When it comes to looking after your health and wellness, there is nothing more important than seeking an experienced, compassionate professional who can use their expertise to provide you with the best care. We warmly invite any adult over 18 years of age to come to the Adult Medicine Department to receive care from an internal medicine or family practitioner.
If you are interested in adult medicine services here at Southside Medical Center in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area, contact the location nearest you and schedule your consultation. Our providers are excited to help give you the care and support you need to lead a greater quality of life.
What Is Adult Medicine?
Adult medicine focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing health concerns that typically begin in early adulthood and continue through the later stages of life. It includes care for both acute illnesses and long-term conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis. We also focus on screenings, immunizations, and lifestyle guidance that can help you stay healthy as your needs evolve. Adult medicine takes into account the unique physiological and emotional changes that happen as you age. By building an ongoing relationship with your provider, you can receive more consistent and informed care that grows with you.
Who Do We Serve?
We care for adults aged 18 and older who want regular medical support, whether that means managing chronic conditions, monitoring lab work, or staying current with preventive screenings. Patients transitioning from pediatric care often find it helpful to establish care with a medical provider who understands how to support long-term wellness. We also work with individuals who have complex health needs or multiple medications to coordinate. Even if you feel well, annual visits and check-ins give us a chance to detect early signs of health concerns and make adjustments before symptoms develop.
What Are the Benefits of Seeing an Adult Medicine Specialist?
The unparalleled medical training of our providers allows them to effectively diagnose and treat our adult patients with a myriad of health and wellness concerns and conditions. Additionally, our providers are versed in high-quality preventative care to help you secure a healthier future. One of our goals is to give you the full support you need, from providing referrals to specialists or transfers to hospitals, seamlessly.
Our Approach to Preventative Care
We believe that access to preventative care should never depend on your income, insurance status, or background. At Southside Medical Center, we serve the medically underserved communities in Atlanta, GA, offering screenings, health education, and check-ups that can help prevent complications before they start.
Preventative care is a chance to catch early warning signs, reduce the burden of chronic illness, and help you feel better day to day. We take time to listen, explain your options clearly, and offer support that respects your individual needs and goals. Guided by our core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Service, we’re here to make sure you feel seen, supported, and cared for because SMC C.A.R.E.S.!
Our Services
Our adult medicine services cover a wide range of preventive, diagnostic, and long-term care needs for patients 18 and older. Whether you’re coming in for a wellness visit, managing a chronic condition, or following up after a hospital stay, we provide consistent, compassionate care at every stage. We also coordinate with specialists when needed to help you stay on track with your health goals.
Comprehensive Chronic Disease Management
Diabetes
Diabetes affects how your body processes sugar, and without steady management, it can lead to nerve damage, kidney issues, and poor circulation. We help you track your A1C levels, adjust medications, and understand how food and activity impact your blood sugar. You do not need to manage it alone.
Hypertension
High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, but it can lead to serious problems like stroke or heart failure if it goes unchecked. We monitor your numbers closely and help you make small changes that support your heart without completely disrupting your lifestyle. Medications can be helpful, but we also look at diet, stress, and physical activity to see where adjustments can make a difference.
Heart Disease
While managing heart disease, we identify early signs, track risk factors, and keep your heart as strong as possible. You may need medications to support circulation or reduce strain on your heart, but we also talk with you about how your daily habits influence your condition. Even small shifts in how you eat, sleep, or move can ease pressure on your heart and reduce your risk of complications.
COPD and Asthma
Breathing problems can affect everything from your sleep to your energy levels. With COPD and asthma, we assess how often symptoms flare, adjust inhalers as needed, and monitor lung function so you can breathe more easily. We also help you recognize triggers that may be making symptoms worse, like certain environments or seasonal changes.
Arthritis
Arthritis affects your joints, but its impact can reach into your ability to move, work, or rest comfortably. We look at where you are feeling stiffness or pain, how it affects your daily routine, and what kinds of treatment offer real relief. That might include medications, movement-based therapies, or ways to reduce inflammation.
Women’s Health Services
- Pap Smears and Pelvic Exams: These exams help us detect early signs of cervical cancer and identify other gynecologic issues that may not cause noticeable symptoms. Regular screenings give us a clearer picture of your health and allow us to address concerns before they progress.
- Breast Health Screenings: We check for lumps, changes in tissue, or other warning signs that could point to early stages of breast disease. If you need a mammogram or follow-up imaging, we guide you through that process and explain what to expect.
- Menopause Symptom Support: Hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disruptions can affect daily life more than most expect. We look at how symptoms are showing up for you, then talk through treatment options that may bring relief and improve your quality of life.
- Birth Control Counseling: We help you explore your options by walking through the pros and cons of each method and how they may fit into your lifestyle.
Men’s Health Services
- Erectile Dysfunction Counseling: We talk with you honestly and privately about what is affecting your sexual health and how it may connect to circulation, stress, or other medical issues. You have options, and we can help you understand treatments that support both physical function and confidence.
