Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center

As a registered nurse in the Chemotherapy department of our Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center, Sara Hudson provides potentially life-saving treatments to patients every day. But when she encountered a choking baby during a recent holiday shopping trip, she showed that her expert training and compassion for others extends beyond her working hours. Sara was later presented with the Watson Clinic Hero Award for her extraordinary efforts. Read her story on our blog at https://ow.ly/nQHR50XQkeI.

It’s time for Selfie Saturday – an opportunity to get to know one of our providers like never before! Today, we asked Taylor M. Novak, PA, a physician assistant who works alongside board-certified Oncology-Hematology specialist Dr. Leonard Gitter from the Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center, to share a selfie and a few details about herself.

If you weren’t a provider, what would you be?
A marine biologist. I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean—especially sharks. I used to love learning about them and studying their behavior, and I could easily see myself working in that world if I hadn’t gone into medicine.

What is your favorite sports team or sporting event?
Chicago Cubs! I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember, and living in Chicago made that love even stronger. There’s nothing like the energy at Wrigley - catching a win there feels unreal. I even caught a ball from Dansby Swanson once, and my current dog is named after Anthony Rizzo, so the loyalty definitely runs deep.

Favorite musician/singer/band?
My favorites change all the time, but Fleetwood Mac will always be at the top for me. I’m also a big fan of Florence + the Machine. I’m pretty eclectic overall. I jump between genres and love discovering new artists.

What is something about you that people might find surprising?
Most people wouldn’t peg me as the outdoorsy type, but I actually lived out of a van for a week! My boyfriend and I took a trip through Utah, hiked the national parks, and spent our days exploring and our nights in the van. It ended up being one of the best experiences I’ve had. Yellowstone is next on our list.

What do you like most about working at Watson Clinic?
I had the opportunity to rotate here as a student, and it was such a formative experience. I was immediately struck by how collaborative and supportive everyone is, and how the culture truly prioritizes both patient care and professional growth. The team’s dedication, approachability, and passion for what they do left a lasting impression on me. Now, being on the other side, I’m excited to contribute to that same environment and help continue delivering the exceptional care I was fortunate to witness firsthand.

Call 863-603-4770 or visit https://ow.ly/g5t250XGCju for more information and to schedule an appointment with Taylor M. Novak, PA.

Join us in welcoming the latest additions to our team of medical providers! Registered nurse practitioner Ashley S. Rourk, APRN works alongside board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Taylor Cook from Watson Clinic Highlands, and physician assistant Taylor M. Novak, PA treats patients of board-certified Oncology-Hematology specialist Dr. Leonard Gitter from the Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center. Visit https://ow.ly/th3c50Xx52L for more information and to schedule an appointment with either of these expert medical professionals!

Our amazing laboratory team at Watson Clinic Main is spreading the word on breast cancer awareness! Remember, early detection saves lives! If you're due for a mammogram, make sure you schedule yours today. Call 863-680-7755, option 3 or visit https://ow.ly/MnQv50XfSG2.

Say hello to the latest additions to our team of expert physicians and advanced practice providers! Dr. Huma Razzaq has joined the team of board-certified specialists at our Watson Clinic Urgent Care Main location, and registered nurse practitioner Reynica Cadet, APRN works alongside board-certified Oncology-Hematology specialist Dr. Shalini Mulaparthi from the Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center. For more information, visit https://ow.ly/Bui750WmmlO.

This past weekend, the Lakeland Flying Tigers hosted an exiting game in support of Stand Up to Cancer, an organization that works to raise awareness and fund research to detect and treat cancers with the aspiration to cure all patients. The Watson Clinic Foundation, and its Arts in Medicine program, were proud to participate in this meaningful event. Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center board-certified Oncologist-Hematologist Dr. Leonard Gitter stepped out to the plate to throw out the first pitch alongside one of his patients - Doug Landback. Doug's inspiring cancer journey began when he asked for a simple chest x-ray as part of his exam, and the images uncovered a stage 2 mass on his lung. Thanks to his self-advocacy and Dr. Gitter's expertise, Doug is now cancer-free! Special thanks to the Lakeland Flying Tigers for hosting this wonderful event.

Say hello to the latest additions to our team of expert medical providers! Candy Bridges, APRN, FNP assists patients of board-certified Pulmonology specialist Dr. Naem Shahrour exclusively from Lakeland Regional Health, and Nicole Wells, APRN, FNP works alongside board-certified Oncologist-Hematologist Dr. Leonard Gitter from our Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center. Visit https://ow.ly/VVT150W5yEt to learn more!

What are the risk factors and symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer? Visit our blog at https://shorturl.at/KGM9A to learn this and more about the disease.

The sooner lung cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances for survival. Find information on the risk factors for lung cancer and the technology we use to detect it early at https://shorturl.at/pDMzd.

Registered nurse practitioner Brittany Six, APRN, FNP recently joined our team at the Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center, where she works alongside board-certified Oncology-Hematology specialist Dr. Shalini Mulaparthi. Call 863-603-4770 to schedule an appointment or visit https://shorturl.at/6WZoq for more information.