a look at...
Elif and G. Joseph Fitzgerald
photography by Win Wolloff
Dr. G. Joseph Fitzgerald and wife Elif are the owners of
PureLife Medi-Spa in Largo. The couple, who married in
2003, live in Belleair Beach, where they raised four children
together as a blended family. The doctor is a triple board
certified physician who has owned and operated his family
practice, Fitz Tropics Medical Associates, for more than
23 years. Elif manages the daily operations for both of
the businesses.
Elif opened a restaurant in her native country of Turkey
in her early 20s, where she studied finance and business
management, then grew the business and managed hotels,
enjoying the world of hospitality.
Dr. Fitz began his academic career at Michigan State
University, where he received his degree as a medical
technologist. After graduation, he ran the largest DNA
lab in the world, National Legal Laboratories, under the
direction of Dr. Henry Gershowitz, a renowned geneticist
from the University of Michigan. In 2013, Dr. Fitzgerald
was awarded a U.S. patent for the Colon Quick Check, an
invention that provides early detection of colon cancer. It
is currently in clinical trials and is a kit that people can use
to test for pre-cancer in the comfort of their own homes
without having to mail in the specimens.
The doctor also serves as a medical expert for
Bay News 9, and for more than seven years, he served as
an official physician for the PGA tour. He’s also the official
doctor for Warner Brothers when they film here, and has
been on set for films including: Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale 2,
Spring Breakers, Magic Mike, Magic Mike XL, The Infiltrator
and Miss Pereguine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
The Fitzgeralds have supported numerous charities
throughout the years, most notably, CharityWorks,
Religious Community Services, the Clearwater Marine
Aquarium and Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay,
where both serve on the board of directors.
At what do you excel?
Fitz: Kindness toward others.
Elif: I am very passionate about business and
philanthropy.
How do you relax?
Fitz: I love the ocean. Boating, fishing, scuba diving
– all activities on the sea.
132 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2018
Elif: I enjoy a cup of coffee and a book every morning
when I wake up and after I return home from the office.
Who is your role model?
Fitz: One of my mentors, Dr. John Picone, a family
practice physician in Willamston, Michigan.
Elif: My mom and dad. My brother and I grew up
in a loving home and were taught to treat everyone
with great respect. Even in their 80s, my parents work
tirelessly to help others.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Fitz: We’re all going to die; just relax and be kind.
Elif: Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90
percent how you respond to it.
What are your favorite words of wisdom?
Fitz: Your attitude is more effective than any
medicine.
Elif: If a man or a woman does the best they can,
what else is there?
How do you think other people would describe you?
Fitz: Fun, outgoing and handsome – with a little side
of crazy.
Elif: A passionate fireball. A brutally honest straight
shooter who loves to give back.
What is your fondest memory?
Fitz: Delivering my son at Sun Coast Hospital and
my daughter at Morton Plant Hospital.
Elif: Giving birth to my children and getting sworn
in as an American citizen ten years ago.
What would you like to do that you have never done?
Fitz: I’ve spent nearly all of my life working, and I
would love to travel more and to see the world.
Elif: I have a fear of public speaking. I want to
conquer that fear.
What would you like to be able to do that you can’t do?
Fitz: I would love to vacation more with my wife.
Elif: I want to spend more time with my husband. 9