It was the practice to recruit troops into companies from a specific region, such as by counties, usually recruited by a leading citizen. Once formed, they shipped out to receiving locations where they were then formed into regiments of ten companies. It was at the regimental level where surgeons were assigned.

In Williams case, he was recruited in Company I by Capt. Abernethy in Fayette County. Shortly thereafter, they arrived in Tuscaloosa, "to complete their organization." It was here that he was first examined by a Surgeon and declared unfit for duty.

It surprises me that he couldn't have been use to the company in the way as serving as a clerk or some other menial task. That is, if could write, which many men of rural areas could not.

William M. Stanfield enlisted as a Private in Company I, 41st Alabama Infantry May 3, 1863 in Fayette County, Alabama by Captain Abernethy, discharged May 19 at Tuscaloosa, Alabama for disability

M311: Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations From the State of Alabama

41st Regiment, Alabama Infantry

41st Infantry Regiment completed its organization at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in May, 1862. Members of this unit were raised in the counties of Pickens, Blount, Tuscaloosa, Perry, Greene, Washington, and Fayette.
{NPS Soldiers and Sailors System]