The French family’s commitment to healthcare spans three generations, with each member finding their calling at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and its affiliated facilities.
- John French began the family’s healthcare journey in 1997 as a physical therapy assistant at what was then Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. His son, Justin, followed in his footsteps two years later.
“I learned the ropes of patient care and the importance of compassion in healthcare,” Justin French said, reflecting on his start as a 17-year-old physical therapy technician in 1999. “Working alongside my father, I witnessed firsthand the difference a dedicated healthcare worker can make in a patient’s life. The staff’s camaraderie and patient gratitude instilled a deep appreciation for the medical field in me.”
After four years, Justin moved to Indiana, where he became a registered nurse and worked for seven years. In 2020, he returned to Florida and joined HCA Florida Northwest Rehabilitation Center as an RN.
“The rehab facility was actively seeking RNs, and it felt like the perfect fit,” said Justin. “I applied immediately, and in August 2020, I began my role as an RN at HCA Florida Northwest Rehabilitation Center.”
The rehabilitation center, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF), offers comprehensive programs for conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations. Patients receive personalized treatment plans that may include physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy.
Justin’s career progression continued when he was offered the position of clinical nurse coordinator in the summer of 2024. Around the same time, his 19-year-old son Jacob joined the family tradition, becoming a patient care tech at the rehabilitation center in July 2024.
- “Jacob has flourished in his new role, consistently receiving positive feedback from patients and staff,” Justin said. “Watching him embrace the values of empathy and dedication that my father instilled in me is incredibly rewarding.”
John French continued to work at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Northwest Rehabilitation Center throughout his son’s time away, maintaining the family’s presence in the local healthcare system.
Justin expressed gratitude for his father’s influence and the opportunity to continue the family’s legacy of care. “Our family has been blessed with the opportunity to serve others, and I am excited to see how our legacy of care continues through Jacob,” he said.
HCA Florida Northwest Rehabilitation Center provides specialized programs for stroke recovery and comprehensive medical rehabilitation. The facility features modern amenities such as private rooms and dedicated therapy spaces. For more information about inpatient rehabilitation services, individuals can contact the center at (850) 863-7651.
