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The Greenville Advocate hero of the week is Dr. Norman McGowin. McGowin, who grew up in the Butler County community of Chapman, attended elementary school there before moving on to what was then Greenville Junior High and High School. 

After completing his surgical residency at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) McGowin returned home, where he worked at the Stabler Clinic until opening his own practice in 1994.

“I love this area and the people,” McGowin said. “It was always my intention to come back and practice in my hometown and I was blessed to be able to do just that. At the point that I was finishing my surgery residency at UAB, Dr. Vernon Senior was retiring and the hospital needed a surgeon, so it just worked out.”

After 35 years, McGowin retired from private practice, shifting his focus to serving patients in the hospital’s emergency room (ER) instead. 

“The last 12 years of my nursing career were spent at Stabler Hospital where Dr. McGowin was Chief Surgeon,” said retired nurse Rena McNeil. “I served on committees with him and learned to respect him not only as a great doctor and surgeon, but as a man dedicated to his family, his patients and our hospital. He is a man of great integrity.”

Regional Medical Center Director of Business Development, David Norell, echoed McNeil’s sentiments, praising McGowin’s dedication to the residents of Butler County.

“Just about anyone will tell you, he’s always been a hero in our community,” Norell said. “He’s kind of a staple here.  He’s got a great bedside manner and a big heart so he puts people at ease. When they have to go to the emergency room or they’re admitted to the hospital, they’re relieved when he’s there.”

Reflecting on his career, McGowin shared his philosophy for success. 

“I’ve learned a lot from the doctors I’ve worked with,” McGowin said. “But I think maybe most importantly, I’ve learned to always try and do what’s in the best interest of the patient. If you do that, everything else falls into place.”

Discussing the complexities of healthcare, McGowin emphasized the importance of teamwork.

“Health care is complex,” McGowin said. “There’s a lot of moving parts. A good doctor is vital, but you need a team… the nurses, the techs, dietary, admin, housekeeping…you need all of that or you’re not going to get too far

“For the most part, I’ve always been surrounded by a pretty good team and I feel blessed to have made some good friends here, too.”

Despite nearly four decades in the medical field, McGowin has no plans of slowing down. He intends to continue practicing as long as he’s able and still enjoys his work.