Stephen E. Winston, MD
Family Medicine
Hospital Affiliations
Thomas Hospital
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Get Started Today
This physician wants to get to know you and your health needs before you join their practice. Fill out the form to receive more information, or schedule a meeting with Dr. Winston.
MDVIP Annual Membership Fee
MDVIP’s annual fee covers the Wellness Program and generally can be made in quarterly, semi-annual and annual payments.
Quarterly
$587.50*
Semi-Annual
$1,175.00*
Annual
$2,350.00*
About Stephen E. Winston, MD
As an undergraduate student, I found myself very interested in the studies of social sciences and philosophy. As a result, I pursued a PhD in medical sociology. I wanted to teach doctors how to have a “good bedside manner”, but found that my calling was actually practicing as a family physician, not just teaching them.
I have been practicing in the Fairhope Community for my entire 22-year career. I work, play and pray here and with MDVIP, I feel that I will have the opportunity to continue to do this. Most people agree that their physicians are competent and knowledgeable, but they are unsure that their doctor really knows them. It takes time in the office to really get to know a person, and MDVIP will allow us to spend the time together that is a necessity for this. We can work together to forge a plan of healthy living and be able to uncover the issues that could cause potential health issues later. If illness or injury do occur, take comfort in the fact that you have a partner that is available, knows the medical community, and most importantly, knows you!
Residency
Spartanburg Regional Medical Center
Spartanburg, SC
Family Medicine 1994-1996
Spartanburg, SC
Family Medicine 1994-1996
Internship
Spartanburg Regional Medical Center
Spartanburg, SC
1993-1994
Spartanburg, SC
1993-1994
Medical School
University of Tennessee
Memphis, TN
Doctorate of Medicine 1993
Memphis, TN
Doctorate of Medicine 1993
Undergraduate
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology 1989
Memphis, TN
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology 1989
Thomas Hospital
Medical Staff Executive Committee, Thomas Hospital 2000-2002
American Academy of Family Physicians
American College of Family Physicians
Medical Association of the State of Alabama
Baldwin County Medical Society
American College of Family Physicians
Medical Association of the State of Alabama
Baldwin County Medical Society
Alabama
Benefits of joining Dr. Winston's practice with MDVIP
MDVIP Wellness Program
Expect comprehensive screenings and tests and a custom wellness plan designed for you.
Better Doctor-Patient Relationship
97% of MDVIP members are satisfied with their relationship (vs 58% in traditional PCP).
Same/Next-Day Appointments
See Dr. Winston quickly and take your time during each appointment.
Reachable 24/7
Reach Dr. Winston by phone after-hours and on weekends.
Smaller Practice Size
MDVIP practices are smaller than most primary care practices, which means your doctor has more time to help you.
Your Dedicated Doctor
See Dr. Winston when you go to the office — not someone else like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant
Travel Benefits
If you need urgent care while traveling, your physician can help arrange your care with a local hospital, pharmacy or doctor.
Medical Centers of Excellence
For patients who need care beyond what is available locally, MDVIP can connect your doctor with specialists at some of the country’s leading medical institutions
Better Health Outcomes
Members have better control of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.
The office of Stephen E. Winston, MD
Hours
| Mon | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Tue | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Wed | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thu | Closed |
| Fri | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
What our members are saying
Dr Winston has a well deserved reputation for being a great diagnostician. He is very accessible, has a wonderful staff, and we both consider him the best doctor we’ve ever had. He takes time to consider our symptoms, gives us proper recommendations for treatment and includes alternative remedies. His bedside manner is excellent, and he also has a fine sense of humor. Best health care…
Mary
March 13, 2024
In 2020 I was taken to hospital and remained in ICU for several days , my health deteriorated , but because of
Dr. Stephen Winston’s persistence to determine and diagnose my condition
His dedication and expertise saved my life .
Dr. Stephen Winston’s persistence to determine and diagnose my condition
His dedication and expertise saved my life .
Lydia
March 12, 2024
As one that has been blessed with minimal health issues throughout life, aging and health issues are two unwelcome new friends. As I relocated to the Alabama area I found it difficult to get quality time and attention with Health professionals as each seemed overwhelmed and just too busy with the large number of patients. And then the Covid years and the distance from all loved ones and health…
John
March 11, 2024
My husband and I decided to take a leap of faith and go live on a boat. We carefully planned for 3 years to make this happen. We sold our home and most of our belongings and bought a Catamaran. We educated ourselves so that this transition would be as painless as possible. How do we get mail with no address? What are the kids going to think? Where do we sail? Can we leave the country? What if we…
Donna
March 11, 2024
Reviews from the web
04/08/2025
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Absolutely one of the BEST doctors. Hands down period.
