When it comes to your health, waiting until something feels wrong is no longer the best approach. Preventive medicine is changing the way we think about care by focusing on staying healthy rather than reacting to illness. At Cullman Internal Medicine, this proactive approach is at the heart of everything they do. By partnering with a trusted primary care physician and committing to regular wellness visits, patients can take meaningful steps toward a healthier, longer life.
What Is Preventive Medicine and Why Does It Matter
Preventive medicine is about identifying potential health concerns before they become serious problems, through routine office visits and annual wellness exams. Instead of treating illness after it develops, this approach focuses on early detection, routine monitoring, and lifestyle guidance to reduce risk.
This type of care includes screenings, lab work, vaccinations, and conversations about your daily habits. It is not just for people who feel unwell. In fact, it is most powerful when you feel perfectly fine. Many chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, often develop quietly without obvious symptoms. Preventive care helps catch these early when they are easier to manage.
At Cullman Internal Medicine, preventive medicine is not a one-size-fits-all model. Care is personalized based on your age, family history, lifestyle, and individual health goals. This tailored approach ensures that every patient receives the right care at the right time.
Preventive Care Is for Every Stage of Life
One of the most important things to understand about preventative medicine is that it benefits everyone. Whether you are in your twenties, managing a busy career and family, or enjoying retirement, staying ahead of your health matters.
For younger adults, preventative care often focuses on establishing healthy habits, monitoring basic health markers, and addressing risk factors early. For middle-aged adults, screening for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers becomes increasingly important. For older adults, preventative care helps maintain independence, manage chronic conditions, and improve overall quality of life.
Cullman Internal Medicine understands that your health needs evolve over time. Our team works closely with our patients at every stage to adjust care plans and ensure that prevention remains a priority.
The Role of Annual Wellness Visits
Annual wellness visits are among the most powerful tools in preventive medicine. These visits are not just routine checkups. They are an opportunity to take a comprehensive look at your health and make a plan for the year ahead.
During an annual wellness visit at Cullman Internal Medicine, your provider will review your medical history, assess your current health, and discuss any concerns you may have. This visit often includes vital sign checks, lab work, and recommended screenings based on your age and risk factors.
Just as important, these visits create a space for meaningful conversations. You can talk about your diet, exercise habits, sleep patterns, stress levels, and any changes you have noticed in your health. These discussions help your provider identify subtle shifts that may need attention.
Annual wellness visits also help build consistency in your care. When you see your provider at Cullman Internal Medicine regularly, we get to know you as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms. This relationship makes it easier to catch changes early and respond quickly.
Why Having a Primary Care Physician Matters
Your primary care physician is your partner in health. At Cullman Internal Medicine, this relationship is the foundation of effective preventative care.
A primary care physician does more than treat illness. They coordinate your care across all aspects of your health. You can think of your primary care provider as your home base for your health care needs. Whether you need specialist referrals, follow-up on lab results, or guidance on managing a chronic condition, your primary care provider ensures everything stays connected.
This coordination is especially important when managing multiple health concerns. Without a central provider, information can easily become fragmented. A primary care physician keeps track of your complete health picture and helps you make informed decisions.
Having a trusted provider also makes it easier to address concerns early. If something does not feel right, you have someone who knows your history and can guide you on the next steps. This continuity of care leads to better outcomes and greater peace of mind.
Early Detection Leads to Better Outcomes
One of the greatest advantages of preventative medicine is early detection. Many serious health conditions develop gradually and may not show symptoms until they are advanced. Routine screenings and regular checkups can identify these issues early when treatment is most effective.
For example, monitoring blood pressure can help prevent heart disease and stroke. Regular blood tests can detect early signs of diabetes or high cholesterol. Cancer screenings can identify abnormalities before they progress.
Cullman Internal Medicine emphasizes the importance of staying up to date with recommended screenings. Their team works with you to create a schedule that fits your individual needs, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
Early detection not only improves health outcomes but can also reduce the need for more intensive treatments later. This means less disruption to your life and a greater ability to stay active and engaged in the things you enjoy.
Lifestyle Guidance That Makes a Difference
Preventive care goes beyond tests and screenings. It also includes guidance on living a healthier life. Small changes in daily habits can have a significant impact over time.
At Cullman Internal Medicine, our providers take the time to understand your lifestyle and help you make realistic, sustainable changes. This might include advice on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management.
Rather than offering generic recommendations, we work with you to set achievable goals. Whether it is improving your diet, increasing your activity level, or finding better ways to manage stress, these changes can help reduce your risk of chronic disease and improve your overall well-being.
Building a Long-Term Plan for Health
Preventive medicine is not a one-time effort. It is an ongoing process that evolves with you. By working closely with your primary care physician, you can build a long-term plan that supports your health at every stage of life.
Cullman Internal Medicine is committed to helping patients stay on track. Through regular visits, personalized care plans, and open communication, they provide the support you need to make informed decisions about your health.
This long-term approach helps you stay ahead of potential issues and maintain a higher quality of life. It also empowers you to take an active role in your health, knowing that you have a trusted team by your side.
Take Control of Your Health Today
The power of prevention lies in taking action before problems arise. With the support of Cullman Internal Medicine, you can stay ahead of your health and make choices that support a healthier future.
Scheduling your annual wellness visit is a simple but powerful step. From there, building a relationship with your primary care physician and staying consistent with preventative care can make all the difference.
Your health is one of your most valuable assets. Investing in prevention today can lead to a stronger, healthier tomorrow. Cullman Internal Medicine is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you live well and stay well for years to come.
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.