Celebrating Dr. Downing’s dedication to 54 years of Medicine

BOWLING GREEN, KY.- After decades of dedicated service in healthcare, Dr. John Downing is now celebrating his well-earned retirement. Having worked with Med Center for more than five decades, Dr. Downing began his impactful career in June of 1971 after returning from Vietnam. Throughout his career, he has touched countless lives in Bowling Green and around the world through his mission trips to over 30 countries. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Downing has seen tremendous advancements in his field, noting that the improvements in ophthalmology during his time in practice surpass all of history before.

“I’ve just seen tremendous changes in the practice of ophthalmology over that period of time. If you can have somebody who is blind and help them to see, you have changed their life,” he shared. In addition to caring for local patients, Dr. Downing has also taught many students at Vanderbilt and Louisville, shaping the future of medicine. One of the highlights of his career was working alongside his daughter, Linda Whittington, who reflected on their shared journey, saying, “It’s been pretty special you get more out of it than you give.” Dr. Downing’s lifelong commitment to healing eyes will continue through the generations of students he’s taught and the lives he’s forever changed.