03/13/2025
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Dr Winston is an excellent Physician—easy to talk to—listens carefully—offers options when applicable—good sense of humor
02/23/2025
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Dr Stephen Winston and his staff have provided exceptionally outstanding medical services for my wife and I throughout the last year and a half. I have been especially impressed with Dr Winston's annual exams and the personal, comprehensive, and well documented results which provide a kind of canvas for his detailed review of good and not so good changes from last year's review. It is a great briefing, filled some kind admonitions to do better and 'attaboys' for results that are going right. Personable and super-professional, Steve Winston is one of the very best physicians I have been lucky to have as my PCP (in 81 years of life). Thank you so very much,
Richard J. Mahlum
Richard J. Mahlum
02/19/2025
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Dr. Winston is an excellent doctor who is caring and really thinks outside the box. He gives 100% to his patients and is awesome. Very talented and compassionate doctor.
05/15/2024
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I was blessed enough to have had Dr. Winston as my PCP for 4 years and he’s truly the best doctor I have ever had, hands down. I’ve lived in 5 states, am currently living in New York and have encountered many doctors. None are as kind, compassionate, diligent, intelligent or as creative with diagnostics as Dr. Winston. He and his team don’t try to treat you as their patient, they treat you as a friend. He doesn’t just attack your symptoms- he’ll go above and beyond to find the cause and a solution. Phenomenal physician and person. 12/10 would recommend.
02/18/2024
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Dr Winston is a very skilled physician as well as a delightful, dedicated and caring individual. I trust him completely.
02/14/2024
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Love Dr. Winston. Knowledgeable, reasonable, caring, smart, attentive.
03/08/2023
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Superman - He cares about what he does and it shows.
Great Doctor!
Great Doctor!
03/08/2023
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We feel as if a huge weight has been lifted after we found Dr. Winston. He is an excellent and thorough physician , as well as the rare combination of also being personable, compassionate and fun. We love him.
02/15/2023
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We are very happy with Dr. Winston as our VIP physician.
It's obvious that his staff admires him also. We have referred
several friends to Dr. Winston and will continue to do so.
We especially appreciate the thorough materials/tests for our annual check ups, copies of the materials, and his advice.
It's obvious that his staff admires him also. We have referred
several friends to Dr. Winston and will continue to do so.
We especially appreciate the thorough materials/tests for our annual check ups, copies of the materials, and his advice.
02/10/2023
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DR. WINSTON IS EXCELLENT IN EXPLAINING RESULTS IN A WAY THAT I CAN UNDERSTAND. HIS WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE THAT HE PASSES ALONG TO ME ABOUNDS. ALWAYS PLEASANT AND SPENDS TIME TO EXPLAIN AND ANSWERS ANY QUESTIONS I MIGHT HAVE.
HE HAS REFFERED ME TO SEVERAL DOCTORS THAT HAVE ALL BEEN AN EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE.
HE HAS REFFERED ME TO SEVERAL DOCTORS THAT HAVE ALL BEEN AN EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE.
02/08/2023
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MDVIP is the best. I am getting over the top medical care that I was not getting from my general physician. I am much more conscious of my health now than ever before. Dr. Winston makes sure I understand my conditions and what I need to do to keep myself healthy.
02/08/2023
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Doctor Winston is the best Doctor I have ever had.
02/08/2023
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I feel that my doctor truly cares for my well being.
02/19/2022
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I'm very interested in food as medicine, and Steve helps monitor this and makes suggestions. He has been very supportive in our family lifestyle changes for the last 7 years! I appreciate being able to phone and ask for comparisons of lab results. My husband and I are very healthy for our ages (75, 78) and his monitoring makes an encouraging difference!
During the pandemic he quickly set up an appointment for my husband and me to talk via TeleMed, which we liked very much.
He has never failed to address an issue calmly and carefully along with the kindness he is known for.
We choose him as our advocate.
During the pandemic he quickly set up an appointment for my husband and me to talk via TeleMed, which we liked very much.
He has never failed to address an issue calmly and carefully along with the kindness he is known for.
We choose him as our advocate.
02/10/2022
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Dr Winston is willing to use current technology to use the most appropriate visit format. An example was his choosing to do a teleconference as the best way to “see” me when I was concerned about the possibility of having COVID. With an office consultation, Dr. Winston does not rush and takes the time to listen. I so appreciate a physician who is attentive to his patients.
The fact that Dr. Winston is a people person is quite obvious as he seems to enjoy his patients. He is always accessible, viewing this as a priority, and is also up-to-date on best practices. He has a great staff.
The fact that Dr. Winston is a people person is quite obvious as he seems to enjoy his patients. He is always accessible, viewing this as a priority, and is also up-to-date on best practices. He has a great staff.
02/10/2022
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Excellent doctor
02/10/2022
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The BEST Internist I have experienced in decades!
03/17/2020
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Dr. Winston is a brilliant diagnostician. He found underlying issues that other doctors missed. He literally saved my life. He is a wonderful listener and has great personality and bedside manner. I wouldn’t trust anyone else.
03/17/2020
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Dr Winston and his staff are excellent. I feel the care I receive is personal and goes above and beyond. Very thankful for my doctor.
03/16/2020
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Dr. Winston is a fine doctor who takes time with his patients to help us understand our health situation and offers ways to improve one's health.
