Robert Hawkes, MSPA, PA-C 
Expert in primary care medicine | Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL, UNITED STATES
Robert Hawkes focuses on emergency and out-patient medicine.
Media
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Biography
Robert Hawkes is founding program director of the physician assistant program at Florida Gulf Coast University. Hawkes is a former paramedic, and he launched a paramedicine program in New England. He then became a licensed physician assistant and worked in emergency rooms. Hawkes' research lies in advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS), emergency medicine and preventative healthcare.
Areas of Expertise (7)
Primary Care Medicine
Emergency Medicine
Preventative Health
Geriatric Assessment
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Out-patient Medicine
Pediatric Ambulatory Care
Education (3)
University of New England: M.S., Physician Assistant 2007
University of Southern Maine: B.S., Biology of Human Health 2000
University of Southern Maine: B.S., Business Administration 1989
Affiliations (3)
- American Academy of Physician Assistants : Fellow
- Florida American Academy of Physician Assistants : Member
- Society for Emergency Medicine PAs : Member
Selected Media Appearances (71)
Officials: Now isn’t the time to let your guard down, even as public events return
NBC2
2021-02-17
Robert Hawkes discusses the importance of continuing to practice guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health officials expect people to need yearly COVID-19 booster shot
NBC2 tv
2021-02-14
Robert Hawkes discusses the possibility of a yearly COVID-19 booster shot.
FDA allows Moderna to increase the supply of COVID-19 vaccine in each vial
Fox 4 tv
2021-02-14
Robert Hawkes discusses the COVID-19 vaccine.
CDC research shows double masking could reduce the spread of COVID-19
NBC2 tv
2021-02-12
Robert Hawkes talks about the effectiveness of wearing two masks.
Florida records highest number of UK COVID-19 variants in the US
NBC2
2021-02-11
Robert Hawkes discusses COVID-19 variants and why it’s important to continue to use best practices.
Simulator dummies help train future healthcare workers at FGCU
NBC2 tv
2021-02-08
Robert Hawkes shares how they are training students in the Physician Assistant Program during the pandemic.
Quality over quantity: Multiple face masks may not be necessary, experts say
NBC2 tv
2021-02-01
Robert Hawkes discusses whether two masks are needed for added protection from COVID-19.
Pain relievers and the COVID-19 vaccine could be a detrimental mix
NBC2 tv
2021-01-29
Robert Hawkes explains if pain relievers should be taken before you get the COVID-19 vaccine.
FGCU professor answers questions about the COVID variant
Fox 4 tv
2021-01-25
Robert Hawkes answers questions about the COVID-19 variant.
COVID-19 death toll surpasses 400,000
NBC2 tv
2021-01-20
Robert Hawkes talks about a surge in COVID-19 cases after the holidays.
The time to follow CDC guidelines is now, local health experts say
NBC2 tv
2021-01-12
Robert Hawkes discusses the importance of following CDC guidelines related to COVID-19.
FDA warns about risk of false-negative results with Curative COVID-19 tests
NBC2 tv
2021-01-08
Robert Hawkes discusses false-negative results with COVID-19 tests.
Local Departments of Health prepare for COVID-19 vaccine
NBC2 tv
2020-09-25
Robert Hawkes explains how vaccines are prepared.
Only a fraction of Lee County’s population to be vaccinated by next week
NBC2 tv
2021-01-14
Robert Hawkes discusses the COVID-19 vaccine.
CDC changes testing and self-quarantine guidelines
NBC2 tv
2020-09-21
Robert Hawkes discusses the importance of social distancing and wearing a mask.
Getting your flu shot this year is more important than ever, experts say
NBC2 tv
2020-09-10
Robert Hawkes discusses why it is important to get your flu shot.
Contact tracing becomes more difficult as coronavirus cases increase
NBC2 tv
2020-07-06
Robert Hawkes discusses the effectiveness of contact tracing in Florida.
Medical expert with FGCU gives new perspective, after Florida reaches over 10,000 new COVID-19 cases in one day
Fox 4 tv
2020-07-02
Robert Hawkes discusses the increased positive test rate as well as the low death rate across the state, as Florida reaches record breaking numbers.
Does sunshine really kill coronavirus?
NBC2 tv
2020-07-01
Robert Hawkes discusses research concerning sunshine and its impact on COVID-19.
Employee tests positive for Coronavirus at Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Pool possibly exposing 6 kids
Fox 4 tv
2020-07-01
Robert Hawkes explains that COVID-19 cannot live in the chlorine water.
Coronavirus patients at Lee Health on the rise
NBC2
2020-06-30
Robert Hawkes talks about COVID-19 and the younger population.
