Shari McDowell

Education and training

University of Montana
Doctor of Physical Therapy, 2013

Georgia State University
Physical Therapy, 1986

Awards and recognition

American Spinal Cord Injury Association
Fellowship in the American Spinal Cord Injury Association (FASIA)

About

Shari McDowell serves as the chief operating officer (COO) at Shepherd Center, bringing over 30 years of healthcare experience to the role. Since joining Shepherd Center in 1992, Shari has held various leadership positions, including roles as a physical therapist in the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation (SCI) Program and Intensive Care Unit (ICU), physical therapy and SCI education coordinator, inpatient SCI program manager, and most recently, as the program director of the SCI Program.

As COO, Shari has the responsibility and authority for the administrative direction, evaluation, and coordination of clinical operations. She provides the leadership, management, and strategic vision necessary to ensure Shepherd Center has the proper

processes and resources to effectively optimize the hospital’s clinical operations, leading to financial strength and operating efficiency.

In addition to her role in clinical operations, Shari oversees the hospital’s community services and risk management functions. She plays a vital role in guiding and supporting patients and their families after discharge, connecting them with programs that promote health, wellness, and independence. This effort helps reduce unplanned readmissions and associated costs.

Before her work at Shepherd Center, Shari worked at Physiotherapy Associates of Metro Atlanta, serving innumerous roles including as a physical therapist, staff development-clinical education coordinator, lead cardiopulmonary rehabilitation physical therapist, and intensive care unit physical therapist.

Shari received her bachelor’s degree from Georgia State Universityin 1986. She then received her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Montana-Missoula in 2012.