PA Profile October 2007

Matt Cowan, PA-C

Matt Cowan, PA-C

Matt Cowan has been a PA in Maine since graduating from Alderson-Broaddus College 11 years ago and has worked at the Arnold Memorial Medical Center in Jonesport for the last 9 years. Prior to PA school he was an x-ray tech, which has proved to be another valuable skill for the practice.

Matt is well grounded and talks frankly with his patients, but has a caring, non-oppressive style which has earned him the respect of his patients who frequently request to be seen by "Dr. Matt." House calls are part of his routine as well. According to his supervising physician, boss, and friend, Steven Weisberger, D.O., Matt schedules his house visits to coincide with the lunch hour because patients often like to visit and share their noontime meals with him. The practice is located in the poorest county in Maine, and one of the poorest in the country, but Matt is diligent in his goal to provide health care to all, regardless of ability to pay. He is relentless in pursuing Patient Assistance Prescriptions, and is merciless when it comes to hounding pharmaceutical reps for extra samples for patients who have no insurance.

Matt has a great sense of humor, and his non-judgmental demeanor allows him to provide care based on science and not on attitude or finances. He is well liked by the staff and has earned their respect as a provider of quality health care-some even use him as their primary care provider. He is a major trainer for the health center's staff in the use of the EMR. He is passionate in his use of the EMR in advocating for promoting quality improvement in the office. He often works on his ideas at home and, once he has a problem solved, is eager to share with the rest of the staff.

Matt coaches the local youth soccer team that his daughter participates in, which also assures that a medical person is available in case of emergencies, and he participates in training the local teachers to help prepare them for emergencies which might occur in the classroom. In addition, Matt is a well respected woodworker in his community. He has an extraordinary natural talent for working with wood-whether just working with a lathe or building a building.