Fowler joins Sparks Obstetrics & Gynecology practice in Fort Smith

Dr. Mark Fowler is joining Sparks Obstetrics & Gynecology located at Sparks Plaza on Dodson Avenue in Fort Smith.

The loss of a child inspired Fowler  to become a physician and enter the field of obstetrics & gynecology. Fowler was working as a nuclear reactor operator on a U.S. Navy submarine based in Groton, Conn., when he and his wife lost their first child at 20 weeks.

“There was a very strong voice that came to my head that said, ‘you can do what these doctors do, and you can do it with a little more compassion,’” he said.

He applied to medical school and earned his degree from the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Armed Medical Center National Consortium in 2000.

Fowler will provide obstetrical care, annual gynecological exams, and birth control options to patients. He will also begin training on robotic surgical procedures at Sparks. When asked his favorite part of his job, Fowler said he enjoys providing care for expectant mothers.

“I get to share the best day that people ever have, over and over again,” he said.

Before coming to Fort Smith, Fowler practiced at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville, Ark. He also served as the department head of OB/GYN at a Naval Hospital in Okinawa, Japan. In addition to a medical degree, Fowler also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an associate’s degree in nuclear science.