Zelia Ramone Karema Bowman, MDMedical Oncology in Saint Augustine, FL

Zelia R. Bowman, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine, hematology, and medical oncology, and practices at Cancer Specialists of North Florida's (CSNF) St. Augustine location. She received her medical degree from the University of the West Indies, before completing her residency/chief 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. A family member 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 it was a very emotionally challenging situation, she learned the depth of the relationship between a patient and their cancer team was a special one that she wanted to be a part of. She admired how motivated patients were working toward their goals and the way many can handle such adversity with grace. Her mission is to treat her patients the way they would want her loved ones and herself to be treated. She considers herself an extra-miler and will go through hoops to get whatever scan or drug authorized, discuss with other specialists, and promptly respond to patient 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 hit close to home, it helped her to better relate to her patients. Her 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.

When not in the office, Dr. Bowman stays busy chasing after her two young children or working out. While her days of classical ballet training may be over, she still starts her day with a Peloton workout, 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.