Swain Community Hospital welcomes WCU alumna Emily Lowery, MD, to medical staff

Swain Community Hospital is pleased to welcome primary care physician Emily Lowery, MD, to its medical staff. Dr. Lowery will begin seeing patients later this month at Swain Family Care, a Department of Swain Community Hospital, providing personalized primary care for patients of all ages. 

For Dr. Lowery, joining Swain Community Hospital represents a return to a region that played an important role in both her education and her decision to pursue medicine. A Western Carolina University alumna, Dr. Lowery earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from WCU in 2015. She and her husband chose to return to western North Carolina to establish roots in a place they came to love during their undergraduate years. 

“I became interested in medicine after seeing the importance of access to care in western North Carolina,” Dr. Lowery said. “I wanted to find a way to serve others while pursuing my love of learning and science. During medical school, I found myself drawn to many different areas of medicine, which made family medicine a natural fit.” 

Dr. Lowery earned her Doctor of Medicine from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in 2023 and completed her family medicine residency at Baton Rouge General this year. She also holds a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Duquesne University and is board-eligible in family medicine. 

“Dr. Lowery’s decision to return to western North Carolina to practice medicine is especially meaningful because she already has such a strong connection to this region,” said Ashley Hindman, chief executive officer of Swain Community Hospital. “She understands the importance of access to high-quality primary care in rural communities, and she brings a genuine desire to build relationships with her patients and families. We are very pleased to welcome her back to the area and to our medical staff.” 

Dr. Lowery’s return also builds on Swain Community Hospital’s strong connection with her alma mater. Swain Community Hospital and Harris Regional Hospital recently renewed their partnership with Western Carolina University Athletics, continuing as the exclusive healthcare providers for Catamount Athletics. 

Dr. Lowery said one of the most rewarding parts of family medicine is the opportunity to make a difference in patients’ lives, whether helping address an immediate health concern or managing conditions such as high blood pressure to reduce the risk of future complications. She also values the relationships that come with primary care and the opportunity to get to know her patients, their families, and their lives. 

Outside of medicine, Dr. Lowery enjoys spending time with her husband, 1-year-old daughter, and family dog, all of whom enjoy hiking and exploring new places together. Dr. Lowery is a football fan, reader, and former marching band member who is looking forward to once again watching the WCU Marching Band perform. 

Swain Family Care provides primary care for patients of all ages, including preventive care, routine physicals and health screenings, care for acute illnesses, chronic disease management, women’s health, pediatric care, vaccinations, and minor procedures. 

Swain Family Care is located at 45 Plateau St. in Bryson City. Dr. Lowery will begin seeing patients later this month.