Katie Farmer, RDN

Katie Katie is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 15 years of experience
empowering individuals to manage chronic conditions through sustainable
nutrition and lifestyle modifications. Throughout her career, she has
specialized in providing Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to help clients
achieve lasting weight loss and effectively manage diabetes and chronic
kidney disease. Katie earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and
Dietetics from Samford University and completed her Dietetic Internship at
the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is deeply passionate about
partnering with individuals to implement realistic, long-term changes that
support their personal health goals. Outside of the clinic, Katie is a devoted
wife to her husband of 15 years, loving mother to their two children, and
cherishes family time exploring the outdoors, making a new recipe, and
volunteering time with children at St. John’s Church.

Melinda Hart, M.D.

Bobi Jo Creel, CRNP

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.

She began her nursing career after graduating from Wallace State Community College in 2005, working in critical care units in both Birmingham and Cullman. Her passion for advanced patient care led her to pursue further education, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jacksonville State University in 2011 where she graduated at the top of her class, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2012.

With a strong foundation in both bedside and advanced practice nursing, Bobi Jo is passionate about delivering personalized, evidence-based care to adult and senior patients. Her professional interests include complex care management, senior health education, and improving healthcare accessibility for aging populations.

In addition to her clinical practice, she is a published freelance writer and speaker who is committed to sharing the compassionate side of medicine. Her mission is to provide clear, transparent healthcare guidance and empower patients—especially seniors—to take an active role in their health.
Outside of her medical career, her greatest joy comes from time spent with her husband and their son. In her free time, she enjoys photography, serving in her church, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves. Known for her love of people, Bobi Jo believes in treating every patient with the same respect, kindness, and attention she would give her own family.

Alicia Lee, CRNP

Alicia Lee 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.

Alicia graduated from Valdosta State University with her Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing degrees. A few years later she pursued post-graduate education through Duke University and earned an Endocrinology Specialty Certificate. She went on to show her expertise in diabetes management by becoming board certified in advanced diabetes management (BC-ADM) through the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES). Having this certification shows her commitment to staying current with the latest guidelines, medications, and technology to benefit her patients with diabetes.

In 2025, she moved to Cullman AL, with her husband and two boys as they have extended family in the area. They have enjoyed becoming a part of the community and look forward to raising their children in Alabama.

Tony Ruse, M.D.

MuscleJointMed.com

Pamela Williams, CRNP

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.

She later pursued advanced practice training at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where she earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Acute Care. She subsequently completed the Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner program at UAH in 1997.

Pam has provided comprehensive primary care across the lifespan—from newborns to seniors—throughout her career. In 1997, she founded Marshall Family Healthcare Clinic, offering care to insured and uninsured patients alike. After retiring from Marshall Medical Centers in 2009, she continued practicing in Arab until joining Cullman Internal Medicine in 2017.

Pam resides in Arab, Alabama, and is the proud mother of three adult children and grandmother to two grandsons. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and cheering for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Stacey Varden, CRNP

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.

Stacey’s professional interests include preventive care, women’s health, and chronic illness management.

Outside of her professional life, Stacey has been married to her husband, Keith, for 17 years, and together they are proud parents of three active children who love sports. Stacey’s faith is central to her life – she loves God and strives to serve Him above all else. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time at the lake, and reading.

Lorie Jones, CRNP

Lori Jones 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.

Lorie earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2010 and completed her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2012. She is nationally certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Her professional interests include preventive care, women’s health, chronic disease management, and patient education. She is also certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to conduct DOT physicals.

Outside of her clinical practice, Lorie enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, boating on Smith Lake with friends and family, and exploring new places through travel.

Mollie Dockery, CRNP

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.

Mollie earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and has served in both hospital and outpatient settings. Known for her calm presence and attentive listening, she strives to build lasting connections with her patients. Outside of the clinic, Mollie enjoys crocheting and cherishing time with her husband, Zack, and their two children-Raelynn (12) and Rowan (7). Whether she’s helping a patient or making memories with her family, Mollie brings warmth, dedication, and heart to everything she does.

Kristy Keiffer, CRNP

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
desire for serving others.

Kristy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina, graduating with Sigma Theta Tau honors. She completed her Masters of Science in Nursing at University of Alabama-Huntsville. She received dual certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and American Nurses Credentialing Center – both an adult and acute care nurse practitioner. Kristy joined Cullman Internal Medicine in 1997 and proudly became Cullman’s first Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.

