About
Stephen E. Winston earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Memphis in 1989. His interest in social sciences and philosophy led him to pursue doctoral work in medical sociology. He earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Tennessee in Memphis in 1993. He then completed his internship and residency in Family Medicine at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center in South Carolina, finishing in 1996.
Dr. Winston has spent his entire 22-year career serving the Fairhope community. He holds membership in the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Family Physicians, the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and the Baldwin County Medical Society. He served on the Medical Staff Executive Committee at Thomas Hospital from 2000 to 2002. His original goal was to teach physicians good bedside manner through academic medicine. Practicing as a family doctor proved to be his true calling. He believes that genuinely knowing a patient takes time, and he structures his practice to make that possible. He is passionate about helping patients build a plan for healthy living and identifying potential health issues before they become serious.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Memphis, B.A. Sociology, 1989
Medical School
University of Tennessee, Memphis - Doctorate of Medicine, 1993
Residency
Family Medicine, Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg, SC, 1994-1996
Additional Training
Internship, Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg, SC, 1993-1994; Pursued PhD in medical sociology
Who is Dr. Winston right for?
Dr. Winston works well for adults who want a primary care physician who knows them personally over the long term. Patients seeking proactive wellness planning and comprehensive annual screenings benefit from his preventive focus. He is a strong fit for those who value direct physician access, including after-hours phone availability and same-day appointments. Patients managing chronic conditions or navigating complex health situations benefit from his reputation as a thorough diagnostician. Anyone who has felt rushed or overlooked in a larger practice will find a very different experience here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Winston specializes in Family Medicine. He focuses on preventive care, comprehensive wellness planning, and chronic disease management. He has practiced as a family physician in the Fairhope community for his entire 22-year career.
Dr. Winston holds membership in the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Family Physicians, reflecting his ongoing commitment to family medicine standards and continuing education.
Dr. Winston earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis in 1993. He completed both his internship and his Family Medicine residency at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center in South Carolina, finishing his residency in 1996.
Yes. Dr. Winston sees every patient who comes to his office directly. He does not have nurse practitioners or physician assistants handling patient visits in his place.
Yes. Dr. Winston makes himself available by phone after hours and on weekends. Members can reach him directly for urgent concerns without waiting for the next business day.
Dr. Winston believes that genuinely knowing a patient requires time together. He focuses on forging a personalized plan for healthy living and uncovering potential health issues early. He sees himself as a partner to each patient, not just a provider.
Dr. Winston holds an affiliation with Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, AL. He served on the Medical Staff Executive Committee there from 2000 to 2002. That local connection supports patients who need coordinated hospital-based care.
Dr. Winston has a strong local reputation as a thorough diagnostician. He focuses on finding root causes rather than addressing symptoms in isolation. Members and long-term patients consistently highlight his persistence in working through complex health concerns.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026