Vim & Vigor - Winter 2016 - Gwinnett Medical Center - 5

MEET NICHOLAS BOWER, DO IN HIS OWN WORDS 1 6 2 7 When I was a child, I dreamed of putting service and helping people at the center of my life. Becoming a doctor seemed like a long and difficult path, but I often dreamed and prayed about becoming a health care professional. My first job was dishwasher. I washed dishes at a private restaurant when I was 12 years old, and throughout my teens I delivered newspapers, stocked groceries, sold Cutco knives and waited tables at TGI Fridays. 3 I realized I wanted to be a doctor when a family friend, who was a physical therapist, told me I should become a doctor. At the time I was an average student who had to work extra hard for my grades. Her words made me believe I could become a doctor, and now I always encourage young people to never doubt themselves and relentlessly pursue their dreams. GUEST CHECK AND KEYS PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK 4 If I weren't a doctor, I would be serving the people of my community. Social work, nursing, teaching and religious ministry are some careers that I have tremendous respect for and would definitely consider. 5 To unwind after a long day, I just need to see my family. No matter how difficult my day was, I'm instantly happy to see my wife and our two children when I get home. After that, I try to read the news, prepare for the next day and occasionally watch something on Netflix. My inspiration is my faith in the Lord, which was passed down through my family. My parents and grandparents on both sides of my family worked so hard to support me and fill my life with faith, confidence and love. I owe every blessing to my family and my faith. My favorite restaurant is Antebellum in Flowery Branch. We are still relatively new to Georgia, but we've been so impressed by the contemporary Southern food and incredible service at this restaurant. 8 If a movie were made about me, I would be played by a young Fred Savage (my childhood self) and Russell Crowe (as an adult). I realized I wanted to be a doctor when a family friend told me I should become a doctor. 9 One thing people may not know about me is that during medical school, several of my friends and I started a nonprofit called Physicians for Humanity. Through this organization, we initiated service projects in Philadelphia, including volunteering at a homeless shelter for women, and also made annual trips to Ecuador, where we lived and worked with the people Who lacked basic health services. 10 My first car was a brown 1983 Ford Crown Victoria. It was actually a very cool car. Since I was the first of my friends to learn how to drive and the car was huge, when we'd go out, all my friends would pile in. The car became something of a legend around school for how many of us could cram into it. Practice: ChoiceOne Urgent Care Specialty: Family practice Years practiced: 7 Birthplace: Williamsport, Pennsylvania WINTE R 2016 5

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