounds.  I have particular interest in cardiovascular health, diabetes, asthma and allergies.  I also see patients at a senior living community where I attend to the unique medical and social challenges that arise as we age.  I serve Northern Virginia and the greater Washington metro area.  I look forward to providing you with the medical care you need for optimal health.

Residency

Medical College of Virginia
Fairfax, VA
Family Practice 1997-2000

Internship

INOVA Fairfax Hospital
Falls Church, VA
1997-1998

Medical School

Jefferson Medical College
Philadelphia PA
Doctorate of Medicine 1997

Undergraduate

Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Bachelor of Arts, American Studies 1982

Board Certified in Family Medicine

INOVA Alexandria Hospital

Best Doctors in America® 2014

American Academy of Family Physicians

Virginia

Personal interests include cycling and cooking.

Benefits of joining Dr. Pettit's practice with MDVIP

MDVIP Wellness Program
Expect comprehensive screenings and tests and a custom wellness plan designed for you.
Better Doctor-Patient Relationship
97% of MDVIP members are satisfied with their relationship (vs 58% in traditional PCP).
Same/Next-Day Appointments
See Dr. Pettit quickly and take your time during each appointment.
Reachable 24/7
Reach Dr. Pettit by phone after-hours and on weekends.
Smaller Practice Size
MDVIP practices are smaller than most primary care practices, which means your doctor has more time to help you.
Your Dedicated Doctor
See Dr. Pettit when you go to the office — not someone else like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant
Travel Benefits
If you need urgent care while traveling, your physician can help arrange your care with a local hospital, pharmacy or doctor.
Medical Centers of Excellence
For patients who need care beyond what is available locally, MDVIP can connect your doctor with specialists at some of the country’s leading medical institutions
Better Health Outcomes
Members have better control of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.
Remote video URL
Dr. Pettit Waiting Room
Dr. Pettit Reception
Dr. Pettit Reception

The office of W. James Pettit, MD

Primary Office
6160 Fuller Court
Alexandria, VA 22310
Get Directions
Hours
Mon 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tue 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wed 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thu 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Fri 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sat Closed
Sun Closed

What our members are saying

I had a leaking aneurysm several years ago. It struck while I was out of town and had to rely on unknown Dr.s for care and treatment. It went well, but when I came home I needed advice and guidance on various professionals I still needed to see. My then doctor was sensitive, but not engaged. I ended up changing Dr.s and found Dr. Pettite. By the time we met my aneurysm issue was over but I was…
March 11, 2024
Best thing I ever did was switch to Dr. Pettit's MDVIP Practice. From day one my complaints/ symptoms were listened to. From there on problems identified and sound common sense professional instructions received, understood and taken care of with trust. Knowing I have my physicians support plays a big part in my wellness. He is a very professional, knowledgeable and caring doctor.
January 18, 2024
Dr Pettit did a superb job of guiding me through a very serious illness,
He was very compassionate and was always available when needed, including some weekends.
I would recommend Dr. Pettit and MDVIP to anyone looking for a doctor or looking to change doctors.
May 17, 2022
Dr Petit, has watched over my families health for over 20 years. He’s been there as my two beautiful babies grew into two healthy young women. There have been many health issues we have dealt with in our family. Doctor Petit has been there through all of them. He’s gently steered us in healthy living and he has always been there in our personal crisis. I know of no other physician who would…
March 19, 2020

