“Doctor, I Have This…” – When to See Your Internal Medicine Physician
Knowing when to see your doctor isn’t always easy. Many people wait until something feels really wrong, while others hesitate because they don’t want to bother their doctor or assume their symptoms will pass on their own. But at Cullman Internal Medicine, your physician wants to hear from you, especially before a small issue turns into a larger health problem.
Cullman Internal Medicine isn’t just here when you’re sick. We are your lifelong partner in managing your overall health. Understanding when to schedule a visit can make a big difference in your long-term well-being. For some, deciding when to set up an appointment can be challenging. Read on for more information about making an informed decision about when to make that appointment.
The Role of an Internal Medicine Physician
Internal medicine doctors focus on preventing, diagnosing, and managing a wide range of conditions that affect the body’s internal systems, such as the heart, lungs, digestive system, and others.
Your internal medicine doctor at Cullman Internal Medicine can:
- Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
- Diagnose and treat acute illnesses like infections or injuries.
- Coordinate care with specialists when needed.
- Provide preventive services, including screenings and wellness exams.
Whether you’re feeling unwell or just trying to stay healthy, your primary care physician at Cullman Internal Medicine serves as your first point of contact for medical concerns.
When to Schedule a Visit for New or Concerning Symptoms
If you notice new symptoms that last more than a few days or seem to be worsening, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Common reasons adults visit their internal medicine physician include:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness: Feeling unusually tired can be a sign of various conditions, including thyroid problems, sleep disorders, or other underlying health issues.
- Unexplained weight changes: Gaining or losing weight without changes in diet or exercise may signal hormone imbalances or metabolic concerns.
- Shortness of breath or chest discomfort: These symptoms should never be ignored, as they may point to heart or lung issues.
- Digestive problems: Ongoing heartburn, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation could indicate food intolerances, reflux, or gastrointestinal disorders.
- Frequent infections: Recurring colds, sinus infections, or urinary tract infections may require further investigation.
- Changes in skin or moles: Sudden changes in skin texture, color, or the appearance of new growths should always be evaluated.
- Mood or sleep changes: Difficulty sleeping, feeling anxious, or experiencing a prolonged low mood can all impact your physical health.
You don’t need to wait until symptoms are severe. Your physician can help identify early signs of disease, provide treatment, and guide you toward healthy habits that prevent complications.
Managing Chronic Conditions
Many adults live with ongoing conditions that require regular monitoring, and primary care serves as the first line of defense in their management. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, arthritis, or heart disease, we recommend consulting your physician regularly to stay on top of your health.
Routine visits help ensure that:
- Your medications are working properly.
- Your lab results stay within healthy ranges.
- Complications are detected early.
- You have support in managing diet, exercise, and lifestyle goals.
At Cullman Internal Medicine, physicians take time to adjust treatment plans as your health changes, helping you live well and stay active.
Preventive Visits: The Checkups You Shouldn’t Skip
Even if you feel healthy, preventive care is one of the most important reasons to see your doctor. Annual wellness exams enable your physician to monitor trends in your health and identify potential problems before they develop.
During a routine visit, your doctor may:
- Review your personal and family medical history.
- Check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
- Update vaccinations and discuss cancer screenings.
- Talk with you about nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
For many people, these yearly checkups are the foundation of good health. They also build trust and communication between you and your physician—making it easier to talk about any changes you notice later.
When Minor Issues Become Major Concerns
Sometimes, small symptoms can point to something more serious. It’s easy to dismiss mild aches, frequent headaches, or a little dizziness as “normal,” but if these issues persist, it’s worth checking in.
A few examples:
- Frequent headaches might indicate high blood pressure or vision problems.
- Swelling in the legs or feet could signal circulation or heart issues.
- Chronic cough or hoarseness may require further testing to rule out respiratory conditions.
Your internal medicine doctor’s job is to look deeper—to find the root cause and make sure nothing more significant is going on.
When You’re Unsure, Ask
It’s normal to wonder whether something is worth scheduling an appointment for. When in doubt, the safest option is to reach out. The staff at Cullman Internal Medicine can help determine whether you need an in-person visit, lab testing, or other evaluation.
Sometimes a quick call can prevent weeks of unnecessary worry—or lead to early detection of an issue that’s easier to treat when caught early.
How Often Should You See Your Internal Medicine Physician?
While specific schedules vary by age and health status, most adults should:
- Have a wellness exam annually.
- Follow up more frequently if they have chronic conditions or new symptoms.
- Stay current on screenings, such as cholesterol, colon cancer, and diabetes testing.
Regular visits aren’t just for illness; they’re opportunities to build a strong partnership with your doctor and take charge of your health.
Partnering with Cullman Internal Medicine for Lifelong Health
At Cullman Internal Medicine, the team of experienced internal medicine physicians provides compassionate, comprehensive care for adults in the Cullman community. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, experiencing new symptoms, or simply due for a checkup, they offer personalized attention designed to keep you feeling your best.
Patients at Cullman Internal Medicine benefit from:
- A trusted relationship with a physician who knows their health history.
- Convenient access to lab testing and diagnostic services.
- A focus on preventive care and early intervention.
- Coordinated care with specialists when needed.
Their approach emphasizes listening, education, and teamwork—so you always feel confident and informed about your health.
The Takeaway: Don’t Wait Until It’s Urgent
Your body gives signals when something isn’t right. Listening to those signals—and scheduling a visit with your internal medicine physician—can make all the difference in your overall health.
At Cullman Internal Medicine, your doctor is here to guide you through every stage of adult life, from preventive care and chronic disease management to everyday concerns that pop up along the way. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward better health and peace of mind.
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.