Rachael Bowers, Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Director, MS in Community Engaged Medicine
- Email: rachael.bowers@furman.edu
- Phone: 864.294.2040
- Office: Johns Hall 106K
Rachael joined Furman in 2018 to support the launch of the Master of Science in Community Engaged Medicine program and has worked in the program in a few roles including instructor for the Community Medicine Fieldwork and Healthcare Seminar course sequences and, since 2022, as program director.
Rachael brings over a decade of clinical social work experience to her current role. She most recently served as the program manager for an innovative integrated pediatric primary care and behavioral health program at The Dimock Center, a federally qualified community health center in Boston, MA. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Rachael also worked on a variety of research projects related to primary care and behavioral health access, perceptions of integrated care and strategies to address social determinants of health in pediatrics. Additionally, her professional experience includes work in juvenile justice, foster care, and pediatric community and school based mental health.
Education
- Ph.D., Clemson University
- M.S.W., University of Pennsylvania
- B.A., University of Notre Dame
Research Interests
My research interests broadly center on understanding the impact of community health efforts to influence social determinants of health. I prioritize research-practice partnerships utilizing community-based participatory research and program evaluation methods to contribute to scholarship while also making meaningful contributions to the mission and work of community partners. I am particularly interested in exploring how systems and structures outside of the traditional healthcare setting impact individuals’ health outcomes and implications for community development and health policy.
In addition to my research activities conducted during my professional career, my doctoral work examined the social and psychological impacts of homeownership achieved through participation in the Habitat for Humanity program in South Carolina.
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