NCCHC Welcomes New National Medical Association Board Liaison

Jay Cowan, MD, Wellpath’s statewide medical director for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, has joined the NCCHC board of representatives as the National Medical Association liaison.

Dr. Cowan joined Wellpath in 2016 after serving for several years as president of Correctional Medical Associates of New York. Prior to turning to correctional health care, he was a clinical instructor of medicine at Columbia University and in private practice in New York City.

“It is my honor and privilege to join the National Commission on Correctional Health Care’s board,“ said Dr. Cowan. “The work and culture of this esteemed group align perfectly with my mission to make sure incarcerated patients receive the quality care they deserve.”

After receiving his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine, Dr. Cowan completed residency training as well as fellowships in gastroenterology and hepatology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (formerly the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey). He is board certified in internal medicine.

“At Wellpath patient care comes first, and it is driven by clinical excellence displayed by leaders like Dr. Cowan,” said Dr. Thomas Pangburn, Wellpath’s chief clinical officer. “We are not only so proud of our colleague for this important appointment, but also inspired by his passion to constantly elevate the care of our patients.”

NCCHC is supported by the major national organizations representing the fields of health, mental health, law, and corrections. Each supporting organization has named a liaison to the NCCHC board to create a robust, multidisciplinary governing structure that reflects the complexities of providing health care in the nation’s jails, prisons, and youth confinement facilities.

Dr. Cowan’s appointment took effect October 23, 2022, during the NCCHC board meeting at the National Conference on Correctional Health Care in Las Vegas.