- Testosterone Evaluation: Low testosterone can affect energy, mood, and even your ability to build muscle or maintain focus. We check your levels through a simple blood test, then discuss what those results mean and whether treatment might help.
- Prostate Health Screening: As you age, prostate health becomes more important, even if you feel fine. We use screenings to check for enlargement, infection, or signs of prostate cancer so we can act early if needed.
- Lifestyle Counseling: Your daily habits are connected to how you feel and how your body functions. We work with you to improve nutrition, movement, stress management, and sleep in ways that fit your routine and support long-term health.
Acute Care for Common Illnesses
Cold symptoms, sore throats, ear infections, and stomach bugs can disrupt your routine quickly. We offer visits for urgent needs such as cold symptoms, sore throats, ear infections, the flu, and more. If you are unsure whether your symptoms are viral or bacterial, we will examine you, ask the right questions, and explain what treatment makes sense.
Labs, Screenings, and Diagnostic Services
We provide in-house lab testing for routine blood work, cholesterol checks, glucose levels, and common cancer screenings. If something requires additional imaging or specialty testing, we help coordinate referrals and explain what the results mean. If you experience symptoms like fatigue, pain, or weight changes without a clear reason, we take those seriously and use diagnostics to investigate further.
Transition Care and Referrals
Discharge from the hospital does not mean your care is finished. We follow up after hospital stays to review medications, monitor recovery, and prevent readmission. If you need to see a specialist, we explain why and help you find one who fits your needs.
Workplace and Administrative Services
We complete physical exams for employment, school, and other documentation, including forms for disability, FMLA, and return-to-work clearance. If your job affects your health or causes strain, we can talk about how to support you through this situation. We also provide screening and documentation for common workplace exposures.
Adult Immunizations
Vaccines protect you from serious illnesses, not just in childhood but throughout your adult life. We offer flu shots, COVID vaccines, pneumonia, shingles, tetanus, and others. If you travel or live with someone who has a weakened immune system, certain vaccines may be especially important. We review your immunization record, explain what is due, and answer any questions you may have.
Healthy Aging Support
As your body changes with age, your care should adjust with it. We look at bone strength, memory changes, fall risk, and other concerns that often affect older adults. We talk through your goals, whether that means keeping up with grandchildren, traveling, or managing medications.
What to Expect at Your Visit
We welcome you with respect, without judgment, and with a clear goal to help you feel better and stay well. We take time to listen, explain things clearly, and answer your questions without rushing you. If something feels overwhelming, we break it down and walk through it step by step. You will leave with a better understanding of your health and a care plan that fits your life. Whether it is your first visit or your tenth, we want you to feel safe, heard, and supported.
FAQs About Our Adult Health Services
What Is the Difference Between Adult Medicine and Family Medicine?
Adult medicine focuses specifically on patients aged 18 and older. We concentrate on health issues that often begin or progress in adulthood. Family medicine covers a broader age range, including children and adolescents. Our focus allows us to provide deeper support for adult health concerns and long-term condition management.
How Often Should I See My Provider for a Check-Up?
We recommend an annual wellness visit even if you feel well. Regular check-ups give us a chance to review labs, update medications, and catch early signs of health changes before symptoms appear. If you live with a chronic condition or take multiple medications, you may benefit from more frequent visits.
What Should I Bring to My First Appointment?
Bring a photo ID, any insurance information, a list of your current medications, and any medical records you can access. If you are not sure what medications you take, bring the bottles with you. You can also bring questions or notes about symptoms you have noticed. We welcome your input and want to hear what matters most to you.
How Can I Pay for Adult Health Services?
We accept a wide range of payment options, including Medicaid, Medicare, commercial insurance plans, and a sliding fee scale based on income. If you do not have insurance, we will still see you and work with you to find an affordable solution. You do not need to delay care because of cost. Our goal is to make healthcare accessible, and we are here to help guide you through the process.
About Us
Southside Medical Center has been serving the Atlanta community since 1967, when it began as the Atlanta Southside Comprehensive Health Center. We focus on providing affordable, high-quality health services to underserved populations, with a mission grounded in compassion, accessibility, and long-term support.
With 15 locations across Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Gwinnett, Butts, and Spalding counties, we work to make care more convenient and consistent for the communities that need it most. Under the leadership of Dr. David M. Williams, we continue to expand our impact while holding ourselves to the highest standards in preventive and primary care. Whether you live near Norcross, East Point, Riverdale, Hampton, or Forest Park, we are here to support your health.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Southside Medical Center is proud to provide the highest quality health and wellness care to our patients in the greater Atlanta area and beyond. Our providers, who possess years of expertise, are committed to producing exceptional primary health care along with a wide range of related services. Contact us today at (404) 688-1350 or online to schedule your initial consultation and take the next step towards leading a happier, healthier, and brighter future.
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
After Hours Clinic (on 1st floor) 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
