Getting to Know Dr. Heber Watson, III, DO
Dr. Heber Watson grew up in the small town of Hartsville, SC. Although neither of his parents went to college, they stressed the importance of education to their children. All five of his sisters and Dr. Watson are college graduates. “My father always encouraged me to go into medicine. He felt it was something I had a knack for. He had an uncle who was in poor health, so he would have conversations with me about how it was difficult for his uncle to enjoy life. It seemed like to me from an early age the value that my dad put on healthcare was important. I knew from middle school that I would go into healthcare.” In college, Dr. Watson majored in medical technology, and he worked as a laboratory technician for three years before going to medical school and becoming a primary care physician. “I enjoy developing relationships with patients and caring for entire families of all ages. I enjoy the variety of family medicine when it comes to dealing with acute versus chronic illnesses.”
During his clinical rotations, he saw the interactions between residents and their attending physicians, and knew he wanted to do that as well. When Conway Medical Center started a residency program in 2020, he jumped at the chance to be a part of it and instruct the next class of doctors. “I really enjoy seeing the residents’ growth, from when they get here as an intern to three years later seeing how much they’ve grown. Feeling like I may have participated in that growth, it’s rewarding for me.” He’s not the only family member to go into education, all five of his sisters are in the field as teachers or instructors. His wife was a first-grade teacher for a few years until the birth of their son who is now 11 years old. They also have a 9-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old daughter.
When asked what he would do for a living if he hadn’t gone into medicine, Dr. Watson is quick to answer that he would be flipping houses. “If I’m not watching home renovation, I’m doing home renovation,” he said with a smile. Growing up, he spent his weekends helping his father with handyman-type side jobs and cutting down trees. He says he just enjoys working with his hands and figuring out any do-it-yourself projects at home, including his newest project, a playhouse for his children. His love for learning extends beyond his career in medicine. He says it’s a love that was instilled years ago by parents who understood the value of education.
