Scheduling your first wellness visit is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health. Whether you are establishing care with us, returning to preventive healthcare after several years, or simply looking for a practice that takes the time to get to know you, your first visit sets the foundation for a lasting partnership focused on your well-being.
At Cullman Internal Medicine, wellness visits are about much more than checking your blood pressure or stepping on a scale. Your wellness visit at our practice is designed to give you and your provider a complete picture of your health so we can work together to prevent illness, detect health concerns early, and create a personalized plan for staying healthy. Preventive medicine is a cornerstone of the care provided at Cullman Internal Medicine because many chronic diseases can be managed more effectively, or even prevented, when identified early.
If you have never had a wellness visit before or are unsure what to expect, here is a step-by-step look at your first appointment.
Before Your Appointment
Your visit actually begins before you walk through the door. When scheduling your appointment, you may be asked to complete new patient paperwork. This information helps your team understand your medical history before your visit.
Be prepared to bring:
- Your insurance card
- A photo ID
- A list of your current medications, including vitamins and supplements
- Information about any allergies
- Records from previous physicians if available
- A list of questions or concerns you would like to discuss
Many people think they will remember everything once they arrive, but writing down your questions beforehand can help ensure nothing important gets overlooked. We take a patient-centered approach here at Cullman Internal Medicine, meaning we value your input and insight. We welcome any and all questions you have about your health and take the time to ensure your questions are answered.
A Warm Welcome
When you arrive at Cullman Internal Medicine, you will be greeted by the office staff and checked in for your appointment. If you are a new patient, it is helpful to arrive a little early to complete any remaining paperwork. Our goal is to make your experience as smooth and comfortable as possible so you can focus on your health rather than administrative details.
Reviewing Your Health History
One of the most important parts of your first wellness visit is getting to know you.
Your provider here will spend time discussing your complete health history, including:
- Past illnesses and surgeries
- Family history of medical conditions
- Current medications
- Allergies
- Previous hospitalizations
- Lifestyle habits
- Tobacco or alcohol use
- Exercise routines
- Eating habits
- Sleep quality
- Stress levels
This conversation may feel detailed, but every piece of information helps your provider better understand your overall health and identify any potential risk factors. For example, knowing that heart disease runs in your family may lead to earlier cholesterol screening. Learning that you struggle with sleep could open the door to discussions about improving energy, mood, and overall health.
Vital Signs and Physical Measurements
We will collect several basic measurements that provide valuable insight into your current health and help us establish baselines from which we can discern changes or patterns in your health.
These typically include:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Temperature
- Height
- Weight
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Oxygen level when appropriate
Although these numbers may seem routine, they often provide important clues about your cardiovascular health, metabolism, and overall wellness.
Tracking these measurements year after year also helps identify subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
A Comprehensive Physical Examination
Your provider will then perform a physical exam tailored to your age, medical history, and any concerns you may have. We recognize that every patient comes to us at varying stages in their lives, so we take careful consideration during our physical exams to ensure we address every need.
The examination often includes listening to your heart and lungs, checking your ears, nose, throat, and abdomen, evaluating your skin, assessing your reflexes, and discussing any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Unlike an urgent care visit that focuses on one specific illness, a wellness visit looks at your entire health picture. Additionally, if you have concerns, we can refer you to specialists who can provide a more in-depth understanding.
Preventive Screenings and Lab Work
One of the biggest benefits of establishing care with a primary care provider is staying ahead of potential health problems before symptoms develop.
Depending on your age, family history, and personal risk factors, your provider may recommend:
- Blood work
- Cholesterol screening
- Diabetes screening
- Thyroid testing
- Cancer screenings
- Bone density testing
- Vaccination updates
- Blood pressure monitoring
Routine laboratory testing often helps detect conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disease, or thyroid disorders before they cause noticeable symptoms. Preventive screenings are recommended based on age, medical history, and individual risk factors, allowing providers to identify concerns early and create a proactive care plan.
Talking About Your Lifestyle
One of the most valuable parts of your wellness visit is simply having a conversation.
We want to understand what everyday life looks like for you. We will discuss things like:
- Nutrition
- Physical activity
- Stress management
- Sleep habits
- Mental health
- Weight management
- Alcohol use
- Tobacco cessation
These conversations are judgment-free. The goal is not perfection but helping you make realistic, sustainable changes that improve your health over time. Even small adjustments can lead to meaningful improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, energy levels, and overall quality of life, and we want to work with you to help these changes occur.
Creating a Personalized Health Plan
Every patient is different, which means every wellness plan should be different as well.
Before you leave, your provider will help create a personalized plan based on your current health and future goals.
This may include recommendations for:
- Exercise
- Healthy eating
- Weight management
- Follow-up lab work
- Vaccinations
- Specialist referrals if needed
- Future screenings
- Chronic disease prevention
Instead of a one size fits all approach, your care plan is designed specifically for you.
Building a Long-Term Relationship
Perhaps the greatest benefit of establishing care at Cullman Internal Medicine is the development of a long-term relationship with your healthcare provider. Rather than treating isolated illnesses, your provider here gets to know your health over time.
This allows us to:
- Monitor changes from year to year
- Detect health concerns earlier
- Coordinate specialty care
- Manage chronic conditions
- Provide continuity of care
- Help you stay healthier throughout every stage of life
Having a trusted primary care provider means you always have someone who understands your medical history and can help guide important healthcare decisions.
Your Health Journey Starts Here
Many people wait until they feel sick before scheduling a doctor’s appointment. However, wellness visits are designed to keep you healthy long before illness develops.
At Cullman Internal Medicine, your first wellness visit is an opportunity to establish a relationship with a healthcare team that is committed to preventive medicine, personalized care, and helping you achieve your healthiest life. Through comprehensive evaluations, recommended screenings, and conversations about your goals and lifestyle, your provider can help you take proactive steps toward better health today and for years to come.
If it has been a while since your last checkup, there is no better time to take that first step. Your future health begins with one appointment, and the team at Cullman Internal Medicine is ready to partner with you every step of the way. Contact us today!
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.