Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KINSTON, N.C. – September 30, 2025 Wake Emergency Physicians, PA (WEPPA) is proud to announce that Dr. Kaitlin M. Bowers, Assistant Professor and Clinical Chair of Emergency Medicine at the Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, has been named a 2025 American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) State Emerging Leader.
The State Emerging Leader Award recognizes exceptional osteopathic physicians within ten years of completing residency or fellowship who demonstrate outstanding leadership, inspire peers, and enrich the lives of their patients and communities. Dr. Bowers was nominated by the North Carolina Osteopathic Medical Association (NCOMA) for her excellence in clinical practice, education, and mentorship.
As part of this national recognition, all 2025 AOF State Emerging Leader honorees will be featured in U.S. News & World Report’s upcoming Best Hospitals edition. Dr. Bowers was formally recognized at the AOF Honors Gala on September 26 in Nashville, Tennessee.
“Across the state, there are so many DOs doing outstanding work in clinical care, advocacy, and education, and to be named among them is truly humbling,” said Dr. Bowers. “Much of what we do in medical education happens behind the scenes, so to be acknowledged by peers in the osteopathic community is especially meaningful.”
Dr. Bowers joined WEPPA’s emergency medicine team at UNC Health Lenoir earlier this year, where she continues to champion compassionate, patient-centered care and medical education. Known for her engaging teaching style, she plays a key role in CUSOM’s Clinical Skills and simulation lab training.
“She does a fantastic job advising our students interested in emergency medicine and is a tremendous resource for all of us,” said Dr. James Cappola, Chair and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Interim Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs at CUSOM.
A graduate of the University of Dayton (Biology and Chemistry), Dr. Bowers earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her emergency medicine residency at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital in Columbus, where she served as Chief Resident.
Her leadership philosophy centers on empathy, curiosity, and collaboration, values she brings to every patient interaction and classroom session.
“Medicine is about connection as much as it is about knowledge,” Bowers said. “Whether I’m treating a patient or teaching a student, I try to model humility and compassion, helping others grow into physicians who care deeply and lead with purpose.”
Dr. Bowers’ work embodies the shared mission of WEPPA and Campbell University’s School of Medicine: to improve access to high-quality care across North Carolina, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
“Campbell fosters a culture where people come first, our students, our faculty, and the communities we serve,” she added. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a place where innovation in education is paired with a heart for service.”
About WEPPA
Wake Emergency Physicians, PA (WEPPA) is a physician-owned emergency medicine group providing expert, compassionate care to hospitals and health systems across North Carolina. WEPPA partners with healthcare organizations, including UNC Health Lenoir, UNC Health Johnston, and WakeMed Health & Hospitals, to support their mission of delivering high-quality, patient-focused emergency care. Learn more at weppa.org.