Dr. Steven John Hughes, MD

I was referred to Dr. Hughes by my surgeon in Jacksonville who felt that there was nobody in JAX who had the surgical skills to help me after a complication from a lap gallbladder removal (made all the more difficult due to my past surgical history.) He actually felt that Dr. Hughes was the only guy in Florida who could help me. All of my interactions with his staff were top notch from the get-go. Initial contact was via email and then phone, and was very prompt and thorough. That level of competency continued from the moment I walked in UF. I and his other patients had to wait a bit, because Dr. Hughes had been called in to help another surgeon. Not a big deal–and obviously, 1) If you were the person on the table, you’d want your surgeon to get whatever help he needed; and 2) It says something that other surgeons are reaching out to the guy you plan to see for their complicated cases. The medical assistants/patient techs were both great and very thorough as was the PA, Ms. Hong.… Dr. Hughes then came in, and in spite of being behind in seeing patients, he spent quite a bit of time with me and I did not feel rushed. Dr. Hughes has a great reputation in the medical community–and this was echoed by his staff as well as by my JAX surgeon (who if memory serves had been in the OR and seen him operate (also mentioned that he did a Whipple lap–which two other docs I know were super impressed with (yes, they were fan-boying.)). His staff also thinks highly of him and mentioned that he’s always helping somebody out in the OR. Dr. Hughes is not the type of surgeon that you're seeing for an elective procedure. If you're in his waiting room, likely life has thrown you an unexpected curveball. While you should not necessarily choose your surgeon by their empathy and bedside manner. It’s a nice to have, not a must (skill in the OR is more important), but Dr. Hughes seems to be blessed with both which is likely a huge asset in his field. (He’s also a very spiffy dresser, but who knows, maybe it was the work-equivalent of picture day.) I think the difference with his practice (at least to me) was two-fold: 1) Everybody seemed to take enough time with patients. No rushed feeling. 2) The skill level of all. Yes, Dr. Hughes is fab, but so was everybody I interacted with at his office on every level. Highly recommended. Now parking in the #10 garage around the corner? That’s another story. Say prayers, make offerings to the parking gods, drive a skinny car, and you may have a chance of snagging a space.

I can never thank Dr. Hughes and his staff for saving my son’s life! My son has severe autism and was diagnosed with pancreatitis! The compassion and understanding that he always shows us, goes beyond the call of duty! Truly a blessed mother!

Great surgeon, very caring, great patient care, and he has a great team.

I have never met such a compassionate, understanding, skilled Doctor ever! He and his highly skilled staff saved my life. I will be forever in their debt. Thank you for my life!

Dr. Steven Hughes is an "ANGEL ON EARTH"