Curious about Doctor Watford?

My pursuit of a career in medicine began with natural curiosity about “how things work”. My early engineering interests later transformed into an interest in biology as I was inspired by my parents, several wonderful teachers in high school, and a general curiosity about physiology.

I believe curiosity helps us connect with each other. Curiosity drives lifelong learning, makes us better problem solvers, and nurtures our need to take on new challenges. It helps us to listen actively, inspires generosity to collaborate, and expands our empathy.

Education and Community

I grew up largely in Alabama and Florida and completed my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences with Honors at Auburn University. There I founded the first inpatient shadowing program for health sciences students and was a charter member of the Auburn University Honors College. I earned my medical degree at the University of South Alabama in 2003 followed by internships in General Surgery at Carraway Methodist Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama and then Internal Medicine at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Portland, Oregon.

My family and I settled in Naples in 2020 where I became part of the staff of Naples Community Hospital providing inpatient services. I opened my own practice in February of 2022.

Credentials

I became Board Certified in Internal Medicine in 2007 and recertified in 2017. The American Board of Internal Medicine is the standard-setting body that oversees certification of physicians who care for adults and adolescents. Within Internal Medicine are subspecialties like Cardiology, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, and many others.

Licensure

I am licensed by the Florida Board of Medicine. My only office is in Naples, Florida.

Keeping Current

I continue my ongoing learning several ways. I rely on national and international societal guidelines, local and state medical societies, peer-reviewed literature, and other online collaborations. I encourage you to explore:

• American College of Physicians

• American Board of Internal Medicine

• Infectious Disease Society of America

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• American College of Chest Physicians

• American College of Cardiology

• Society of Hospital Medicine

• Florida Bioethics Network

• Florida Medical Association

• Cochran Library

• Up to Date

Meet Pat Hafford, Registered Nurse

Pat is a long-time resident of Naples and has been a registered nurse since 2006. She finished her nursing training in her hometown of Memphis, TN. She and Dr. Watford have worked alongside in the hospital, and it is a delight to have her in the practice now.

Pat is a thoughtful, caring nurse and a talented listener. She is a true asset to our patients!