Dr. Shannon Dowler

Family Medicine Physician

WNCCHS—Minnie Jones Health Center

Shannon Dowler, M.D., is a family physician, fellow, and Certified Physician Executive (CPE). She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Family Physicians and, since February 2024, has worked as an STI Consultant for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary, as well as Acting Chief Medical Officer for the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy.

In April 2024, Dr. Dowler completed a five-year term on the CDC/HRSA Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STD Prevention and Treatment (CHACHSPT). She also holds numerous consulting roles focused on improving health policy and population health.

An avid educator and advocate for sexual health, Dr. Dowler speaks to professional and community audiences at the local, state, and national levels on STD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Known by the moniker “RapDktaD,” she has produced several educational rap videos, including STDs Never Get Old, which gained brief international attention. In 2023, Johns Hopkins Press published her book, Never Too Late: Your Guide to Safer Sex After Sixty. More information is available at ShannonDowlerMD.com.

A resident of Madison County, North Carolina, Dr. Dowler volunteers at the local free clinic and teaches English as a Second Language. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her baby goats, chickens, dogs, and barn cats.