If you live in or around Cullman, Alabama, Cullman Internal Medicine offers comprehensive primary care services designed to support patients of all ages. Whether you are new to the area, changing doctors, or seeking care for your family, here are some helpful tips to guide you through the process of selecting the right primary care provider.
Why Choosing the Right Primary Care Doctor Matters
Your primary care provider plays a central role in your health journey. They do more than treat illnesses—they help you stay healthy through regular checkups, manage chronic conditions, and coordinate care with specialists when needed. A trusted provider can become a long-term partner in maintaining your health. Research even shows that patients value positive relationships with their primary care physician, and this value has a positive impact on health outcomes. Trusting relationships where patients feel valued and heard are at the heart of how we practice at Cullman Internal Medicine.
When you have a provider who listens, communicates clearly, and understands your health history, you are more likely to feel supported and to follow through with treatment plans. On the other hand, if you don’t feel comfortable or understood, it may lead to gaps in care or delays in addressing health issues.
Start with Practical Considerations
Before scheduling a visit, it’s helpful to narrow down your options by considering some basic factors. Some or all of these considerations may apply to you. As you look for a primary care physician in Cullman, we suggest you think about the following things:
- Insurance coverage: Check with your health insurance plan to find out which providers in Cullman are in-network. This can help you avoid unexpected costs and maximize your benefits. You can refer to your insurance plan to find covered providers or contact us directly. We can help you determine if Cullman Internal Medicine is covered by your insurance company.
- Location and convenience: Consider how close the provider’s office is to your home or workplace. Easy access can make it simpler to keep appointments, especially for follow-up visits. Cullman Internal Medicine is centrally located, making it convenient for many families in the Cullman area.
- Office hours and availability: Look at the practice’s office hours and whether they offer same-day appointments or telehealth services. Flexibility can be important if you have a busy schedule or need care unexpectedly.
- Hospital affiliation: If you prefer a specific hospital, check to see which hospital the provider is connected to for admissions or referrals.
These practical details help ensure the provider fits your day-to-day needs, making it easier to maintain regular care.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Primary Care Doctor
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, it’s a good idea to ask thoughtful questions before making a final decision. Our patient-centered approach to care means we always work with you to help you determine what is best for your health needs. We welcome conversations about how our practice operates. Here are some questions that can help you understand our approach and see if it aligns with your needs:
- What is the provider’s philosophy on preventive care and wellness?
• How do they prefer to communicate: through patient portals, phone calls, or in-person visits? Is telehealth an option?
• How easy is it to get an appointment when you need one?
• Does the office offer same-day or urgent visits?
• How does the provider handle referrals to specialists?
• What is their approach to managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension?
• Does the provider have experience with any specific health needs that are important to you or your family?
Asking these kinds of questions helps you gain a sense of how we operate and whether our approach aligns with your expectations.
Consider the Provider’s Experience and Specialty
Primary care doctors may come from various backgrounds, including internal medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics. Internal medicine providers, like those at Cullman Internal Medicine, specialize in caring for adults and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of conditions. Because of our large and diverse staff, we offer physicians who specialize in both internal medicine and family medicine. We also have a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, who works with our team to serve mental and emotional health needs.
It’s also valuable to consider the provider’s experience with certain health concerns you may have. For example, if you have ongoing medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or asthma, finding a provider with experience in managing these issues can help you feel more confident in your care.
Pay Attention to Communication and Comfort
One of the most important aspects of choosing a primary care provider is the quality of communication with them. During your first appointment or consultation, take note of how the provider interacts with you:
- Do they listen carefully to your questions and concerns?
• Do they explain things in a way that’s easy to understand?
• Do they take time to review your medical history and answer your questions?
• Do you feel comfortable being honest and open about your health?
A good provider-patient relationship is built on trust and clear communication. If you feel rushed or unheard, it may be a sign to keep looking. At Cullman Internal Medicine, providers emphasize listening carefully and building long-term relationships with patients to support their health goals.
