Bringing Life to Lakeland
Women and babies in South Lakeland finally have a hospital to call home with the opening of Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital.
Moms-to-be deserve an experience that emphasizes convenience and accessibility. That’s why a team of Watson Clinic OB-GYN specialists offers prenatal appointments from their offices at Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center, and are equipped to deliver babies at Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital on the same campus.
The new hospital has eight labor and delivery beds, 28 post-partum beds, 12 neonatal intensive care beds that are part of its Level II NICU (scheduled to open in fall 2026) and two C-section rooms.
The experience will be tailored to each woman’s needs and wishes, including music, alternative pain management options and conventional medical options such as epidurals.
Dr. Samantha Curtis serves as the OB-GYN Department Chair at Watson Clinic, leading a team of OB-GYNs and OB hospitalists who are always on call to guide women through each stage of pregnancy and celebrate new life.
Get to know some of the medical professionals who will be present for “birth days” at the new location:
Dr. Samantha Curtis, Ob-gyn Department Chair at Watson Clinic
Dr. Curtis’ practice is rooted in a deep passion for building long-term patient relationships. She thrives on supporting women through every life stage, balancing the joy of childbirth with the compassionate care required during complex health challenges. She emphasizes the importance of preventive care and evidence-based medicine, often helping patients navigate the complexities of modern health information. Addressing the challenges posed by medical misinformation on social media, she advocates for relying on professional expertise to make informed health decisions.
Dr. Curtis is a strong proponent of holistic well-being, advising patients to integrate daily movement, strength training and stress management into their routines. Her personal life is centered on family, where she cherishes time spent with her children enjoying the Florida sunshine.
THE LAKELANDER
What is the biggest challenge you face in modern medicine?
DR. CURTIS
One of the greatest challenges in modern medicine is the abundance of misinterpreted and biased information circulating on social media. We see it across nearly every aspect of women’s health, from vaccines and pregnancy care to hormone therapy and menopause. Patients are often exposed to conflicting messages, making it difficult to know what information to trust.
At the same time, there is a positive side. Social media has increased awareness and encouraged many patients to seek care for symptoms or concerns they might have otherwise ignored. My hope is that patients use these conversations as a starting point, while also trusting the expertise of their healthcare providers. Physicians dedicate years of education, training and clinical experience to practicing evidence-based medicine, and our goal is always to help patients make informed decisions based on the best available evidence.
Dr. Faria Ahmed, Ob-gyn, Watson Clinic
Dr. Ahmed brings a unique, multidisciplinary perspective to her practice at Watson Clinic.
Prior to becoming a doctor, Dr. Ahmed served with AmeriCorps and worked as an oncology clinical research coordinator. It was in the latter role that she found her true calling; witnessing the profound impact of the physician-patient bond inspired her to pursue a career where she could foster those same life-changing relationships.
In today’s rapidly evolving medical landscape, Dr. Ahmed remains a steadfast advocate for her patients, helping them navigate the complexities of social media misinformation and TikTok trends to find clarity for their individual health needs.
She believes that true well-being extends beyond the clinical setting, emphasizing the vital role of community and personal connections. Outside the clinic, she enjoys exploring local restaurants and spending quality time at the park with her husband and two young children.
THE LAKELANDER
What is something you would suggest more people do to take better care of themselves?
DR. AHMED
Hang out with your friends! Feeling connected and part of a community has a lot of impact on your well-being. It’s easy to let that slide in the business of day-to-day life, but nurturing those connections is important just like exercise, diet and getting your annual exam.
THE LAKELANDER
If someone comes up to you at a social gathering, how do you describe what you do on a daily basis?
DR. AHMED
I go to birthday parties!
Dr. Mona El-Gayar, Ob-gyn, Watson Clinic
Dr. El-Gayar’s journey into medicine was deeply inspired by her grandparents; her grandmother, a trailblazing OB-GYN in Egypt who defied contemporary stereotypes, and her grandfather, a general surgeon, both left an indelible mark on her medical aspirations. Dr. El-Gayar has worked tirelessly to honor their legacy by providing comprehensive care to women throughout every stage of their lives.
Describing herself as a “surgeon, baby-catcher and girl’s girl,” her medical philosophy is rooted firmly in the power of preventive care. She is a strong advocate for regular screenings, including Pap smears and mammograms, believing that prevention is always superior to treatment. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, painting and exploring local shops and restaurants, often spending quality moments with her family or retreating to the beach.
THE LAKELANDER
What do you love most about your profession?
DR. EL-GAYAR
I get the honor of caring for women across their lifespans. There is so much variety to OB-GYN. I can complete a hysterectomy for pelvic pain or horrible periods for one patient, and then I can help a patient bring new life into the world. I can discuss birth control with a college student, and I can offer assistance to women going through perimenopause and menopause with hormone replacement therapy.
Dr. Taylor Cook, Ob-gyn, Watson Clinic
Dr. Cook brings a compassionate, patient-centered approach to women’s healthcare. As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Cook manages health needs ranging from puberty and pregnancy to menopause.
With four years of private practice experience, she is committed to providing evidence-based care. She stays at the forefront of medical implementation, utilizing AI scribe technology to ensure timely and thorough documentation, allowing her to focus more on her patients.
She advocates for “purposeful movement” to improve mood, energy and pregnancy outcomes.
Beyond her surgeries and deliveries at the new Parkway Medical Center and Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital, Dr. Cook balances her career with a busy family life. As a mother of three children age 5 and under, she understands the importance of navigating life’s milestones with both expertise and empathy.
THE LAKELANDER
What inspired you to become a doctor?
DR. COOK
We have all likely gone through tough health concerns personally or with a family member and seeing the care team interactions made this very appealing. I really enjoy providing comfort and guidance through difficult times. That, plus my love for education and a challenge made this an awesome choice.
Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center
4060 Lakeland Highlands Rd. Lakeland, FL 33812
WatsonClinic.com/Parkway | Appointments: 863-680-7243
Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital
4000 Lakeland Highlands Rd. Lakeland, FL 33812
OrlandoHealth.com/Lakeland
