John Franklin Hower JR., MD

Write a Review863-687-1321

Dr. John F. Hower, Jr., is a Vascular Surgeon and Trauma Surgeon who serves as Medical Director of our Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen. He is also a Certified Wound Care Physician. Dr. Hower has been practicing trauma and general sugergy since 1999. He specializes in treating patients with circulation problems, critical injuries and problems associated with wound healing. He also is trained to treat wound care patients in a hyperbaric (increased pressure) environment using 100% oxygen to promote more rapid wound healing. What is your patient care philosophy?The philosophy is simple: requiring diligence and commitment to enrich my patient's life and health through the art and science of my medical practice. What would you like people to know about you as a physician?I want people to know two things about me as a physician. First,I will take the very best care of them that I can, and, second, I will always tell them the truth. Compassionate and truthful. Why did you decide to become a physician?I never had to decide why; I always knew it. What do you enjoy most about working with patients?Their stories. Stories that allow me to understand at least a snapshot of them in the context of my role as their physician - evaluating, treating and understanding my patients fully in the time I have with them. When did you know you wanted to become a doctor?From a time as long ago as I can remember. It was my own choice to become one. No one had to tell me. I never had to peruse a list of things to do or to become. I had a singular vision. I knew it from my earliest memories. How does your work improve lives?It certainly would be wonderful to cure and correct all the maladies and diseases I've been asked to see and treat; and that in and of itself would certainly improve lives, but that's not always possible. What improves lives is the human qualities of compassion, understanding and caring brought to them through my professionalism and the notion that, even if it can't be completely cured, patients know my efforts are genuinely in their best interests. That, I believe, will improve their lives. What else would you like to share with our readers?I, like most in this profession, wish to bring to our patients a sense of commitment and caring despite all the negatives we often hear, observe and read. Fortunately, at any given time, most of us have our health – a most precious commodity. We all engage and enjoy our lives. Remember to engage yourselves as well in understanding your health and your healthcare. What are some interesting facts about you?When in practice in New Orleans I was active in Mardi Gras, as a horse rider in the Krewe of Bacchus parade. I am a Master Scuba Diver with a professional Divemaster rating. I was a volunteer diver at the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans, serving in the capacity of Diving Physician. I have completed over 400 Locum Tenens assignments in Surgery, and, at one time, I was licensed to practice medicine in 26 states. I also provided volunteer medical services to people living in the Bay Islands of Honduras. What would you like to share about your family?My wife and I are both employed at Lakeland Regional Health, where she is a Nurse Practitioner. What childhood memory do you have about visiting the doctor?Our family doctor had an office in his home. His office had an adjoining large waiting room usually filled with patients. Everyone sat there quietly until the doctor had us enter his office through two large wooden doors. As a patient, you sat next to the doctor as he talked and examined you. He always was dressed in suit and tie, even in the evening. He was engaging and friendly, making you feel quite at home. Other than the patient, there was no one there but the doctor himself - not like today's hustle and bustle! There were no distractions to occupy him or detract from his care. Visits were usually cordial except when I had to get “shots”! And if you were real...