About
Craig Dowden, MD, HMDC has practiced family medicine in Fairhope, Alabama for more than 15 years. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology, Summa Cum Laude, from Troy State University in 2000. He then earned his Doctorate of Medicine from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. His residency in Family Medicine at Bayfront Medical Center in Saint Petersburg, Florida included selection as Chief Resident from 2006 to 2008.
Dr. Dowden holds dual board certification from the American Board of Family Medicine and the Hospice Medical Director Board. He has delivered inpatient hospice and palliative care at Thomas Hospital for nearly a decade and currently serves as Medical Director for St. Joseph Hospice and ProHealth Home Health. He teaches as Adjunct Faculty in Family Medicine at three institutions: the University of South Alabama School of Medicine, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. A former collegiate baseball player at Troy University and a certified Advanced Open Water Diver, he brings genuine enthusiasm to sports and dive medicine. Outside the clinic, he enjoys golf, pickleball, scuba diving, and time with his family.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Troy State University, Troy, AL - Bachelor of Science, Biology, 2000 (Summa Cum Laude)
Medical School
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA - Doctorate of Medicine, 2005
Residency
Family Medicine, Bayfront Medical Center, Saint Petersburg, FL, 2006-2008 (Chief Resident)
Additional Training
Internship, Bayfront Medical Center, Saint Petersburg, FL, 2005-2006
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Dowden right for?
Dr. Dowden suits adults who want a primary care physician involved at every stage of health, from prevention through serious illness. Patients managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension benefit from his close monitoring and evidence-based approach. Active patients and divers find a physician who shares their interests and understands their risks. Those facing complex or end-of-life circumstances gain a doctor with nearly a decade of hospice and palliative experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Dowden treats a broad range of conditions across all stages of life. He has particular depth in managing type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. He also brings clinical expertise in sports medicine, dive medicine, and hospice and palliative care.
Yes. Dr. Dowden holds board certification from the American Board of Family Medicine. He also carries certification as a Hospice Medical Director through the Hospice Medical Director Board, reflecting his deep experience in end-of-life care.
Dr. Dowden earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Bayfront Medical Center in Saint Petersburg, Florida, where the program selected him as Chief Resident.
Yes. Dr. Dowden provides inpatient care at Thomas Hospital when his patients are admitted. His regular presence there also keeps him in close contact with the specialists he works with, supporting smoother coordination across care settings.
Dr. Dowden practices conventional, evidence-based medicine as his foundation. He stays open to alternative therapies when they align with a patient's personal health goals. He believes care should be both scientifically sound and meaningful to the individual.
Yes. Dr. Dowden has provided inpatient hospice and palliative care at Thomas Hospital for nearly a decade. He currently serves as Medical Director for St. Joseph Hospice and ProHealth Home Health. He holds board certification as a Hospice Medical Director.
Yes. Dr. Dowden is passionate about both sports and dive medicine. He played collegiate baseball at Troy University and holds certification as an Advanced Open Water Diver. He enjoys helping active patients and divers pursue their pursuits more safely.
Yes. Dr. Dowden serves as Adjunct Faculty in Family Medicine at the University of South Alabama School of Medicine, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has held teaching roles since 2009.
You will always see Dr. Dowden directly. The practice does not route patients to nurse practitioners or physician assistants. Every office visit connects you with Dr. Dowden himself.
Doctor profile last updated April 4, 2026