Smethport Web — by PCTA

To mark the passing of Dr. Douglas Bowman during Thanksgiving week, the Potato Creek Trail Association will do an annual tribute walk and name a section of the Shawmut Trail in his honor.

Last summer, Dr. Bowman led the 7th Annual “Walk with Doc” with members of Smethport’s newly formed Potato Creek Trail Association.

Dr. Bowman served Smethport for 29 years, from 1979-2008. A former high school teacher in Chestertown, Maryland, Dr. Bowman also served in the U.S. Public Health Service Corps. He was school physician for the Smethport Area School District from 1985 to 2003.

He ran his medical practice in Smethport and was a staff member of the Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport for 25 years.

The hospital, in partnership with the Keystone Rural Health Consortia in Emporium, will honor Dr. Bowman by keeping his office open at its current location.

Until a permanent physician can be hired, hospital-affiliated physicians will see patients. The two nurses and physician assistant who worked with Dr. Bowman will stay on and Barbara Bowman will remain as office manager.