Lee County has 'no plans' to close beaches for Fourth of July weekend
NBC2 tv
2020-06-29
Robert Hawkes encourages safe practices to protect people from COVID-19 during the holiday weekend.
100 people have died from Coronavirus in Lee County
Fox 4 tv
2020-05-28
Robert Hawkes breaks down the numbers as Lee County reaches 100 coronavirus related deaths.
People still waiting on COVID-19 test results from CenturyLink Sports Complex site
NBC2
2020-05-27
Robert Hawkes discusses why there might be a delay in receiving results for COVID-19 tests.
Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome cases increase, could be linked to Coronavirus
Fox 4 tv
2020-05-26
Robert Hawkes talks about the questions parents should ask as summer camps are allowed to reopen in Florida.
Governor Ron DeSantis offering to host RNC or DNC in Florida
Fox 4 tv
2020-05-26
Robert Hawkes talks about the safety risks of large groups gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic.
No spitting: How COVID-19 is shaking up a strange sporting tradition
ABC7
2020-05-22
Robert Hawkes talks about how changes for sports personnel will help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Here's an option for a face covering if a mask is uncomfortable
NBC2
2020-05-22
Robert Hawkes talks about why wearing a mask in public is important.
Lee Health says antibody tests will be available this week
NBC2 tv
2020-05-13
Robert Hawkes discusses antibody testing.
Medical examiner's office tracks coronavirus deaths differently than the state
NBC2 tv
2020-04-30
Robert Hawkes discusses why the number of coronovirus deaths may be under counted.
As Florida reopens, experts say people should continue practicing 'pandemic etiquette'
ABC7 tv
2020-04-29
Robert Hawkes discusses why still wearing masks is important as Florida slowly starts to reopen.
Joint testing site coming to Lee, Collier counties
NBC2 tv
2020-04-27
Robert Hawkes discusses why it's important for more Floridians to be tested for COVID-19.
Lee County field hospital being deconstructed
NBC2 tv
2020-04-23
Robert Hawkes talks about why mobile hospitals leaving Lee County are a good sign in the fight against coronavirus.
Coronavirus Q&A: FGCU experts answer your health and medical questions
News-Press print
2020-04-20
Robert Hawkes answers questions about COVID-19.
Here's how to use gloves properly, according to experts
NBC2 tv
2020-04-14
Robert Hawkes explains how to probably use and dispose of gloves.
Fresh Market requires employees, customers to wear face masks
NBC2
2020-04-14
Robert Hawkes discusses why it is important to wear masks in public.
Coronavirus Q&A: Health experts answer your questions on tests, treatments and symptoms
News-Press print
2020-04-13
Robert Hawkes answers questions related to COVID-19.
What do hospitals do with exposed medical gear?
NBC2 tv
2020-04-13
Robert Hawkes explains why gear worn by healthcare professionals to fight COVID-19 should only be worn once.
More people exercising outdoors while social distancing
NBC2 tv
2020-04-10
Robert Hawkes explains why it is important to practice social distancing while exercising outside.
Medical experts warn of misuse of masks, gloves
NBC2 tv
2020-04-06
Robert Hawkes explains why homemade masks are beneficial.
Coronavirus Fact Check: Avoid these scams to protect yourself
NBC2 tv
2020-04-03
Robert Hawkes helps NBC2 debunk coronavirus scams.
Coronavirus Q&A: Experts answer more of your health and medical questions
The News-Press online
2020-04-03
Robert Hawkes answers questions related to coronavirus.
Could Redbox kiosks be carriers for COVID-19?
NBC2 tv
2020-04-02
Robert Hawkes talks about the potential for germs to live on touchscreens.
CDC considering changing guidelines for non-sick people wearing masks
NBC2 tv
2020-04-01
Robert Hawkes discusses whether or not masks should be worn by people without coronavirus?
Coronavirus Q&A: Experts answer health and medical questions
The News-Press online
2020-03-31
Robert Hawkes answers questions related to coronavirus.
Coronavirus Fact Check: Homemade masks, gloves and public places
NBC2 tv
2020-03-31
Robert Hawkes discusses homemade masks with NBC2.
Man spotted wearing homemade mask while grocery shopping
NBC2 tv
2020-03-30
Robert Hawkes talks about homemade mask misfires.
Experts say coronavirus symptoms could be worse in young people who smoke, vape
NBC2 tv
2020-03-27
Robert Hawkes discusses smoking and vaping in the age of COVID-19.
Coronavirus Fact Check: Big medical questions
NBC2 tv
2020-03-26
Robert Hawkes helps NBC2 fact check coronavirus claims.
COVID-19 Q&A: FGCU medical professionals answer your coronavirus questions
News-Press print
2020-03-25
Robert Hawkes answers questions related to coronavirus.
