Dr. Zelia Bowman is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology, and practices at our St. Augustine location. She received her medical degree from the University of the West Indies, before completing her residency and fellowship at West Virginia University.
Having grown up in the Caribbean, Dr. Bowman had been longing for a warmer climate than West Virginia. Her step-daughter recently moved to the North Florida area and fell in love with the golf cart and beach lifestyle, which then inspired her move as well.
In her second year of residency, Dr. Bowman met a young mother with relapsed leukemia. “Though this was a very emotionally challenging situation, I learned the depth of the relationship between a patient and their cancer team was a special one that I wanted to be a part of. I admire how motivated our patients are working towards their goals and the way many can handle such adversity with grace.”
“My mission is to treat my patients the way I would want my loved ones and myself to be treated. I consider myself an extra-miler and will go through hoops to get whatever scan or drug authorized, discuss with other specialists, and promptly respond to patients’ concerns so they feel supported as much as possible.”
In addition to her training, Dr. Bowman also had a more personal experience when her mother was diagnosed with cancer. “When cancer hits close to home, it makes it that much easier to relate to the patients you’re treating,” she explains. “My philosophy is that we are only put on this Earth for a few years, which is a brief time in the grand scheme of things. Working in the oncology field has taught me how precious life is, and that it is our duty to help our patients live their lives to the fullest.”
When not in the office, Dr. Bowman stays busy chasing after her young children or working out. While her days of classical ballet training may be over, she still starts her day with a Peloton work out, ranging from weight training to Pilates. Planning her next travel adventure with her husband is also a favorite pastime. They have been to several countries, her most memorable being Peru where they hiked Machu Picchu.