Reviews from the web

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03/29/2025 C David Threatt
I've been a member of MDVIP for several years. I believe Dr. Pettit, nurse Pauline, and the rest of his staff are concerned for my health. My visits are like visiting with old friends. I trust them!
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02/22/2025 Mike Stinson
I could not be happier with Dr. Pettit. He is always very attentive, explains things thoroughly, and takes the time to full answer questions and discuss options. I completely trust his medical judgment.
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02/27/2023 David Cohen
Dr. Pettit and his support staff are everything that I expected from my MDVIP experience -- quality, responsive and (sometimes) proactive healthcare. I am 66 years old and I truly feel as though I have the best doctor (my opinion) proactively managing my healthcare and caring for my wellness. In short, I can not be more pleased!
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02/08/2023 Nilo Balatbat
Great
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07/07/2022 Brian Darville
Dr Pettit provides expert advice efficiently in a relaxed atmosphere. I feel I am getting great medical advice and care from a true expert who cares for and guides me as a patient. The service is invaluable.
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02/10/2022 steve novak
What more can you want and expect from your primary health care physician then the comfort and security of knowing you can be seen when you need to be seen, and most importantly, know that you are being provided the absolute best service available.
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06/17/2021 Peter Noreiko
I have been with Dr. Pettit and his practice for a number of years now and I find Dr. Pettit as a very high ranking doctor in family medicine, Dr. Pettit has a very nice patient examination room bed side manner and he listens to me when there are complex questions in regards to my medical problems. I really appreciate all that he has done in the past, present and will be treating me in the future. Many thanks Peter
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05/24/2021 Jason Jordan
I’ve been going to Dr. Pettit for years. Great doctor!
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04/22/2021 Nicole lamoureux
Dr Pettit and his entire team are amazing. This practice is understanding, caring and truly want to help patients have the best health possible. This is the first time ever that I have felt completely comfortable with a doctor and control of my health.
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12/02/2020 Joel S.
I've been going to Dr. Pettit for a very long time. I have the utmost confidence in his medical skills and I completely trust him with my healthcare. He's always there when I need him. He's the very best. Dr. Pettit gets 5 Stars.
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11/24/2020 Thomas Mangum
Have been a 20 year patient of this practice, and I have found the staff and the Doctors to be personable, and a joy to visit when having health related issues. Dr. Pettit is a very good listener and spends the time that is necessary to get to know his patients and their issues. Dr. Pettit is a great family doctor, and if your issue requires a specialists he has a comprehensive list of Physicians that he will refer you to.
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10/30/2020 Alex Larzelere
I have been seeing Dr. Pettit as my GP for years and I always enjoy my visits with him. The care he provides seems like a real partnership. Through his exams, he exposes important information about my health. Then, working together, we build a plan for my care. Thank you!
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02/06/2020 Ralph Longmire
Dr. Pettit is a true professional and the absolute best GP in the DC area. My wife and I have been his patients for years and he has literally saved my wife's life on two occasions. I do not have enough praiseworthy comments for him and his staff, and we are extremely fortunate to have him as our primary care physician!!!
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03/06/2019 David Knight
I was a patient before Dr. Pettit joined MDVIP. I decided to join too, because not only is Dr. Pettit a great doctor, he’s a genuinely nice, caring person. In short, he is exactly the kind of doctor we all want.
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04/18/2018 Patrick Balchunas
Recent update 3/15/25
Doctor Petit is more than a family physician. He is a friend. He has watched my children grow up for 18 years. He has been there in trying times. He calls or text me to touch base. He listens and supports . He gently guides me away from unhealthy life issues. I can’t say enough about him except I hope he never retires.

Unfortunately, Dr. Petit’s receptionist is less than friendly. I have found her to be abrasive, and confrontational at the most in opportune times. I understand that I have my own personal issues and can probably be a jerk sometimes but thats just it, im dealing with a lot of health issues and I am coming to Doctor Petit for help. Im not in my best state when im coming to Franconia Family Medicine. Im seeking help. Lately I find myself not wanting to to make appointments because I dont want to deal with the receptionist. I use the portal rather than call, kinda stinks
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11/26/2013 Chas R
The doctors are very good, but there is not much attention towards patient service. It's difficult to make appointments and the office staff take lunch brakes and have whole days off for training. There is no possibility of weekend or after business hours care.
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10/30/2013 Katelyn Gately
I went today for the first time as a new patient and saw Susan Bienert MD. She was amazing!! She took the time to tell me about new health practices to add to my daily routine. She showed a general interest in my health, well being, life, and future. Hands down the best doctor experience I've ever experienced. Great for doctors and people like her!!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Doctors who operate in the MDVIP models typically see far fewer patients than traditional primary care doctors. That gives them more time to develop deeper doctor-patient relationships that can lead to better outcomes. They can also offer conveniences that most primary care doctors can’t, including same- and next-day appointments. They’re available after hours for urgent matters. And they have time to focus on prevention. That focus begins with the MDVIP Wellness Program, which patients pay for with their annual membership fee.

Most MDVIP-affiliated primary care practices accept insurance (your physician can tell you whether they accept your specific insurance plan). Your annual fee pays for preventive care medical services that insurance usually doesn’t cover (e.g., advanced diagnostic testing and screenings). Your MDVIP-affiliated physician will continue to bill your insurance and charge copays, co-insurances and deductibles as he or she currently does for other medical services like sick visits.

MDVIP makes wellness and prevention easier by providing your physician with innovative tools and technology. MDVIP supports your physician’s practice and seeks to eliminate barriers to a positive healthcare experience. Your doctor will determine whether and how to incorporate these tools at his/her discretion.

**The message above is a personal introduction from the physician, intended to help you get to know them better. The views, opinions, and statements expressed above are solely those of the physician and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of MDVIP. This content is intended for general background purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any mentions of expertise or quality of care are personal expressions and should not be interpreted as guarantees of performance or outcomes.