MUSC Physician Assistant Program Names Julie Bowers Preceptor of the Year 2015

Based upon nominations from the students, faculty, and AHEC partners, the MUSC College of Health Professions Physician Assistant Program is pleased to recognize Julie Bowers, FNP, as the 2015 Preceptor of the Year. She was recognized during the graduation ceremony on August 15. Students, colleagues and partners recognize Ms. Bower’s excellence in teaching:

“Julie is the epitome of a healthcare professional. She is dedicated to her patients and their care foremost, but also harbors a love for teaching. She is dedicated to her students receiving a quality educational experience and spends much time educating and teaching. She quickly assesses where the student is in his/her learning process and is able to develop a plan to fit his/her needs and the objectives of the program. Most of her students stay in contact with her after they complete their rotation and many would love to have the opportunity to work with her after graduation. When her schedule has openings and we have a need, she always takes the student for us.” -Mid-Carolina AHEC

“Julie Bowers works as a nurse practitioner at a family medicine office in one of the most economically vulnerable regions of rural South Carolina. In addition to her years in advanced practice nursing, she has decades of experience in wound care and diabetic education. She is highly respected by both her patients and her coworkers for her clinical acumen, bedside manner, and high level of empathy for patients who oftentimes have numerous chronic medical conditions. Julie took me on as a student at the last minute after a previously scheduled rotation was cancelled. She's also served as a preceptor for classmates when their primary preceptors were out of town or otherwise unable to work. While working with Julie I not only learned how to function in a busy rural clinic, but also how to interact with patients in such a way that they feel they can trust me to help them make decisions about their health. In closing, Julie Bowers not only exemplifies what an outstanding preceptor should be, she raises the bar.” -Jonathan Gravgaard, 2015 Physician Assistant graduate

Ms. Bowers was born in Lancaster and received her diploma in Nursing at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Concord, North Carolina, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Wingate University in Wingate, North Carolina, and her Masters of Science in Nursing from Graceland University in Independence, Missouri. She is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner, certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse, certified Diabetes Educator, and certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse. She has practiced as a nurse practitioner for 15 years and is currently at Catawba Family Medicine in Richburg, South Carolina. She is a former recipient of the South Carolina Nurse Practitioner of the Year and Nursing Excellence Award.

The Physician Assistant Program sends a very heartfelt thank you to Ms. Bowers for making such a difference for the students and their future patients.