Outside the clinic, Kristy enjoys a full life with family, faith and fun. Married to Jay since 1991, she and her husband have three married sons; she’s quick to share her best promotion was to grandma “KK”. Serving up sweet treats across North Alabama, you might also catch her on the go as the co-owner and operator of Frios Gourmet Pops. Kristy is passionate about pulmonary and sleep medicine because of the immediate, life-changing impact it can have on patients health, quality of life, and daily functioning. Treatments can offer dramatic improvements often within days or weeks; that kind of
turnaround is rare in healthcare.

Nancy Cornell, CRNP

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.

Before becoming an NP, Nancy spent 15 years as a Registered Nurse, primarily working in emergency and critical care. Her background includes managing a busy local emergency room for three years, where she honed her leadership and clinical skills under high-pressure conditions. She is deeply passionate about making a positive impact in her patients’ lives, fostering long-term relationships, and helping families navigate their healthcare needs with empathy and care.

Outside of her professional life, Nancy is a proud wife of 14 years to a dedicated fireman, and a loving mother to four children. Balancing a busy career and family life, she is driven by her commitment to both her community and her family, embodying a values-driven approach to healthcare and life.

Clark Still, LPC

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.

Clark grew up in the Cullman area and graduated from Samford University with a B.S. in Secondary Education and from U.A.B. with a Master of Arts in Counseling. Clark has worked in the field of counseling since 1995 and has years of experience helping adults and adolescents with anxiety, depression, life adjustment, relationship issues, as well as more severe mental illnesses.

He served on the staff of two churches before entering the field of counseling and has a special interest in student ministry. Clark sees adults and adolescents ages 12 and older.

Torri Selvage, RN, MSN, FNP-BC

Torri is a family nurse practitioner who is board certified and an active member, of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She received her Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) from The University of Alabama in Birmingham (2015) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) from The University of Alabama in Huntsville (2012). She has 19 years of experience in healthcare, which include nine years as a cardiac nurse providing inpatient care in a hospital setting and 10 years as a family nurse practitioner.

She began her career working as a nurse practitioner at The Center For Aging with primary focus on geriatrics. She then transferred to a rural health clinic providing health care to all ages. Torri joined Cullman Internal Medicine in 2022. She is passionate about providing comprehensive, patient-centered, care to individuals and families across the lifespan. She believes in building strong, trusting relationships with her patients and empowering them to take an active role in their health and well-being.

Torri enjoys camping, hiking and traveling with family and friends.

Charlie Thornton, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC

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.
Over the years, Charlie has worked in many areas of medicine including sleep medicine, urgent care, wound care, emergency medicine, and internal medicine. He has a special interest in wound care, men’s health, weight management, and helping patients manage diabetes. Building strong relationships with his patients and working together toward better health is one of his favorite parts of being a provider.
Charlie was born and raised in Cullman and is a proud graduate of Holly Pond. When he’s not in the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, playing bass and electric guitar, working as a part-time sound engineer, and getting outdoors to hunt. He feels grateful for the opportunity to care for people in the same community where he grew up.

Jeremy Stidham, M.D.

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.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Stidham has held numerous leadership roles at Cullman Regional, including Chief of Internal Medicine, Chairman of the Department of Medicine, and now Chairman of Credentialing. He also serves as Medical Director of the Good Samaritan Free Health Clinic, a role he has proudly held for more than a decade, helping ensure access to care for underserved patients in the community.

Throughout his career, Dr. Stidham has been recognized for his dedication to medicine and service, earning honors such as the Herman Ensor Award for Excellence in Medical Care, the North Alabama Hospital Hero Award, and multiple “Best of the Best” and People’s Choice recognitions from the community. He is also a member of Mensa, a global organization for individuals recognized for their strength in learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Stidham is an avid outdoorsman and endurance athlete. He has completed marathons, triathlons, and ultradistance races, and is also a skilled hunter, trapper, and CrossFit competitor. He brings the same passion and perseverance from these pursuits into his medical practice.

Above all, Dr. Stidham values building lasting relationships with his patients and serving the Cullman community he proudly calls home.

Nathan Ziegenbein, CRNP

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.

