STEVEN ACHINGER
MANAGING PARTNER & CHAIRMAN, WATSON CLINIC, LAKELAND
Watson Clinic has grown to more than 220 board-certified physicians across more than 40 medical and surgical specialties and 18 locations throughout Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. The clinic, founded in 1941 with just five physicians, is one of the largest employers in Polk County and one of the largest medical clinics in the Southeast. It has been a leader in introducing cutting-edge medical technologies to the community, including cardiology procedures and robotic surgical options.
| EDUCATION | University of Florida (BA), University of Miami (MD) |
| PROFESSIONAL EVOLUTION | My original goal was to teach at a medical school; it was a long process from there to where I am now. |
| SOMETHING SURPRISING | I grew up on a Pacific island called Kwajalein that is now threatened by rising sea levels. |
| CIVIC EFFORT | My wife and I are passionate about Polk Ecumenical Action Council for Empowerment (PEACE), a community faith-based organization that tackles social justice issues in Polk County. Among the achievements for Polk County credited to PEACE are an indigent health care fund created through a half-cent sales tax as well as a drastic reduction in unnecessary youth arrests for non-violent first-time offenses. |