Here’s to your Health
“My faith is a core part of my life and that certainly becomes focused in my daily walk and calling as a doctor,” shares Jeffery Gunnells, M.D. of Henderson & Walton Women’s Center, P.C.(HWWC). Dr. Gunnells and his wife moved to Birmingham for his medical school training in 1980. He completed his residency at the University of South Alabama Medical Center and returned to the Magic City in 1988. He is a deacon at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church where he and his wife have taught Together for Life marriage classes for 27 years.
A mission trip inspired Dr. Gunnells to become a physician. “I spent a week in the Dominican Republic as a high school senior on a medical mission trip with three doctors and a dentist. During that time, I began to feel a calling to medicine,” he says. He was introduced to HWWC through his father-in-law that served on the New Orleans Seminary board with HWWC senior partner Phil Walton. “This contact led to my introduction to Henderson & Walton,” Dr. Gunnells explains.
Dr. Gunnells is passionate about caring for his patients. “At this stage in my career, it is very satisfying to have long-term relationships with patients,” Dr. Gunnells reflects. “I’ve been a part of birth experiences and now enjoy watching my patient families mature.” Dr. Gunnells’ faith impacts how he interacts with his patients. “When you participate in the birthing experience, you are reminded daily of the creative process and divine involvement in that,” he says.
When Dr. Gunnells isn’t working, he likes to spend time on his farm in Marengo County- a place he and his wife enjoy sharing with others. For the past 19 years, they have hosted kids from Big Oak Ranch for an annual hunt the first weekend of December. “This past December we hosted 40 kids and 120 adults. The farm has also been the site for marriage retreats,” he says.
For more than 40 years, Henderson & Walton Women’s Center has been specializing in women’s health care. All the OB/GYN physicians, including Dr. Gunnells, are board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. For patient convenience, HWWC sees patients in Birmingham, Alabaster, Chelsea, Cullman, Rainbow City/Gadsden, Jasper, and Tuscaloosa. Dr. Gunnells sees patients at both the Birmingham and Gadsden locations. To learn more about Dr. Gunnells and the team of physicians and staff at Henderson & Walton Women’s Center, P.C., visit www.hwwc.net or call 205-930-1800.
-Melissa Armstrong