Beyond his professional dedication, Nathan is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Stacey, have been married for 23 years and are proud parents to their 20-year-old son, Carter, who is currently attending college. Their home is also enlivened by two cherished pets: Twix, a calico cat, and Oreo, an English Lop-eared rabbit. In his free time, Nathan enjoys a variety of hobbies, including reading, appreciating high-fidelity audio, watching movies, exploring diverse cuisines, and target shooting as a gun enthusiast.

Nathan is passionate about his role in the community, firmly believing that true healing encompasses both spiritual well-being—attributing success to “God the great physician”—and the advancements of science and medicine. He looks forward to many more years of serving with compassion and expertise.

Benjamin Rogers, M.D.

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.

Dr. Rogers values the long-term relationships that he develops with the patients in his general primary care practice. He enjoys treating a range of chronic medical problems but has a special interest in primary care endoscopy, evidence-based medicine, and preventative healthcare.

Although relatively new to Cullman, Dr. Rogers’ family has lived in north Alabama since the early 20th century. He is married and has three children. His family loves the events and facilities of Cullman’s Parks and Rec. They attend Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church. Dr. Rogers hobbies include cycling, history, and travel.

Morgan McHugh, CRNP

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.

Morgan brings a well-rounded clinical background, with experience in Women’s Health, Emergency Medicine, and the ICU. She is deeply passionate about diabetes care and is committed to guiding patients toward better health through education, encouragement, and individualized support.

Morgan sees patients with prediabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. She has experience with continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump therapy, helping patients use the right tools to manage their blood sugar more effectively. Her goal is to help each patient feel confident and capable in managing diabetes to live a healthier, more empowered life.

Erin Britt, D.O.

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.

Following medical school, Dr. Britt completed their residency training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in Huntsville, honing their skills in patient care and developing a deep understanding of the healthcare needs of the region. As a board-certified physician, she has since returned to her Cullman roots, practicing as a local provider and delivering personalized, high-quality care to patients in their hometown.

Dr. Britt enjoys finding balance in life raising a vibrant family of five children and sharing their home with their dog, Buster. Known for their dedication to both medicine and community, Dr. Britt embodies the values of service, compassion, and connection, making a lasting impact on the lives of their patients and neighbors.

Naykala Ruse, M.D.

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.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy cooking, staying active, and spending time with my husband, Dr E. Anthony Ruse, and our two college-aged sons.

Brian Parker, M.D.

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.

After finishing his degree at Athens State University, he was accepted to the University of Alabama School Of Medicine. His last two years of medical school were done in Huntsville AL where he stayed to complete his Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Parker and his wife have two children and are excited for the opportunity to serve the community in Cullman.

Nicole Shaw, M.D.

Dr. Nicole Shaw is a primary care physician who grew up in Montgomery, Alabama. She provides primary care to patients over 15 years old. She emphasizes lifestyle interventions before pharmaceuticals and prefers an evidence-based approach to medicine. She has a special interest in diabetic care while also managing other chronic conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight gain, anxiety, depression, skin conditions, and more. She pays special attention to patient histories and symptoms to be sure proper and thorough evaluation can be completed. She is passionate about a patient-first approach to medicine.

She graduated from Auburn University with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in microbiology. She went to the University of South Alabama for medical school. She completed her residency at the University of Alabama Birmingham at the Huntsville campus. Her hobbies include photography, live music, cooking, and spending time with her family. She and her husband live in Cullman with their young daughter and their dog.

Katherine Vintson, D.O.

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.

Adam Harrison, D.O.

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.

Committed to patient advocacy, Dr. Harrison actively engages in medical leadership. He is the Medical Staff President at Cullman Regional, a Board Member for The Cullman Chamber of Commerce, and a Board Member for the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners.

Away from work, Dr. Harrison cherishes time with his wife, Lindsay, and their two active children, Brooks (8) and Blakely (7). They enjoy sports, travel, and are active members of St. John’s Church in Cullman.

Dr. Harrison’s core philosophy is to treat every patient with the care and respect of family. He holds the trust patients place in him with the highest regard. With a particular focus on diabetes management, he has been instrumental in growing both the Diabetes Education Center and a specialized Diabetic Specialty Clinic in Cullman. Dr. Harrison attributes his ability to help others to “God, the ultimate healer,” and is grateful for the chance to provide comfort and care in his cherished hometown for years to come.

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