Carl Lowe Jr., MD

As the son of a physician, I was introduced to the medical community early in life, and it gave me an inherent understanding of its demands and rewards. From a young age, I witnessed the dedication, empathy and resilience medicine requires. This fostered a deep respect for the profession and gave me valuable insights into the patient experience. My father set a wonderful example of how to be a good clinician and an excellent person, always treating people with compassion and kindness. \n Before medical school, I worked many years in wilderness leadership, where I had the opportunity to be the primary medical caregiver for my group of students. Wilderness medicine provided invaluable preparation for a surgical career by honing skills that are crucial in high-stakes environments. The unpredictable nature of the wilderness requires quick thinking, resourcefulness and adaptability - qualities that translate seamlessly to the operating room. I also learned to work with limited resources, which necessitated problem-solving and making important decisions under pressure, two other skills I still use daily. Additionally, I learned the importance of triage, emergency management and the ability to handle unforeseen complications with composure. I am grateful for my wilderness medicine experience during every patient encounter. \n Being a surgeon combines my passion for science with an ability to make a tangible, life-changing impact on individuals. The challenge of solving complex medical puzzles and the precision required in the operating room energize me. Each surgery presents a unique opportunity to restore health and improve quality of life for my patients, which is deeply rewarding. I pride myself on focusing not just on the surgical procedure, but also on the overall well-being of my patients, ensuring they receive personalized care tailored to their needs. \n I grew up in Charlotte and attended college and medical school in North Carolina as well. Before attending medical school, though, I took time to explore other parts of the United States as well as other careers. I've worked as a carpenter, teacher, guide and coach. I still love to travel, now with my wife and son. Seeing new places, being outdoors and eating good food are all things that offer me a reprieve from my work and allow me to return to my patients with renewed energy and perspective.

Every day, patients, physicians and researchers are advancing their understanding of the biology of cancer, right down to the molecules that make up individual cancer cells. This includes learning more about how and why tumors react differently to different treatments. That is why I emphasize the need to tailor treatment to the individual based on his or her unique medical history and needs. In my years of practice, I've found that what works for one patient may not work for others, and I enjoy making those important distinctions and individual plans. \n My decisions about patient care have been aided, in part, by my participation in clinical research. What I learn through research yields practical insights into the latest and most effective therapies for all stages of breast cancer. This work has included serving as an investigator in the Southeast Clinical Oncology Research Consortium, which allows patients in rural communities across five states to participate in clinical trials without having to travel hundreds of miles. \n I also serve on a committee that seeks to identify best practices for preventing and treating breast cancer by developing and conducting national clinical trials. This work helps me keep informed about the most advanced treatments, so I can help patients whether they are enrolled in clinical trials or not. It was the rapid pace of discovery that first drew me to specialize in treating cancer. \n I am a third-generation physician. After growing up in Charlotte, I always dreamed of returning home to treat patients. Today, I am married with two daughters. I enjoy traveling, cooking and spending time at the beach in North Carolina.

My interest in treating cancers of the breast, urinary tract and genitals developed during my medical training and continues in my work at Novant Health. Staying on the leading edge of cancer care is important to me. This is one reason that I am a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists and the lead physician for Charlotte GU (Genitourinary) Tumor Council. Clinical research is also a way that I can learn and provide treatment options that typically would be unavailable. To support those efforts, I often serve as the principal investigator for Novant Health clinical trials. \n A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Patients and families not only have the physical challenges, but they also must learn an entirely new language of medical terms. My goal is to communicate with patients and family members in ways that are easy to understand. And I take time to explain the reasoning behind my suggested treatment plan because knowledge is power. \n A cancer diagnosis often leaves the patient and family feeling unsettled because so much is unknown. That's why I do everything I can to put patients at ease. I enjoy the relationships I build with my patients and their families and can't see myself doing a different type of work. \n I am from the Midwest, where most of my immediate family still lives. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dog, Julio, running, entering races and traveling.