It's time to test your knowledge, Lakeland. You might be familiar with Watson Clinic, but did you know it first opened its doors in 1941? Take a look at this — and four other things you may not have known about this healthcare staple of the Lakeland community:

Watson Clinic has been around for 80+ years

It all began when Georgia-born Dr. Willis Herman Watson moved to Lakeland in 1916 to start his own private practice.

In 1941, he joined forces with his nephew, Dr. Samuel Edgar Watson, and doctors Jere W. Annis, Henry Fuller, and John Kibler to form the physician group that became known as Watson Clinic. The rest is history.

They can treat nearly every health-related issue

Today, the Clinic's team is comprised of 220+ board-certified physicians, representing more than 40 medical and surgical specialties, including cardiology, breast health, and dozens of other specialties + health services.

Watson Clinic has a network of 220+ providers. | Provided by Watson Clinic

Their model allows patients to come first

Watson Clinic is owned and operated by its physicians, creating a collaborative and efficient environment wherein a vast network of providers can swiftly refer patients to other specialists within the Clinic's network. Those providers then work together to ensure each patient receives comprehensive, personalized, and effective treatment.

Bonus: The Clinic's services are not determined by outside bureaucrats — the medical professionals decide.

They introduce the community to breakthroughs in modern medicine

From open heart surgery to 3D mammography to minimally-invasive robotic surgery, Watson Clinic has a history of introducing Lakeland to the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies in the industry.

They evolve to meet the community’s needs

After identifying a demand for hassle-free walk-in care in recent years, Watson Clinic opened three convenient quick-care locations — Urgent Care Main, Urgent Care South, and XpressCare Highlands — to provide immediate treatments for minor illnesses and injuries without an appointment.

And with 18 medical and specialty centers throughout Polk, Pasco, and Hillsborough counties, you're never too far from getting the care you need at a Watson Clinic facility.*

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