Why Doctors in Gainesville Love Living and Working Here
Greater Gainesville is the perfect place for medical professionals to grow a career and life they love. The region is home to the University of Florida College of Medicine and two major medical providers, UF Health and HCA, plus plenty of attractive quality-of-life amenities. Meet two thriving doctors in Gainesville who love working and living in this north-central Florida region.
Dr. Nash Moawad
Division Chief, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, UF Health Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine
Dr. Nash Moawad
Thousands of women throughout Florida and beyond have found compassionate, leading-edge care for complex gynecologic health problems at UF Health. And for the past 14 years, Dr. Nash Moawad, division chief of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, has helped lead the chargein Gainesville.
He is also part of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UF Health Shands Hospital, ranked among the nation’s best hospitals for obstetrics and gynecology by U.S. News & World Report.
“Through minimally invasive surgery, I love helping women of all ages resolve complex problems related to pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibroids, abnormal bleeding, ovarian cysts and infertility,” Moawad says. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have a positive impact on my patients and their families.”
Caring for people is an intrinsic part of Moawad’s family. His wife, Stephanie, with whom he has two daughters, is a UF Health pediatrician. Moawad says his father, a cardiologist, as well as retired professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, a world-renowned heart surgeon, “both inspired me to work hard, go the extra mile and excel in my craft to help others.”
Moawad, who is known for his work solving endometriosis pain while preserving fertility, graduated medical school from Cairo University in Egypt, completed an OB/GYN residency at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio and finished fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh Magee-Womens Hospital.
A big fan of Spanish guitar music, the physician embraces living in Greater Gainesville because “UF attracts students and professionals from all over the world,” he says. “It is centrally located, with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean; it has excellent weather, endless culinary options and more.”
Outside of work, Moawad and his family relish visiting new restaurants, catching sunsets at nearby Cedar Key and kayaking and paddle-boating at Lake Wauburg.
Dr. Moawad’s Health Tip
Women are their own best advocates. Do your research, ask questions and don’t hesitate to seek second opinions. Find the best care you deserve.
Dr. Francisco (Frank) Macedo
Surgical Oncology, Complex Gastrointestinal, HCA Florida Gainesville Surgical Group
Dr. Frank Macedo
Motivation for a future in health care came early in the life of Dr. Francisco “Frank” Macedo, who grew up with parents who were physicians.
“My inspiration started at home,” Macedo says. “Both of my parents were cardiologists, so I grew up with a desire to help others. I also enjoyed biology and chemistry in school, so that helped steer me toward becoming a physician.”
The Fortaleza, Brazil, native earned his graduate degree at the University of Pernambuco in Brazil.
He later completed his internship and residency at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, went to the University of Miami School of Medicine for his fellowship and joined HCA Florida Gainesville Surgical Group six years ago.
“Being able to help patients by removing their cancer and improving their quality of life through surgery was what I was called to do,” Macedo says. “It was in my residency that I discovered my particular passion for surgical oncology.”
One person who came to see the physician had distinctive white hair and a beard and looked familiar. After pulling out his phone, Macedo found the picture of his family visiting locally with Santa – who was sitting before him – and received the needed medical care to prepare for his big night.
“I am very proud to be one of Santa’s doctors,” says Macedo, smiling, “Both of my daughters say this gives me cool Dad points.”
Macedo and his family have fun exploring nearby natural areas, enjoying beach trips or visiting Florida’s theme parks. He loves the vibe of living in a college town, the energy brought by its mix of different cultures.
“The people here make the difference. There is a tremendous sense of community,” Macedo says. “I was blessed to find such an extraordinary opportunity to practice here.”
Dr. Macedo’s Health Tip
It’s crucial to regularly see your primary care physician and keep up with annual cancer screenings. We’ve seen an increase in several types of cancer, such as colon cancer, even in younger patients.