Ask About the Care Team and Services Offered
Primary care is often supported by a team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, medical assistants, and administrative staff. It’s helpful to learn about the entire team’s role in your care. Ask about how lab work, preventive screenings, and follow-up communications are handled.
Cullman Internal Medicine offers a full range of primary care services, from routine checkups and lab testing to chronic disease management and preventive health screenings. Having these services in one location can make your care more seamless and convenient.
Seek Recommendations and Reviews
Personal recommendations from friends, family, or trusted community members can be a great way to learn about providers in the Cullman area. Online reviews can also provide insight into the experiences of other patients with a particular practice
Schedule a Visit to See if It’s the Right Fit
Sometimes the best way to decide is to schedule a new patient visit and experience the office firsthand. This gives you a chance to meet the provider and staff, see how the office operates, and decide whether it feels like the right environment for your healthcare needs.
Cullman Internal Medicine welcomes new patients and encourages you to ask questions and take an active role in your care from the very beginning.
Partnering with Cullman Internal Medicine for Your Health
Choosing a primary care doctor is an investment in your long-term health and well-being. By taking the time to consider practical details, asking the right questions, and evaluating communication and comfort, you can find a provider who supports your health goals.
Cullman Internal Medicine is committed to delivering compassionate, comprehensive primary care to adults in the Cullman community. With experienced providers, convenient services, and a patient-centered approach, our team is ready to be your trusted partner in health.
Bethany is a board-certified family medicine Nurse Practitioner. She grew up in Cullman, watching her father, a physician, and her mother, a nurse, care for patients with both their hearts and hands. She learned from them that not only working hard, but loving and treating patients like family would develop the career that best suited her desire to help others. She has been caring for patients at Cullman Internal Medicine for 25 years. Building long-lasting relationships with her patients is important to her, and she genuinely enjoys being a part of their lives. She strives to provide compassionate, competent medical care which fosters an environment of mutual trust and respect.
Bobi Jo Creel is a board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ANCC-ACNP) with over 20 years of nursing experience. Born and raised in Cullman County, Alabama, she is deeply committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to adults and seniors in her local community.
Alicia is from Thomasville, Ga, but practiced in Burlington, Iowa from 2017 until joining Cullman Internal Medicine in 2025. Most of Alicia’s experience is in rural primary healthcare, which is where she learned of her passion for caring for patients with diabetes. From 2023 – 2025, her sole focus was assisting individuals in manage their condition more effectively, with a strong emphasis on long-term health and prevention of complications.
Pam is a lifelong resident of Marshall County and a graduate of Albertville High School, Class of 1976. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1981. Pam began her career in emergency and critical care nursing, serving in both the ER and ICU. When Marshall Medical Center North (MMCN) opened in 1990, she became the Nurse Manager of the ICU.
Stacey Varden is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner who works alongside Dr. Jeremy Stidham in Internal Medicine. She earned her Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and collectively has over 18 years of nursing experience. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she served as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Children’s of Alabama, where she developed a strong foundation in acute and compassionate patient care.
Lorie Jones is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner born & raised in Cullman, Alabama. Her nursing career began in 1997 after earning her Licensed Practical Nursing diploma from Wallace State Community College, followed by an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2000. She gained extensive clinical experience working at both Woodland Medical Center and Cullman Regional Medical Center before advancing her education to become a nurse practitioner.
Mollie Dockery, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a passion for providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients of all ages. With over 14 years of nursing experience and two years in advanced practice, Mollie brings a deep understanding of patient needs, especially in managing chronic conditions and promoting preventive health. Her approach is rooted in empathy, education, and a strong commitment to individualized care.
Kristy is known for providing personalized, expert care in Sleep and Lung Health, where she empowers patients thru education, awareness, supportive listening and compassionate guidance. A Cullman native, Kristy is deeply rooted in our community and shares a sincere
With over 15 years of nursing experience, Nancy Cornell is a dedicated and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) committed to providing high-quality care to her patients. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Western Governors University in 2017, she went on to complete her Master’s degree in Nursing in 2022. For two years, Nancy has been a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, applying her expertise in community urgent care to treat a diverse range of health needs.
