We are excited to share that we have another new doctor joining the practice! Mark Jackson, MD, is an Addiction Medicine specialist who will start seeing patients in January in our Gainesville and Ocala locations. We talked to Dr. Jackson about his pathway to the Addiction Medicine Fellowship and what conditions he can treat. 

1. When did you know you wanted to be a doctor?
I have always been interested in science, which eventually grew into a passion specifically for biology. While in high school, I began searching for a science-based career and chose medicine because it also provided the opportunity to mix science in helping others.  

2. What made you choose addiction medicine?
I practiced anesthesiology for ten years while living in Kentucky.   I discovered I began lacking passion for this type of work and found it frustrating.  I desired to make a difference in an area of medicine currently in need, and that motivated the decision to pursue a fellowship in addiction medicine.  Also, my family and personal experience with substance use disorders solidified my decision.  I have seen the effects of substance use disorders on people and families, and I believe these experiences will allow me to be empathetic to patients with similar issues.  My knowledge and optimism of the difference recovery can make in life will aid in making me a successful addiction medicine specialist.  

3. What conditions are you able to diagnose and treat?
Addiction medicine 
Medical pain management 
Palliative medicine 
Musculoskeletal pain
Cancer pain

4. What do you think your addiction medicine fellowship has added to your skillset?
The fellowship has added an understanding of the comprehensive medical treatment of patients with substance use disorders and the co-occurring medical and psychiatric disorders. It provided a well-rounded education that few physicians receive.  My training included the management of patients in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and partial hospitalization units. 

5. What do you enjoy doing outside of your work?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters.  My hobbies include watching and participating in sports, hunting, and fishing.

6. What are you most looking forward to now that you’ve joined SIMEDHealth?

Joining a multi-specialty physician group and helping expand the healthcare options for patients in the Gainesville and Ocala areas.