Spring 2009

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For more information or to make a gift to the Wesley C. Fowler, Jr. Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology, contact Kelly Moore at 919-843-4923 or Kelly_moore@med.unc.edu

Dr. Wesley Fowler: Physician/scientist meets teacher/mentor

By Hope Baptiste

When one thinks of obstetrics and gynecology, images most often conjured are of pink, cherubic baby faces and generally healthy and glowing mothers. In many instances, that’s true, but obstetrics and gynecology has become so much more than caring for women during pregnancy. It is the science of caring for women throughout their lives, and Dr. Wesley C. (Butch) Fowler, Jr.’s calling.

Having dedicated his career to patient care, Fowler specializes in the treatment of women’s cancers. As associate chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UNC and director of its Gynecologic Oncology Division, Fowler has distinguished himself as a pioneer in gynecologic oncology research and a leading diagnostician and clinician.

“All I ever really wanted to be was a good doctor and a good teacher.”

» Wesley Fowler

But, according to Fowler, it’s training new physicians that makes his decorated career complete. “It is indeed a privilege to be a part of preparing the next generation of not just doctors, but caregivers, as they embark upon a journey that I hope is as rewarding as mine has been, if not more.”

Fowler served as OB/GYN’s residency director for more than 14 years and director of the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Training Program since it began in 1980. Twenty-two fellows have trained under Fowler and come together to form the Butch Fowler Gynecologic Oncology Society in honor of their mentor.

Former Fellow Elizabeth Skinner, M.D., who completed her fellowship in 2006, described her experience this way: "Dr. Fowler embodies the true spirit of gynecologic cancer care and I am honored to have had the opportunity to train under him during my gynecologic oncology fellowship at UNC Hospitals.  While I gained invaluable experience working with him in the operating room and participating in academic discussions on various clinical topics, one of the most important things I learned from him was the art of healing and the humanity involved in caring for patients with cancer.  Seeing the commitment and devotion he gave to each of his patients on a daily basis, convinced me that this is the commitment we must all make when caring for patients diagnosed with gynecologic malignancies."

Fowler plans to step down from his post as division director when a successor is named. To honor his long-time commitment to teaching and to support the academic development of future fellows, Skinner, other past fellows, grateful patients, family members and friends established the Wesley C. Fowler Jr. Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology. Fowler was surprised with the fellowship’s announcement that coincided with a dinner during the Butch Fowler Gynecologic Oncology Society meeting last spring. “I am honored and humbled by this recognition, and so proud of the confidence in me that this represents,” he said with his wife, Linda, a nurse, by his side.

Fowler is a native son. He hails from Dunn, N.C., and first arrived in Chapel Hill in 1957. He earned bachelor’s and medical degrees from UNC and also completed his post-graduate training in Chapel Hill. He interned in pediatrics, did his residency in obstetrics and gynecology, and completed a fellowship in clinical cancer. He has served as director of Gynecologic Oncology, vice-chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, associate director of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, director of the Obstetric-Gynecologic Residency Training Program and was named the Leonard Palumbo Professor of OB/GYN in 1987. He has also served in leadership roles on numerous national boards and societies and is considered among the Best Doctors in America.

He chuckles at that, though. “All I ever really wanted to be was a good doctor and a good teacher.”

Mission accomplished.

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