Charles W. Yowell, MD

Meet Dr. Yowell

Certifications & Training  

• Certified in American Board of Urology, 2008 & 2015
  • This is the certifying organization for the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and is offered to all qualifying urologists practicing in the United States. 
• DaVinci Robotic Training: Certified in Residency at Duke University with over 300 surgeries performed using the minimally invasive laparoscopic technique, with robotic assistance whenever possible.
• Certified in High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, 2008 & 2017 
  • This new modality was FDA approved in 2016 and offers the most non-invasive treatment for partial or total ablation of the prostate in an outpatient procedure setting. HIFU is an option for prostate cancer treatments as a primary modality as well as for treatment failures.   

More About Dr. Yowell

Tell us about the moment you first wanted to become a doctor:

I am lucky enough to have grown up in a family of medical professionals and have always wanted to be a doctor like my dad since I can remember. But not until college did I understand what this truly entailed. While working in research in the Hospital prior to medical school, I had the opportunity to observe cancer surgeons at work and knew that one day, I too wanted to be able to give all I had to help others get their lives back. Urology picked me, I like to say, in medical school when I found that the various types of surgeries offered best matched up with my personality and mindset. I have made many friends while practicing Urology as patients and colleges and that has let me know I have chosen the right specialty for me.

What have your patients taught you?   

A common theme from my patients: “Take advantage of your life now." More than once, my patients have warned me that “voiding well is not a guarantee” and once we are able to find possible corrective measures together and restore some inner peace, they are pleased to say they are now able to take advantage of their lives again. It is a great feeling.

Is there something about you that may surprise people?

I was recruited by several small colleges to play Tennis and Basketball, way back when. Now, I can barely chase the kids around the house. Those were the in-shape/athletic days!

What made you choose Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare?

Tallahassee chose me, and it has been a natural fit. My wife has lived most of her life in Pensacola,  which is where we met and where her parents still live. I have loved Florida ever since I can remember. And when I was searching for the perfect combination of Florida, University town and great place to raise a young family, I couldn’t believe that Tallahassee was an option. After meeting with TMH teams, it became very easy to realize that there is a large group of supportive physicians and leaders under one roof. It was very easy to see that this was the place for us.

What activities do you enjoy when you are not working?

I used to play tennis and golf, but once small kids showed up, “off time” is now “Daddy time” and nothing is more fun than that. Otherwise, I keep tabs on what is going on with Duke athletics as a lifelong Duke fan and Durham NC native, home of Duke University, where my parents and many family members still live.

What about your line of work do you find most encouraging?

My favorite part of work is fixing things that aren’t working. Trouble voiding: I like to fix that. Erectile dysfunction: I like to fix that. Cancer trying to enter your life: I like to prevent that and if necessary remove and fix that too.

What has been your proudest moment in your medical career?

Once, in residency, I was able to assist my Dad on a surgery at Duke Hospital. That was a memorable time. I didn’t know it then, but that never happened again. Luckily I got a picture of the operating note, and Dad kept a picture up in his office after he retired.

What is your patient care philosophy?

My job is to try my best to give the patient every option for best corrective action with the least possible amount of side effects. Modern surgical strategies allow for some new “least invasive” therapies for problems discovered early. This matches up well with Urology.

Are there any specific procedures or services you specialize in?

Least invasive strategies that work and have the fewest side effects are my favorite. Robotic assisted Laparoscopic procedures for prostate and kidney have helped to reduce the need for open surgeries and allow faster recovery. Laser ablation of the prostate also has improved outcomes over traditional prostate resection. Focused ultrasound ablation of prostate tissue has recently been introduced as well, potentially allowing for no incision at all. Shock wave Lithotripsy to break up stones without incision has been successful for decades. Advancements are happening every day in the field of Urology.

Is there anything you would like to include in your bio that we have not asked?

I knew I was the luckiest guy on earth when I met my wife, we even got married on St. Patrick’s Day. Now, thanks to radio/TV advertisements for the Irish holiday, I'm reminded when our anniversary is coming up. Lucky me!