Clark Still is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Cullman Internal Medicine. Clark is also the founder of New Beginnings Counseling of Cullman. He specializes in Christian-Based Professional Counseling.
Charlie Thornton has spent more than 24 years caring for others in a variety of healthcare roles—including paramedic, registered nurse, and for the past 10 years, nurse practitioner. He began his training at Wallace State Community College, completed his nursing degree at Jacksonville State University, and went on to earn graduate degrees from the University of South Alabama, where he became board certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
Jeremy Stidham, M.D., is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has been caring for patients in Cullman for more than 15 years. He currently serves as President of Cullman Internal Medicine and the Cullman Physician Alliance, where he works alongside a team of dedicated colleagues to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Nathan is a highly experienced Nurse Practitioner with a rich background spanning over two decades in healthcare. For the past ten years, Nathan has been a vital part of the CIM team as a Nurse Practitioner, also serving as a hospitalist nurse practitioner when needed. His extensive foundation was built over 19 years as a critical care registered nurse. Nathan is an alumnus of Wallace State Community College (RN), Jacksonville State College (BSN), and UAB (MSN), holding his nurse practitioner certification from the ANCC.
Dr. Benjamin Rogers obtained a degree in Classical Studies from Hillsdale College before attending medical school at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He then completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University. He joined Cullman Internal Medicine in 2012.
Morgan McHugh, CRNP, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a special focus on diabetes management. A native of Hartselle, Alabama, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Dr. Erin Britt is a compassionate physician proudly serving her local community as a hometown provider. Raised in Cullman, Alabama, Dr. Britt graduated from Cullman High School. Her desire to care for others lead to enrollment at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), where she earned her medical degree.
The goal of my practice is to help patients achieve optimal health. Eating a balanced diet, exercising, taking care of our mental health, and achieving quality sleep are all crucial for feeling good and living a healthy, enjoyable life. However, sometimes weight gain and hormone imbalances can get in the way.
Naykala is a Triple Board-Certified physician with over 25yrs of experience, dedicated to delivering comprehensive patient-centered care. Her practice emphasizes a whole-body approach, combining traditional Internal Medicine with advanced training in Obesity Medicine and Medical Acupuncture. She evaluates complex medical conditions with a focus on identifying root causes–especially those contributing to weight gain—and provides thoughtful, integrative treatment plans. Naykala’s 10 years of service in the U.S. Air Force deepened her commitment to non-pharmacologic pain management, and acupuncture has become a meaningful part of how she cares for patients.
Dr Parker grew up in Cullman County and attended West Point High School. His path to medicine was not direct. After high school, He attended Wallace State Community college and received an associates degree in business. Shortly after graduating Brian was married to his wife Karen. Unsure of what to do next he left his job as a butcher for the local Walmart distribution center where he would work for the next 7 years. After reflecting on his goals and desire to help others he decided to pursue medicine.
Dr. Vintson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician originally from Cullman. She graduated medical school from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, AL, and completed residency training at UAB Family Medicine in Huntsville. Dr. Vintson practices medicine seeing the patient as a whole person, understanding there are many components of one’s life that affects overall health and wellness. She loves seeing a variety of patient ages throughout her day and feels this is what makes family medicine and primary care so special. In addition to routine primary care she especially enjoys women’s health and preventative medicine, including Pap smears and menopause care, as well as diabetes management, nutrition, and mental health care. Dr. Vintson loves the Lord and enjoys time on the lake with her family, fishing, hunting, gardening, and podcasts. She has two young children and a loving husband of 12 years.
Dr. Adam Harrison is proud to serve his hometown of Cullman as a dedicated physician. A local from East Elementary through Cullman High, he earned his Biomedical Sciences degree from Auburn University, completed medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and his residency at UAB Huntsville Family Medicine. Drawn by the opportunity to give back to his community, Dr. Harrison chose to build his career at Cullman Internal Medicine.