About
Dr. Juanita Heersink is a double board-certified physician practicing internal medicine and geriatric medicine in Dothan, Alabama. S. in Biomedical Engineering, graduating Cum Laude with Honors, from the University of Alabama School of Engineering in Birmingham. She then completed her Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Alabama, Birmingham in 2011. Her internship and internal medicine residency followed at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, completing in 2014. She completed a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon in 2015.
Dr. Heersink holds board certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine in Geriatric Medicine. She is passionate about how lifestyle, genetics, and medicine interact to shape patient health. Her dedicated clinical interests include women's health, nutrition, and geriatric assessment, including the treatment of malnutrition and undernutrition in older adults. She has published peer-reviewed research on undernutrition in hospitalized older adults. She currently serves as Medical Director and Internal Medicine Program Wellbeing Director at Southeast Health Medical Center Clinic, and she holds a position as Assistant Professor at Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. Outside of medicine, she enjoys cooking, baking, traveling, and reading.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Alabama, School of Engineering, Birmingham, AL – B.S. Biomedical Engineering, 2004, Graduated with Honors, Cum Laude
Medical School
University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL – Doctorate of Medicine, 2011
Residency
Internal Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 2012-2014
Fellowship
Geriatric Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, 2014-2015
Additional Training
Internship: University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 2011-2012
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Heersink right for?
Dr. Heersink is a strong fit for adults who want a physician deeply experienced in both internal medicine and geriatric care. Older adults managing complex or chronic conditions benefit from her geriatric training and her collaborative approach to care planning. Women seeking a primary care physician with a focused interest in women's health will find her practice a natural match. Patients concerned about nutrition, malnutrition, or aging-related conditions can draw on her published research and clinical expertise. Those who value after-hours access and a physician who advocates during hospitalizations will feel well-supported in her practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Heersink specializes in internal medicine and geriatric medicine. She holds board certification in both fields from the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her dedicated clinical interests include women's health, nutrition, and geriatric assessment. She also has expertise in treating malnutrition and undernutrition, particularly in older adults.
Yes, Dr. Heersink holds dual board certifications. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine in Geriatric Medicine. This double certification reflects her deep training in both general internal medicine and the specialized care of older adults.
Dr. Heersink earned her medical degree at the University of Alabama, Birmingham in 2011. She completed her internship and internal medicine residency there as well, finishing in 2014. She then pursued a geriatric medicine fellowship at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon, completing it in 2015.
Dr. Heersink takes a personalized, collaborative approach. She works with patients and their caregivers to develop individualized health plans. She is passionate about understanding how lifestyle, genetics, and medicine interact to affect health outcomes. Her focus extends to prevention and comprehensive wellness, not just treatment of existing conditions.
Yes, Dr. Heersink makes house calls when appropriate. She aims to provide care in the setting that best serves each patient. This is part of her commitment to accessible, patient-centered care.
Yes, Dr. Heersink actively advocates for her patients during hospitalizations. She maintains affiliations with Southeast Health Hospital and Flowers Hospital in the Dothan area. Patients can expect her to stay involved in their care when they need inpatient services.
Yes, Dr. Heersink has published peer-reviewed research. Her most notable work examined patterns of undernutrition in hospitalized older adults and appeared in the Journal of Nutrition for the Elderly. This research background informs her clinical approach to nutrition and geriatric care.
Dr. Heersink serves as Medical Director, Lab Supervisor, and Internal Medicine Program Wellbeing Director at Southeast Health Medical Center Clinic, all roles she has held since 2018. She also serves as an Assistant Professor at Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, a position she has held since 2022.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026