Anna Lowery

Anna Lowery
M.S. in Physiology, Complementary & Alternative Medicine

"I feel the only way to truly reduce socioeconomic gaps and promote equality is to create self-sustaining societies and economies."

About Anna

Anna Lowery is originally from Mountain Home, Arkansas and received an undergraduate degree in Behavioral Sciences - Psychology at the United States Air Force Academy. Here at Georgetown University, Anna is studying towards a Master's in Physiology, Complementary & Alternative Medicine.

Why did you choose Biomedical Graduate Education at Georgetown University?

I had both internal and external goals for applying for Biomedical Graduate Education at Georgetown University, specifically the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) program. Internally, I knew I needed to return balance to my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual pillars of well-being. Now that I’m in the program, I want to continue to dedicate time and energy in enhancing my awareness and understanding of systems of practice that will help me develop positive patterns of relating to my mind and body while also learning the science behind the benefits of those practices. I believe an intensive, open-minded, evidence-based program is the healthiest way to set a strong foundation for a more balanced way of being in the world. Externally, I want to share knowledge of the different systems of healing with other people in my life, including fellow service members. I have benefited so much from integrative methods in my own life, and it would be a gift to be able to share the wisdom of different healing systems by educating others about the science behind their efficacy.   

For several years, I searched for a school that emphasizes the evidence-based research behind different integrative healing methods, and Georgetown’s program was the only one of its kind and caliber. While I believe there is a spiritual element of healing, understanding the science behind healing helps ensure we are treating our bodies safely, effectively, and with respect. I am also interested in sustainability and nature-based therapies as they relate to mind-body health. I am involved in sustainability efforts in my community and completed a month-long intensive yoga teacher certification course that focused on the integrative aspects of mindfulness and our connection to the environment. I truly believe there is power in connecting with nature and understanding how nature nourishes us physically and mentally, from the food we eat to the psychological and physiological benefits of being near plant life. The fact that the CAM curriculum is built to explore such concepts is the reason I wanted to be a part of this program.

As a DMV Hoyas Biomedical Academic scholarship recipient, you were selected because your application "demonstrated a commitment to biomedical research and graduate studies at the Masters' level." What do you hope to accomplish here at Georgetown and/or what is your interest in biomedical research or graduate studies?

In over 10 years of military service I have witnessed the importance of resilience and well-being in maintaining overall health. I want to change the direction of my career while continuing service to others by embarking on a new career in the helping sciences that focuses on resilience, wellness, and integrative healing.  My current goal is to use the CAM program to set the foundation for my future practice as an integrative osteopathic physician. Georgetown’s CAM program offers a strong and holistic preparation in the science of wellness that I would like to pass on to others.  

What is the best kept secret about the DMV area?

How close to nature we are!