FORT SMITH -  The loss of a child inspired Mark J. Fowler, MD, to become a physician and enter the field of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Fowler was working as a nuclear reactor operator on a U.S. Navy submarine in Groton, Conn., when he and his wife lost their first child at 20 weeks.

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.

Dr. Fowler will provide obstetrical care, annual gynecological exams, and birth control options to patients at Sparks Obstetrics & Gynecology located inside Sparks Plaza on Dodson Avenue. Dr. Fowler will also begin training on robotic surgical procedures at Sparks. When asked what his favorite part of his job is, Dr. Fowler says he enjoys providing care for expectant mothers.

Before coming to Fort Smith, Dr. Fowler practiced at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville, Ark. He also once served as the Department Head of OB/GYN at a Naval Hospital in Okinawa, Japan. In addition to a medical degree, Dr. Fowler also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and an Associate’s Degree in Nuclear Science.