March 20, 2026 -- Islesboro Health Center's Owen Howell, PA-C, was recognized earlier this month by the Maine Academy of Physician Associates (MEAPA) with the Outstanding Health Care Professional of the Year Award.  This recognition is given to one physician associate in Maine each year, in recognition of excellence in clinical knowledge and teaching skills, support of the PA profession, and contributions to the improvement of health care in Maine.

While nominations for this award can be made by any member of the community, they typically come from fellow health care professionals.  In speaking about Owen's work in Islesboro, one of his letters of nomination reads:

It's an extraordinary responsibility, and his calm demeanour and medical expertise have saved numerous lives...He speaks with equal compassion regarding medical circumstances for dignitaries visiting the island and others with more humble and sometimes harder life circumstances.

I am proud to be a participant in this nomination for this humble Physician [Associate] who has given so much, who continues to give, and is thankful to give.  He is a credit to the PA profession in all ways.

A second letter of nomination reads:

His quiet, calm demeanor belies the degree of his clinical competence and his compassion for his patients, who are also his friends and neighbors.

His commitment to the community is evident in speaking with the islanders.  They hold him in high regard, as both a skilled PA and a good neighbor.

I can think of no one more deserving of recognition than he.

Owen was presented with his award by MEAPA vice-president and IHC director Christopher Bates-Withers, himself a laureate of the Outstanding Health Care Professional award in 2021.

IHC is proud to congratulate Owen on this prestigious and well-deserved award.