MONITORS BEEP. Patients are wheeled into sick bays. Codes are called. Through the bedlam of a busy emergency room (ER), Brian and Erica Cox found themselves growing from co-workers to friends, and eventually, falling in love.
In 2011, the pair worked side by side as ER registered nurses at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro.
“We were both living the crazy ER life, and we loved every minute of it,” Erica said. “We ended up dating, and we became best friends after some time. Brian loved to prank call me on the ER phone, pretending to be a patient calling in with ridiculous complaints.”
Humor kept the two going strong through their ER days. On Nov. 9, 2013, the happy couple married.
“Erica and I met while I was navigating difficult circumstances, and the first thing that caught my eye was her smile,” Brian said. “Her caring heart and genuine nature drew me in, and as we got to know each other, we realized we shared the same goals in life and a desire to honor God in all that we do.”
The newlyweds settled in Murfreesboro, and by fall 2014, they had built their first house in Christiana, where they would welcome their first child, Cayden. Now 11 years old, Cayden has become a star athlete and avid gamer. After the surprise of expecting twins, Erica delivered two beautiful girls, Landree and Kenadee, who just turned 5 years old. Juggling marriage, parenthood, and the demands of the ER became too much for a young family, so Brian and Erica made adjustments.
“The emergency room is a difficult place for a work-life balance for a growing family, so we both transitioned to different jobs and schedules,” Erica said.
The two stayed strong in their love, putting their faith and trust in God. With three children and years of health care experience between them, Brian and Erica began dreaming about their next vocational step: They wanted to open their own medical practice. The two had continued their education to become certified family nurse practitioners and were ready to branch out on their own.
“This was something we always knew we wanted but had to wait for the right time and for things to fall into place,” Erica said.
Brian knew that if they were going to do this, he wanted to move back to his hometown of Shelbyville and serve the community that raised him. Brian’s father, Dwight Cox, was a paramedic whose dedication to helping others inspired Brian to pursue a career in health care. Though Dwight has passed away, his heart for selfless service lives on through New Era Medical.
“Serving my hometown with Erica is an amazing opportunity. One of our guiding principles has always been a genuine desire to help others,” Brian said. “We wanted to be more than just another new business. Providing compassionate, Christian-based care to our community is a dream, and sharing this journey with Erica is a once-in-a-lifetime blessing.”
Erica said the experience of following their dreams back to the town where her husband’s journey started has been incredibly special.
“It’s so refreshing to meet these people he knows and grew up with and to see him get the chance to now treat their children,” Erica said.
The couple opened their family clinic together. They proudly launched New Era Medical Primary and Urgent Care in Shelbyville, aiming to promote health, wellness, and personal care to their community. The couple has a strong faith in God, and their clinic reflects that.
“We don’t work just for people, but so that God can show his love,” Erica said.
Brian and Erica said that they have structured their practice around Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
“When we worked for large corporations, we could not instill our own values and beliefs,” Erica said. “We can now make exceptions for ministries for patients in need.”
These ministries extend care beyond medicine to meet spiritual and emotional needs. New Era Medical offers both a female and male provider since they both work there; they understand that for some patients with mental health conditions or past trauma, this option is vital.
“Our business does not judge others, and they can come as they are. Everyone has been brought into this world for a purpose, but we are here to help people be the healthiest and best they can be,” Erica said.
Brian and Erica serve alongside each other as the owner-providers, and they have also brought Erica’s parents into the business. Her father, Bob, serves as office manager, accountant, and receptionist, while her mother, Linda, works as a receptionist and a medical assistant nurse. The team is rounded out by Bre, who also works as a medical assistant nurse.
“We just want people to have a joyful heart and to feel better than they did before,” Erica said, referencing Proverbs 17:22.
For the Cox family, caring for and loving others has been the foundation of their marriage, careers, and parenting journey.
“Relying on your faith is key. Marriage takes work, patience, and trust,” Brian said. “Time is a thief, so enjoy every moment and cherish every memory.”
The couple truly exemplifies the beauty of servanthood and intentional love. GN