Is dirty cash in your wallet spreading coronavirus?
NBC2 tv
2020-03-25
Robert Hawkes discusses if coronavirus can spread from handling cash.
Coronavirus Fact Check: Do these 'home remedies' actually help?
NBC2 tv
2020-03-24
Robert Hawkes debunks myths about coronavirus.
How to stay clean while pumping gas during coronavirus pandemic
NBC2
2020-03-24
Robert Hawkes discusses how long coronavirus can stay on certain surfaces.
Could reusable grocery bags play a part in the spread of coronavirus?
NBC2
2020-03-24
Robert Hawkes explains why you should not bring reusable bags to the grocery store.
Port Charlotte woman making masks for hospitals, healthcare professionals on low-supply
NBC2
2020-03-22
Robert Hawkes talks about how hospitals are running low on protective gear due to coronavirus and if homemade masks are effective.
Social distancing: It's harder than you think
NBC2 tv
2020-03-19
Robert Hawkes discusses why social distancing will reduce the chances of spreading COVID-19.
No evidence that COVID-19 spreads in pools, hot tubs, CDC says
NBC2 tv
2020-03-18
Robert Hawkes explains why there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread in pools or hot tubs.
How important is it to keep your surroundings clean during self-isolation?
ABC7 tv
2020-03-18
Robert Hawkes talks about preventing the spread of germs in your home.
Health experts suggest social distancing to help prevent spread of coronavirus
ABC7 tv
2020-03-13
Robert Hawkes explains why social distancing will help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
How COVID-19 compares to the flu, other outbreaks
NBC2 tv
2020-03-11
Robert Hawkes discusses the differences between the flu and COVID-19.
How to stay healthy as coronavirus spreads
NBC2 tv
2020-03-10
Robert Hawkes discusses ways to boost your immune system.
New coronavirus case reported in Santa Rosa County
NBC2 tv
2020-03-05
Robert Hawkes discusses having a plan in place for the potential spread of coronavirus.
Experts say they wouldn't be surprised if coronavirus spreads to Southwest Florida
NBC2 tv
2020-03-05
Robert Hawkes explains why there is a greater risk of coronavirus spreading with more travel to Southwest Florida.
New bill could require prescription for sunscreen with certain chemicals
Fox 4 tv
2019-10-17
Robert Hawkes talks about the importance of sunscreen.
This Florida bill would require you to get a prescription for your sunscreen
ABC7 tv
2019-10-16
Robert Hawkes talks about the importance of sunscreen.
Miami teen suffers from a collapsed lung and blames it on vaping
ABC7 tv
2019-08-07
Robert Hawkes discusses the risks related to vaping.
Syringe found in Cape Coral canal
NBC2 tv
2019-07-23
Robert Hawkes talks about proper disposal of syringes.
Florida at risk: Heat index rising to killer temperatures
NBC2 tv
2019-07-16
Robert Hawkes talks about the risks related to rising heat.
Pill bottles, broken glass and trash litter yard in Lehigh Acres
NBC2
2019-06-11
Robert Hawke discusses pill bottles littering the yard of a property in Lehigh Acres.
Staying cool for Memorial Day weekend
Fox 4
2019-05-26
Robert Hawkes discusses how staying hydrated is critical and recommends drinking the proper fluids.
Study: Vaping may help smokers quit cigarettes
Fox 4
2019-02-04
Robert Hawkes discusses how there’s no clear answer to whether or not vaping helps people quit smoking.
Selected Event Appearances (2)
How do you get into PA school?
Florida Academy of Physician Assistants Orlando, Florida
2019-02-16
PA Program Accreditation
Florida Academy of Physician Assistants Marco Island, Florida
2016-08-27
Selected Articles (1)
Chapter 11: Health Care Providers Working With Older Adults
Gerontology for Health Care Professional, 2nd Ed.Robnett and Chop
2010 Chapter excerpt: Emergency medical services (EMS) respond to accidents and illnesses outside of the hospital. Most of these emergency responses are initiated when the patient, caregiver, or bystander calls 911. EMS providers are trained basic emergency medical technicians. (EMTs), intermediates, and paramedics. They need to be kind, objective, and extremely observant. The EMS provider helps the patient relax, while at the same time providing immediate medical care and noting important environmental and physical conditions. They perform a patient assessment, provide basic and advanced life support, and complete needed interventions prior to arriving at the emergency department. Local EMS agencies may be integrated within a fire department, be part of a hospital-based ambulance system, or be a private ambulance company that has contracted with a community to provide services. EMS providers treat patients of all ages and with various medical problems. EMS professionals are an extremely important link in the healthcare system, especially for older adults.
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