Meet Our Team
Our physicians, physician assistant and practice leadership work together to create a welcoming and well-coordinated healthcare experience. From preventive care and routine health screenings to the evaluation and management of acute and chronic health conditions, our focus is on building lasting relationships with our patients.
Our Physicians
Steven Kulback, MD
Dr. Steven Kulback is an internal medicine physician at Alabama Internal Medicine in Trussville, Alabama. He provides comprehensive primary care for adults, including preventive care, routine health evaluations, diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses, and ongoing management of chronic medical conditions.
As an experienced internal medicine physician, Dr. Kulback focuses on understanding each patient’s overall health and developing an individualized approach to care. He works closely with the Alabama Internal Medicine team to provide continuity of care for patients throughout Trussville and surrounding Birmingham communities.
Nicholas G. Echemendia, MD
Dr. Nicholas G. Echemendia is an internal medicine physician at Alabama Internal Medicine in Trussville, Alabama, providing comprehensive primary care for adults throughout Trussville and the greater Birmingham area.
Dr. Echemendia earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency at MetroHealth Medical Center. His academic background also includes neuroscience studies at Vanderbilt University, where he graduated with honors in Spanish.
His approach to internal medicine emphasizes comprehensive evaluation, preventive medicine, and the ongoing management of acute and chronic health concerns.
Physician Assistant
Carrie Cole, PA-C
Carrie Cole is a physician assistant at Alabama Internal Medicine, providing comprehensive primary care to patients in Trussville and the surrounding Birmingham area. Since joining the practice in 2022, Carrie has worked alongside our physicians to evaluate and treat patients while helping them manage both acute and ongoing health concerns.
Carrie graduated cum laude from Jacksonville State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness, a concentration in Athletic Training and a minor in Psychology. After seven years working in orthopedics, she continued her education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, earning her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2011.
Carrie is board certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She also serves as a preceptor for Samford University’s Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner programs.
Specialized services
Clinical background
Practice Leadership
W. Thomas Blake, Jr.
He brings more than 30 years of healthcare management experience to the practice. His background includes physician practice administration and leadership roles in internal medicine and primary care, urology, and allergy and immunology. Earlier in his career he worked in long-term care administration as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator.
Tom has led healthcare teams through major facility construction projects, office relocations and significant technology upgrades. At Alabama Internal Medicine, that experience supports day-to-day operations and helps our clinical team stay focused on patient care.
Outside the office, Tom enjoys spending time with his family, gardening and working on home projects. He is an active member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent, where he sings in the choir and serves on its Executive Committee.
Professional memberships
Primary Care That Puts Patients First
Whether you need a routine checkup, a preventive screening, evaluation of a new health concern or ongoing management of a chronic condition, our team is here to provide personalized and attentive care.