NC Healthcare Association Honors Dr. Shelly Lowery with Clinical Leadership Award
Dr. Shelly Lowery, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Practices at Scotland Health Care System, has been awarded the North Carolina Healthcare Association’s (NCHA) 2026 Clinical Leadership Award. This award honors an individual who has demonstrated exemplary clinical leadership in care transformation through innovation and improvement. Dr. Lowery received the award July 15 at NCHA’s Summer Membership Meeting.
Dr. Lowery is board certified in Family Medicine and brings more than 15 years of clinical experience to her leadership role at Scotland Health Care System. Although her primary role at Scotland Health is administrative, she continues to actively practice medicine at Pembroke Family Practice, maintaining a vital connection to patient care and the day-to-day experiences of physicians. This dual perspective strengthens her leadership and her ongoing efforts to improve care delivery and support clinical excellence.
A strong advocate for both patients and fellow medical team members, Dr. Lowery is deeply committed to advancing high-quality, patient-centered care within the communities served by Scotland Health. As a native of Pembroke in Robeson County and a member of the Lumbee Tribe, she is driven by a profound sense of responsibility to give back to the region and people who have shaped her personal and professional journey.
“Dr. Lowery’s leadership has made a meaningful difference for patients, providers, and rural communities,” said NCHA President and CEO Josh Dobson. “Her commitment to expanding access to high-quality, community-centered care reflects the very best of healthcare leadership. This recognition highlights the lasting impact of her work and the example she sets for others across the profession.”
As a member of the senior leadership team, Dr. Lowery works collaboratively with physicians, advanced practice providers, and operational leaders to strengthen care coordination, enhance access to services, and advance clinical excellence across Scotland Health Care System. Her leadership reflects a balance of strategic vision and hands-on clinical insight, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to compassionate, community-focused healthcare.
During her tenure at Scotland Health Care System, Dr. Lowery championed embedded licensed clinical social workers in the primary care clinics to address patients’ mental health needs. Her ongoing commitment to evidence-based medication management also led to the addition of a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner. Dr. Lowery strengthened support for physicians and Advanced Practice Providers by adding a diabetes educator to the primary care team, improving the management of these complex patients.
Dr. Lowery earned her undergraduate degrees in biomedical and biological engineering from North Carolina State University. She was a recipient of the prestigious Park Scholarship, given to those who exhibit outstanding academic achievement, leadership, service, and character. Dr. Lowery received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. She completed her residency training at McLeod Regional Medical Center.
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About NCHA
Founded in 1918, North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) is the united voice of the North Carolina healthcare community. Representing more than 130 hospitals, health systems, physician groups and other healthcare organizations, NCHA works with our members to improve the health of North Carolina communities by advocating for sound public policies and collaborative partnerships and by providing insights, services, support, and education to expand access to high quality, efficient, affordable, and integrated health care for all North Carolinians.
For more information, contact:
Stephanie Strickland, NCHA, sstrickland@ncha.org
Tracie Stubbs, tracie.stubbs@scotlandhealth.org