Mom. Wife. Family Doctor. Servant Leader.
I thought I understood rural but it was not until we moved to Madison County when I truly developed an appreciation for the challenges that rural populations encounter across all fronts. From the cost of groceries to the requirements of travel times and expenses, to access to cell service and broadband, the rural existence is unique.
I am a lifelong advocate for helping support and advance underserved populations.
Service to others has been a family commitment and helped define our purpose. For example, my two sons, one a nursing student and the other studying public housing law, have served their communities since they were young. They assisted with “Clinica en el Campo” where we provided care to migrant farmworkers where they worked and lived and we spent years in the kitchen of “Saturday Sanctuary” serving our downtown homeless neighbors in Asheville. I continue to volunteer at the Free Clinic and teach English as a Second Language to several rural Latina women.
As a medical student, I was initially torn between several specialties. The allure of surgery--the power of a scalpel and the gratification of instant cure. The draw of pediatrics is precious potential. The service of oncology--whether by saving someone from the clutches of cancer or helping them gracefully exit when a cure is not possible. The thrill of emergency medicine--the high adrenalin pace of responding to a car crash, a toxic patient, a collapsed lung.
As I wrestled with the options of medical specialties, I took myself back to the day I decided on a career in medicine and my guiding principle to help others, and recognized Family Medicine would allow me to impact multiple generations simultaneously, allow for professional growth, and be translatable no matter where I lived or where my career might take me.
I have spent my entire career in the pursuit of healthcare for all and what a privilege it has been!
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—the challenge of convincing the unconvinced is both fun and invigorating!
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—what a challenge to celebrating healthy normal sexuality and make a dent in that adolescent invincibility cloak!
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— both watching their eyes light up at new knowledge and their complete willingness to engage without holding back is a delight!
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— eager to learn, a chance to influence their entire careers with a strong start is a rich opportunity!
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— balancing honoring their rich history while bringing them along to the latest and greatest is an honor.
Doctor Dowler’s 5 Favorite Audiences
Doctor Dowler’s 5 Favorite STD’s
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You can usually diagnosis it in the moment and even show it to the patient under the microscope! Plus, it’s fun to watch them wiggle around on the microscope slide.
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That drip, though.
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Always a puzzle, whether the the mysterious chancre or elusive rash of secondary infection.
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The newest STI on the scene, props to being so elusive for so long.
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Maybe it’s old school, but I love any STD I can see in real time!
Awards & Recognitions
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The North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians awards one doctor each year.
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North Carolina 2022
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State Health Policy Institute 2022
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NC Pediatric Society 2021
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NC Community Health Center Association 2021
“We can change the landscape of healthcare and still have a little fun!”
“I decided I wanted a career where I could provide healthcare with a focus on the underserved and Family Medicine was the perfect choice.”
Visiting the White House with Secretary Kinsley for an Mpox PHE briefing.
Working with the Office of the Assistant Secretary Admiral Levine on Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis.