[post_page_title]Then: James B. Sikking as David Howser[/post_page_title]
James B. Sikking portrayed Doogie’s father David on the show. As a family physician, he was part of the inspiration for his son’s venture into medicine after helping to diagnose his leukemia. David and Doogie occasionally clashed on the series due to a difference in work ethic, but the pair had a relatively strong bond as shown in their annual fishing trips together. On several occasions, David went through changes in his career, most notably in the first season when he quit his medical practice and then when he was given a promotion in the final season.
