About
Dr. Jerry L. Kitchens, Jr. grew up in Birmingham and earned his undergraduate degree from Birmingham-Southern College before completing his medical degree at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He trained in surgery at the University of Louisville, where he also met his wife, a pediatric nurse. Dr. Kitchens then spent 23 years serving the Birmingham community as a general surgeon.
When osteoarthritis ended his surgical career, he redirected his focus toward prevention and longevity medicine. His father's Alzheimer's diagnosis deepened that commitment. Dr. Kitchens pursued advanced research into lifestyle, nutrition, and functional approaches to neurodegenerative disease. He completed the Institute for Functional Medicine training program in 2024 and founded Homewood Health and Wellness before launching Birmingham Longevity. Today, he applies the same precision he brought to the operating room to early disease detection and metabolic optimization. His clinical focus includes cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic disorders.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Birmingham-Southern College
Medical School
University of Alabama School of Medicine
Residency
Surgery, University of Louisville
Additional Training
Institute for Functional Medicine training program, completed 2024
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Kitchens right for?
Dr. Kitchens works best with adults in their 30s through 60s who want to get ahead of serious disease risk. Patients concerned about cardiovascular health, metabolic conditions, or cognitive decline benefit most from his approach. His surgical background makes him particularly effective with patients who want data-driven, precise answers about their health. He is a strong fit for anyone ready to act on early warning signs before symptoms appear.
Similar Doctors Nearby
Dr. Kristi BrunsvoldMD
Functional Medicinefatigue, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal issues +4 more
Dr. Elizabeth CarstensenMD
Family MedicineDr. Sharon ChaneyMD
Internal Medicinetype 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Kitchens focuses on cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalances, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's prevention. He also addresses prediabetes, insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, osteoporosis, and chronic inflammation. His approach centers on detecting these conditions early through advanced testing and intervening with personalized protocols before symptoms develop.
Dr. Kitchens spent 23 years practicing as a general surgeon in Birmingham. Osteoarthritis ended his surgical career, and he subsequently pursued advanced training in functional and preventive medicine. He completed the Institute for Functional Medicine training program in 2024, then founded Homewood Health and Wellness before establishing Birmingham Longevity.
Dr. Kitchens earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He completed his surgical residency at the University of Louisville. He later completed the Institute for Functional Medicine training program in 2024.
Dr. Kitchens uses advanced diagnostics including laboratory, genetic, epigenetic, and imaging tools to detect disease risk early. He builds personalized, multimodal treatment plans that address lifestyle, nutrition, hormones, and metabolic health together. His philosophy holds that knowing the truth about your health and acting on it consistently produces real results.
Yes. Cognitive decline and Alzheimer's prevention sit at the core of Dr. Kitchens' clinical mission. His personal experience with his father's diagnosis drove him to research lifestyle, diet, and supplemental approaches to reversing and preventing neurodegenerative disease. He incorporates cognitive health evaluation into every member's care plan.
Dr. Kitchens works with adults from their 30s through their 60s and beyond. The practice holds that longevity work ideally begins in the early 40s. Dr. Kitchens believes advanced diagnostics give the greatest benefit when patients start before symptoms or formal diagnoses appear.
Yes. Metabolic disorders including obesity, prediabetes, and insulin resistance fall within Dr. Kitchens' primary clinical focus. He uses comprehensive metabolic testing to identify root causes and builds targeted nutrition, fitness, and medical protocols to address them.
Doctor profile last updated June 9, 2026