Honoring Black History Month: Lorraine McDowell, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, Championing Diversity and Service at Good Samaritan Gwinnett
As we honor Black History Month, we’re reminded of the transformative power of service and the importance of representation in our communities. At Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett, Lorraine McDowell, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, embodies these ideals through her compassionate care, commitment to health equity, and unwavering dedication to community service.
Lorraine’s work, both as a healthcare provider and as an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, reflects the intersection of diversity, service, and leadership. Her story inspires us to serve others with purpose and to foster meaningful connections in the communities we live in.
A Career Defined by Perseverance and Purpose
For Lorraine, the journey to becoming a nurse practitioner was deeply personal. From childhood dreams of becoming a nurse to rediscovering her calling after life’s detours, her path has been marked by resilience.
“I’ve always wanted to be in healthcare,” Lorraine shared. “After losing my mom during my undergraduate years, I took a different path for a while. But the passion to care for others never left me.”
Starting as a medical assistant 21 years ago, Lorraine built a strong foundation that shaped her approach to patient care.
“Being a medical assistant taught me how important it is to connect with patients,” she said. “Sometimes, patients feel more comfortable sharing their concerns with the first person they meet – often the medical assistant. That trust is invaluable, and it’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my career.”
Representation Matters in Healthcare
Lorraine’s work at Good Samaritan Gwinnett exemplifies the importance of representation. Serving a diverse patient population, she recognizes the power of connection and cultural understanding in building trust.
“There’s a trust factor when patients see providers who look like them or understand their culture,” she explained. “Representation improves compliance and continuity of care. When I speak Spanish to our Hispanic patients, their faces light up – it’s a reminder that they are seen and valued.”
This commitment to diversity aligns with Good Samaritan Gwinnett’s mission to provide accessible and affordable healthcare for uninsured and underserved communities. Lorraine’s efforts extend to addressing health disparities, promoting preventive care, and ensuring patients have access to resources that fit their unique circumstances.
Service Through Sisterhood: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Lorraine’s commitment to service extends beyond the clinic walls through her involvement in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. For more than 26 years, Lorraine has been a proud member of this historic organization, which is dedicated to scholarship, service, and social action. In her current role as leader of the sorority’s medical response team, Lorraine creates impactful health education initiatives for sorority members and the broader community.
“During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I created educational flyers to emphasize the importance of mammograms and early detection,” Lorraine shared. “We also address other critical issues, such as flu prevention and chronic disease management.”
The sorority’s service initiatives reflect its commitment to meeting community needs. From volunteering at food pantries and supporting domestic violence survivors to mentoring youth and assisting the elderly, Lorraine and her sorority sisters embody the spirit of service.
Inspired by Family, Driven to Serve
Lorraine draws inspiration from her family, particularly her older sister, Dr. Avril Jules, and her late mother.
Dr. Jules, a family practice physician, has been a guiding light, demonstrating how compassion and spirituality can shape patient care. Lorraine believes in taking a holistic approach to patient care and she is grateful she can offer spiritual support to patients who want it.
Her mother, an immigrant from St. Lucia and a chemist, is Lorraine’s motivation for promoting preventive care.
“She had asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and colon cancer,” Lorraine explained. “Her experiences inspire me to educate patients about health and wellness, chronic disease management, and early detection.”
Celebrating Diversity in Black History Month
To Lorraine, Black History Month is a time to honor the achievements of African Americans and celebrate the richness of Black culture.
“It’s important to recognize the unique ways Black people contribute to their communities – through inventions, entrepreneurship, service, and so much more,” she said.
Her work at Good Samaritan Gwinnett aligns seamlessly with this month-long celebration. By fostering trust, embracing cultural diversity, and addressing health disparities, Lorraine ensures that patients feel seen, heard, and cared for.
“I love what I do,” Lorraine shared. “If I could do this for free, I would. Helping patients reach milestones and understand their care is incredibly rewarding. The ripple effect of that knowledge extends beyond the clinic to families, neighborhoods, and communities.”
Join us in celebrating Lorraine McDowell, a healthcare leader, community servant, and champion for diversity and inclusion.
