Founder M. Chad Williamson, M.D., created DeKalb MD to radically simplify healthcare for patients and employers. Our approach is centered on creating healthier people – by improving access and affordability of healthcare.
Today, we offer near-site/on-site/hybrid clinics, designed to make employer-sponsored healthcare accessible to businesses of all sizes.
We are a proudly independent healthcare provider with no ownership ties or affiliation with any hospital, insurance company or other established care network. This gives us the right kind of flexibility to find the right solutions for our patients and our clients.
Dr Chad is a native to Fort Payne, AL. He graduated UAB with a Bachelors and Medical Doctrine, in 2008 and 2013 respectfully. He went on to complete Family Medicine Residency at Floyd Medical in 2016. Dr Chad opened DeKalb MD in August 2016 where he still practices today. He spends most of his free time with his wife, Ashley and their 3 children: Hayes, Hollis, and Hattie.
M. Chad Williamson M.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Peter Ochoa was born in Des Moines, Iowa and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He obtained his medical degree at the Pennsylvania State University in Hershey. His residency was at Columbia University and it’s affiliate, Bassett Hospital, in Cooperstown, New York, and he additionally completed his residency in internal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Ochoa has nearly 17 years’ experience in internal medicine, with a special interest in Rheumatological conditions. Dr. Ochoa is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and is a member of the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Peter Ochoa M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
Pam Ogle
Chief Operating Officer
Megan Guffey
Director Of Community Relations
Vernessa Steele
Patient Care Coordinator
HERE TO SERVE Our Primary Care Providers
Dr Chad is a native to Fort Payne, AL. He graduated UAB with a Bachelors and Medical Doctrine, in 2008 and 2013 respectfully. He went on to complete Family Medicine Residency at Floyd Medical in 2016. Dr Chad opened DeKalb MD in August 2016 where he still practices today. He spends most of his free time with his wife, Ashley and their 3 children: Hayes, Hollis, and Hattie.
M. Chad Williamson M.D.
Southside/Fort Payne Clinic
Dr. Peter Ochoa was born in Des Moines, Iowa and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He obtained his medical degree at the Pennsylvania State University in Hershey. His residency was at Columbia University and it’s affiliate, Bassett Hospital, in Cooperstown, New York, and he additionally completed his residency in internal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Ochoa has nearly 17 years’ experience in internal medicine, with a special interest in Rheumatological conditions. Dr. Ochoa is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and is a member of the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Peter Ochoa, M.D.
Shallowford Clinic
Yasmine Swistek FNP-C, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Attended Southern Adventist University where she completed her ASN in December of 2002, BSN in May of 2009 and Masters in Nursing November of 2013.
She has three wonderful boys that are the light of her life and a new grandson that she didn't know how badly she needed.
She's an avid reader with a special interest in psychological thrillers and loves to travel.
Yasmine Swistek, FNP-C
Shallowford Clinic
Sheena Hall a graduate of Jacksonville State University with a MSN in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. She has spent the last 10 years as a registered nurse in Acute Care/Intensive Care Medicine. She is married to Oliver they have 4 children Lacey, Savannah, Seth and Hannah. Sheena attends Collinsville Presbyterian Church. She enjoys spending my days with family, reading, working on our farm and anything outdoors. She has been at DeKalb MD since 2025 and enjoys giving back to her community with compassionate and quality patient care.
Sheena Hall, FNP-C
Southside Clinic
Cindy received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Alabama and her
master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
She has over 20 years of experience in a wide array of specialties such as surgical, orthopedic,
autoimmune, ENT and primary care. She is passionate about building relationships with her
patients in order to provide optimal care. She is a member of the West Alabama Nurse
Practitioner Association.
Cindy enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is passionate about traveling, cooking, boating and tennis.
Cindy Lake, FNP-C
Marathon Clinic
Charity Pittman started her nursing journey in 2016. She obtained an ADN from Wallace State Community College, BSN from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and MSN from the University of South Alabama. She has worked in a variety of settings including med-surg, cardiac, women and children, step down, and ICU. She is a board-certified family nurse practitioner through AANP. She is married to Jake, and 2 children. She enjoys doing outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, and kayaking. She loves music and singing and uses her musical talents at church.
Charity Pittman, FNP-C
Fort Payne Clinic
Vernie is a lifelong resident of DeKalb County, Al with 19 years of nursing experience. She graduated Ider High School in 1996, then obtained her nursing degree at Northeast Alabama State Community College in 1999. She graduated from UAB in 2018 as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Her nursing experience includes cardiovascular intensive care, cardiology, nursing education, home health, and hospice. Vernie has been a certified case manager for 3 years and also brings with her knowledge in assisting members with social issues. Her husband Chad, of almost 20 years, is a nurse in and they have been blessed with 4 kind-hearted daughters. Vernie enjoys cooking, gardening, mission trips with her local church, playing multiple musical instruments, and spending time with her family.
Vernie Slaton, FNP-C
Fort Payne Clinic
Patrick Tatum, ACNP, is a native of Henagar, Alabama. He graduated from UAH with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. He first started out at Huntsville Hospital in the ED. Later he completed his Master's Degree in Nursing. He joined DeKalb MD in May of 2019. He has three wonderful children: Harlee, Cooper, and Jackson. He enjoys spending time with his children, exercise, music, and farming. He was presented the honor to play football as a punter for the Auburn Tigers under head coach Tommy Tubberville, also playing at Jacksonville State University a punter and placekicker under head coach Jack Crowe.
Patrick Tatum, FNP-C
Fort Payne Clinic
Kirsten grew up in Northeast Georgia, married an Alabama man and now calls Fort Payne, AL home. She is a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner through American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
She obtained her Bachelor degree in 2010 from Mercer University. She gained her graduate degree in 2015 from Mercer University and has specialized in inpatient Infectious Disease since becoming a nurse practitioner. She has been with Dekalb MD since 2019.
She is married with two boys, Michael and William. She enjoys hiking, traveling to national parks and reading. One of her passions is traveling to Cap Haitian, Haiti and providing medical care with the organization Eternal Hope in Haiti. She played a small role in relief efforts for the 2010 earthquake and the 2012 cholera outbreak.
