Chiropractic is a hands-on type of therapy based on the theory that mis-alignments (subluxations) in the spine may cause many medical disorders. The primary theory behind chiropractic therapy is to help the body heal itself by correcting subluxation of the joints, particularly the bones of the spine (vertebrae). This primary theory and the dedication of achieving dreams and complete wellness is the basis of the success behind the McGowan Spinal Rehabilitation Center of Jacksonville, FL.

Patients receiving care at the McGowan SRC receives the finest quality of service from the doctors and their staff. 35 year old Dr. Royce McGowan enjoys practicing the true principles of chiropractic wellness care. He often laughs to himself when, after speaking to his new patients for a few minutes, he’s asked ‘so, where’s the doctor?’ Being young and successful didn’t come easy, and it makes him proud that he took the path God chose for him to take.

Born in Lexington, KY but raised in Jacksonville, FL., Royce McGowan was focused on being the next football great in NFL history. He attended Wolfson High School in Jacksonville, FL., where he wowed the crowds each season with his fierce football tactics. Scouts kept a close eye on the young talented football player as they admired his skills. These skills earned him a football scholarship to Tennessee State University.

At Tennessee State University, Royce became highly noticed in the football arena. Royce always wanted to work in the medical field; however, his main focus was to go to the Pros. It wasn’t until his junior year in college, after he hurt his knee, when he realized God’s plan for his life was coming into fruition. “When you’re a football player, you think you’re invincible until you hurt yourself.” It was time for Royce to think about a different direction for his future, and so he turned his energy toward his second dream, becoming a doctor.

“The only problem I faced with being a doctor is the fact that I don’t like blood,” Royce stated with a smile. This fact deterred him from going to medical school. Taking on an internship one semester as a Physical Therapy assistant made Royce quickly realize Physical Therapy wasn’t for him as well. He was faced with the challenge of determining what type of doctor specialty fit him best. It wasn’t until a recruiter came to him in school and asked if he was interested in being a Chiropractor that the reality of his dream started to unfold.

Royce attended a program to learn more about the Chiropractic specialty, and it fit right in line with what he had envisioned for himself. “I loved it! Plus I didn’t have to deal with blood.”  Royce accredits everything to God and started praying asking for guidance before he made the Chiropractor decision.

Two weeks after he graduated from college, Royce went right into Chiropractic school at Life University in Atlanta, GA.  It was at Life University where he met his wife Shelita. “She was running all behind me in school,” he snickers, “or maybe it was the other way around.” Shelita was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. She completed her studies at Grambling State University, where she proudly pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA). She went on to complete her Chiropractic studies at Life University, along side Royce. Royce finished school a year before she had and he started working at First Coast Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL. It wasn’t long before Shelita headed to Jacksonville, FL. and the two married three months after her graduation. Royce and Shelita, his wife of 6 years now, decided to branch off on their own and created the McGowan Spinal Rehabilitation Center.

In business for a little over 3 years, this Center’s success is underlined by a feel-at-home and exquisite type of service provided to their patients. “We have patient appreciation month for our patients and we treat them like family,” states Royce. Husband and wife team, Drs. Royce and Shelita McGowan, knows all too well the importance of balancing work and family life. They are the proud parents of a 4 year old daughter and a newborn baby boy.

When Royce is not in the office with his patients, he’s finding different ways to spend quality time with his wife and kids. “My daughter is at that age now where I can do more things with her. Taking her fishing and to the movies are just some of the things we enjoy together.” Royce’s love for kids is not only reflected in his family life, but it’s reflected in the community as well.

Royce spends a portion of his time mentoring kids and volunteering with the football activities at Jackson High School, He also offer free medical assistance for all the athletes at Jackson. He values being a positive role model to these students and aids in keeping these kids on the right track. “Some of these kids today don’t realize they can be doctors and lawyers. Once they find out how much schooling it takes to be in these fields, they say it takes too long.” He tells them the time goes by quickly. “Just get it out the way and become what you want to be.”

Although the McGowans consider their practice to be very successful, they find one of the biggest obstacles is marketing their services in places that will be efficient and effective. They have graced several billboards around Jacksonville, FL. and have now opened up their marketing venue to NtoU Magazine. These are the best marketing tools they have used and they are steadily seeing an increase in their growth.

In the near future, the McGowans plan on expanding their current space and parking lot and opening up a second location in Jacksonville, FL. They plan to continue to support their communities and practice being a diligent example of excellence to any present and future encounters.

The McGowans are members of First Baptist Church of Mandarin, under the leadership of Pastor Gary Williams. Their love for God and for each other shines through in their business, their patients and their community. When asked for a final encouraging thought for our readers, Dr. Royce McGowan simply says, “Keep God first, be fair and honest, and always achieve your dreams. Everything will work itself out.”