I never feel rushed in his presence and enjoy the opportunity to ask him to explain to me clearly what my health needs are and how to address them. He is personable, and I don't feel like a number as I have at times with other doctors. I had a medical emergency last summer and Dr. Winston right away lined me up with a specialist whom I needed. He has continued to stay in contact with me about my health condition and has been very supportive and helpful. He is an extremely conscientious doctor and I have great confidence in him and his recommendations.
I never feel rushed in his presence and enjoy the opportunity to ask him to explain to me clearly what my health needs are and how to address them. He is personable, and I don't feel like a number as I have at times with other doctors. I had a medical emergency last summer and Dr. Winston right away lined me up with a specialist whom I needed. He has continued to stay in contact with me about my health condition and has been very supportive and helpful. He is an extremely conscientious doctor and I have great confidence in him and his recommendations.
02/25/2020
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Dr. Winston always makes me somehow I am one of his only patients and I’m important to him. He delves deeply into symptoms I have to determine personal reasons. He is a very wholistic physician keeping a balance between drug and wholistic approaches. Gives me insight to become a better guardian of my health.
02/23/2020
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Dr. Winston and his staff are awesome. Both of my parents were also patients of Dr. Winston. He was awesome with them an he is with me as well. One of the best doctors I have ever had contact with. Dr. Winston generally cares about his patients and people in general.
02/20/2020
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While I am a bit new to MDVIP I could not be any more impressed with Dr. Winston. Thus far he has been super engaged in my health, very available at all hours of the day and night when needed. Recently ( on his birthday ) I had a serious health issue that needed immediate attention and we engaged into a texting session that lead to an immediate appointment at his office. His manner is honest, candid, and I could not feel any better cared for. Dr. Winston is the Real Deal !
02/20/2020
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Dr Winston is a great physician in all aspects of my healthcare. He is extremely knowledgeable, caring and will go to great efforts to explain medical issues. He’s a10 in my book.
02/19/2020
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He is simply the best! Brilliant, compassionate, thorough, and funny!
02/10/2020
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Best Dr. experience I have ever had. Dr. Winston is great.
03/12/2019
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Dr. Stephen Winston is a valuable health resource for me as a member of the MDVIP program. One of the services he provides that I most appreciate is his timely responsiveness to my texts and/or phone calls when I have medical questions. 2018 was a roller coaster ride of health issues for me. Dr. Winston was my quarterback as we navigated my complicated health concerns through the use of specialists he recommended for consultation and diagnostic tests to address my needs. The use of Dr. Winston has provided me a significant return on my annual investment in the MDVIP plan. Dr. Winston, I am grateful for your professional medical care and friendship. I take neither for granted. Sincerely, Gene Bouchillon, Fairhope, AL
03/08/2019
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Dr. Winston is so personable yet candid with his approach to patient interaction and wellness. Wait time is never an issue and appointments are an ease with the MDVIP Program. Although I haven’t had any major health concerns yet, I feel as if I’m in great hands with this doctor and his awesome staff should the need arise.
03/08/2019
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Dr. Winston is outstanding. He cares what you have to say. He researches or gives great advice. He and his staff are always ready to help me.
02/26/2019
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Dr. Winston is pro active in providing the best individualized healthcare for his patients. He spends quality time with his patients and genuinely cares about our well being.
02/21/2019
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Dr. Winston is a very modern doctor with very good, old-fashioned doctor care for his patients. He's a regular Dr. House. He will get to the bottom of a situation.
02/12/2019
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A 2-thumbs-up for MDVIP affiliated health care professionals. It's the practice of medicine as it was originally intended, rather than what's dictated by the insurance companies. Dr. Winston has been our family's primary care provider for almost 30 years. He's the best!
02/08/2019
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Dr Winston is always extremely nice and actually willing to listen to our issues.
We greatly value his advice
We greatly value his advice
03/23/2012
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Dr. Winston seeks a lot of information before making a diagnosis and gives me a detailed explanation. I rely on his advice regarding all my health matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doctors who operate in the MDVIP models typically see far fewer patients than traditional primary care doctors. That gives them more time to develop deeper doctor-patient relationships that can lead to better outcomes. They can also offer conveniences that most primary care doctors can’t, including same- and next-day appointments. They’re available after hours for urgent matters. And they have time to focus on prevention. That focus begins with the MDVIP Wellness Program, which patients pay for with their annual membership fee.
Most MDVIP-affiliated primary care practices accept insurance (your physician can tell you whether they accept your specific insurance plan). Your annual fee pays for preventive care medical services that insurance usually doesn’t cover (e.g., advanced diagnostic testing and screenings). Your MDVIP-affiliated physician will continue to bill your insurance and charge copays, co-insurances and deductibles as he or she currently does for other medical services like sick visits.
MDVIP makes wellness and prevention easier by providing your physician with innovative tools and technology. MDVIP supports your physician’s practice and seeks to eliminate barriers to a positive healthcare experience. Your doctor will determine whether and how to incorporate these tools at his/her discretion.
**The message above is a personal introduction from the physician, intended to help you get to know them better. The views, opinions, and statements expressed above are solely those of the physician and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of MDVIP. This content is intended for general background purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any mentions of expertise or quality of care are personal expressions and should not be interpreted as guarantees of performance or outcomes.