Dr. McDowell learned valuable leadership skills and was a sought after member of many college boards and organizations. He graduated in 1996 not only Magna cum Laude, but also with the special designation of “Longwood Honors” celebrating his excellent academic achievements. He then continued his studies as a medical student at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM).
WVSOM has gained notoriety as one of U.S. News and World Report’s top twenty medical schools for primary care. Dr. McDowell’s training carried him to both poor rural areas of Appalachia, as well as the famous Cleveland Clinic — affording him a diverse medical training. When Dr. McDowell graduated from medical school in 2000 he had already achieved a leadership award from the American Medical Association.
Specialty training took Dr. McDowell to Baltimore, Maryland for his residency in internal medicine. He completed his post doctoral training in June 2003, but not before his academic, leadership, and administrative skills earned him the prestigious appointment as Chief Medical Resident. Dr. McDowell continued on as a staff hospitalist (specializing only in hospital patients) and adjunct faculty instructor of Medicine at Franklin Square Hospital Center for the residents and University of Maryland medical students.