Optometrist

Karen McDowell, O.D.

Birmingham, AL

Text/Phone: 205-***-**** Email: *****.********@*****.***

Optometrist Arts Advocate Professional Violinist & Instructor

SUMMARY

Experienced optometrist with 25+ years of clinical practice, leadership, and community service. Accomplished classical violinist with a passion for integrating the arts into healthcare. Committed to serving both locally and globally through volunteer eye care, musical outreach, and community engagement.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Optometrist – Private & Group Practice

Birmingham, AL Various Locations 1999 – Present

- Delivered comprehensive eye care in private and corporate settings with high patient satisfaction and outcomes.

- Recognized for patient-centered care, efficiency, and mentoring new practitioners.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & VOLUNTEERISM

Medical & Vision Care Service

- Traveled nationally and internationally to provide free eye exams and distribute eyeglasses to underserved communities.

- Volunteered at community clinics, mobile health units, and health fairs for uninsured and low-income patients.

- Partnered with local and global organizations to expand access to preventative vision care.

Event & Community Service Roles

- Volunteer Judge – Birmingham CrossFit Games and preliminary Miss Alabama Pageants

- Hostess – Alabama Symphony Designer Showcase fundraising event

- Fundraising Volunteer – Lions Club International

- Instructor – “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” program, teaching canoeing and outdoor skills

- Yoga and Swim Instructor – Levite Jewish Community Center (15 years)

ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE

Violinist – Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Birmingham, AL

- Performed with the professional orchestra for 20 years in concerts and special events.

Pit Orchestra & Production Violinist

- Birmingham Town & Gown Theater productions

- Birmingham Opera performances

- Alabama Ballet productions

- Broadway in Birmingham events

Founder & Lead Violinist – BirminghamViolin

- Created and managed boutique musical services for weddings, fundraisers, and special events.

- Contracted, arranged, and performed tailored programs for diverse venues and audiences.

Musical Outreach

- Performed and organized free community concerts in response to 9/11.

- Managed and performed in free community programs, wellness fairs, fundraisers, and outreach events integrating music into healthcare and public engagement.

- Performed for 10 years in senior living homes and memory care units, bringing therapeutic live music to residents.

EDUCATION

Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) – University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry

• Gold Key Award for Volunteerism and Leadership

Bachelor of Science (Natural Science & Mathematics) – University of Alabama at Birmingham

Completed Coursework for B.S. in Physiological Optics – University of Alabama at Birmingham

Bachelor of Music (Violin Performance) – University of Arizona

Master of Music (Advanced Studies) – University of Arizona

INTERESTS & AFFILIATIONS

- Arts in Healthcare

- Women in Medicine and the Arts

- Wellness, Integrative Care & Healthy Aging (holistic, functional, naturopathic approach)

- Health, Fitness & Community

- Organic Beekeeper (15 years) – supplied organic honey to upscale boutique health stores

- Whitewater Open Solo Boat Paddler – 3rd place, local downstream competition

- UAB Alumni Association

- Birmingham Arts Community Supporter

- Alabama Audubon

- Alabama Ornithological Society

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