Gynecology

When deciding on a provider for your gynecologic care, look to Watson Clinic’s board-certified team for years of experience and superior surgical capabilities. They perform a full range of treatments from annual evaluations and pap smears to hysterectomies and complex surgical procedures. Our board- certified gynecologists are assisted by a team of female providers who are highly trained women’s health specialists. All surgical procedures are conveniently performed at nearby Lakeland Surgical and Diagnostic Center and Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center (LRH). Best of all, you’ll reap the benefits of receiving your care within the network of Watson Clinic’s 40 specialties and over 220 board-certified physicians, ensuring that nearly every medical need you may incur during your treatment can be met with maximum efficiency.
 
In-Office Procedure Diminishes Heavy Periods 

It’s a common condition that affects the quality of life for one in every five women. Now, women who suffer from heavy periods can find welcome assistance from the revolutionary Novasure procedure.

This quick procedure, which is offered by Watson Clinic’s gynecology department, successfully works to diminish or stop heavy periods in over 77.7% of women through the use of radio frequency or ablative techniques.

Best of all, having the procedure performed in-office allows patients an opportunity to avoid the inconvenience and high costs of a hospital visit.

For more information on the Novasure procedure, please call 863-680-7243.

We also offer diVa® Laser Vaginal Therapy, which is an FDA approved specialized laser for the improvement of vaginal health and functionality. The vagina, much like any other part of the body, is susceptible to changes as women age. Milestones such as childbirth and menopause can also contribute to a decline in vaginal health. diVa® is a laser therapy solution that corrects these intimate challenges and can improve laxity, lubrication, and leakage while enhancing confidence and self-esteem.

Forever Bare BBL from Sciton® is an innovative advancement in hair removal devices providing the patient with a treatment that is thorough, fast, safe and comfortable.


Gynecology Physicians & Providers:

 
Dr. Rosemary Cardosi
  • Medical School: University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, MD
  • Internship & Residency: University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Board-certified: Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Fellow: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • Member: American Medical Association, Florida Medical Association, Polk County Medical Association, American Red Cross Volunteer

Dr. John Ellington
  • Medical School: University of Georgia Pharmacy School, Athens, GA, BS/Pharmacy
  • Medical School: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, MD
  • Internship: University of Alabama Medical Center, University Hospital, Birmingham, AL, Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Residency and Instructor: University of Alabama Medical Center, University Hospital, Birmingham, AL
  • Board-certified: Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Fellow: American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • Member: RHOCHI Honorary Pharmaceutical Society, Charles E. Flowers Gynecologic Society, South Central OB-GYN Society, Association of Gynecologists / Laparoscopists
  • Areas of Special Interest: Abnormal Menstrual Periods, Urinary Incontinence, Vaginal Reconstructive Surgery, Sexual Dysfunction, Menopausal Issues and Treatment, Osteoporosis, PMS, Fibroids, Pelvic Pain

Wendi Johnson
  • Nursing School: Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, BSN 
  • Masters Program: South University, Tampa, FL, MSN
  • Certification: International Board Certified Lactation Consultant by the IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners)
  • Member: Advanced Cardiac/Basic Life Support, External Fetal Monitoring Certification, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
  • Supervising Physician: John R. Ellington, Jr., MD, FACOG

Nicole Rule
  • Nursing School: Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, BSN
  • Masters Program: University of Tampa, Tampa, FL, MSN
  • Doctor of Philosophy: William Carey University, Hattiesburg, MS, PhD
  • Member: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Polk County Advanced Practice Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing
  • Supervising Physician: Tarek Garas, MD

Obstetrics - Gynecology Physicians & Providers:

 
Dr. Taylor Cook
  • Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, MS, DO
  • Residency: Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Baton Rouge, LA, Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Board-eligible: Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Member: American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Samantha Curtis
  • Medical School: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, MD
  • Internship & Residency: Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, Orlando, FL,
    Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Board-certified: Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Member: American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, American Medical Association

Dr. Tarek Garas
  • Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, MD 
  • Residency: University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Board-certified: Obstetrics & Gynecolgy; Subspecialty in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
  • Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
  • Fellow: American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Surgeons
  • Member: Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, Southern Medical Association, William A. Little Society, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, Physicians for Women’s Health, Christian Medical and Dental Association, Florida Obstetric and Gynecologic Society, American Urogynecologic Society, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
  • Areas of Special Interest: Pelvic Pain, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Sexual Dysfunction, Menopausal Symptoms, Contraception, Advanced Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Urinary and Fecal Incontinence, Infertility
  • Awards: Recognized by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Surgeon of Excellence in performing robotic surgical proceduresInterStim™ Center of Excellence by Medtronic, Finalist in The Ledger's Best of Central Florida 2022

Dr. J. Brian Hopper
  • Medical School: University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, TN, MD
  • Internship: University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, Obstetrics and Gynecology 
  • Residency: Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA, Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Board-certified: Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Fellow: American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • Member: American Medical Association, Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Florida Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, Florida OB-GYN Society, Polk County Medical Association

Dr. Donald Langley
  • Medical School: University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, MO, DO
  • Internship: Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tulsa, OK
  • Residency: University of Florida College of Medicine, Pensacola, FL, Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Board-certified: Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Fellow: American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • Member: American Medical Association, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists,
    Florida Obstetric and Gynecologic Society, Polk County Medical Association
  • Areas of Special Interest: Permanent birth control solutions     

Alicia Belisle
  • Nursing School: Polk State College, Winter Haven, FL, ASN
  • Masters Program: Frontier Nusing University, Hyden, KY, MSN
  • Member: Advanced Cardiac/Basic Life Support, National Certification Center (NCC) for External Fetal Monitoring, Neonatal Resuscitation Program
  • Supervising Physician: Tarek Garas, MD

Brooke Bambridge
  • Nursing School: Polk State College, Winter Haven, FL, ASN
  • Masters Program: Frontier Nursing University, Hyden, KY, MSN
  • Member: American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Sigma Theta Tau, Polk County Advanced Practice Nurses Association, Florida Board of Nursing
  • Supervising Physicians: Samantha J. Curtis, MD

Sara Matthews, PA
  • Undergraduate Degree: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, BS, Biology
  • Masters Program: Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN, MMS, Physician Assistant Studies
  • Member: American Academy of Physician Assistants, Association of Physician Associates in Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Supervising Physician: Tarek Garas, MD

Holly Payne
  • Nursing School: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, BSN
  • Masters Program: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, MSN
  • Masters Program: Frontier Nursing University, Hyden, KY, MSN, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Member: American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, Electronic Fetal Monitoring Certified
  • Supervising Physicians: J. Brian Hopper, MD and Donald Langley, DO

Gynecologic Oncology Physicians:

 
Dr. Logan Blankenship
  • Medical School: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, MD
  • Residency: University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Fellowship: University of Texas, San Antonio, TX, Gynecologic Oncology
  • Board-certified: Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Member: Association of Gynecologic Oncologists, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Dr. Richard Cardosi
  • Medical School: University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, TN, MD
  • Internship & Residency: University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Fellowship: H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, Gynecologic Oncology
  • Board-certified: Obstetrics and Gynecology; Subspecialty Certification in Gynecologic Oncology
  • Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
  • Fellow: American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • Member: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Society of Clinical Oncologists, Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, Florida Medical Society

Additional Links:

 



Please call 863-680-7243 for additional information.