She is originally from Marion, Virginia, a small town in the southwestern part of the state, and left to attend college at the College of Wooster in Ohio, graduating with a degree in Neuroscience. She earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, VA and then completed her family practice residency at MAHEC in Asheville, NC. She enjoys women’s health, office procedures, taking care of adults and children, and teaching medical students. Outside of work, Dr. McDowell enjoys soccer, running, and all sorts of outdoor activities. She and her husband live in Asheville.