Headshot of Paula Cowan

Dr Paula Cowan

North West Regional Medical Director for Primary Care, NHS England

Having qualified in 1995 from the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Dr Cowan practised in internal medicine, critical care, and anaesthesia within Ireland. In 2001, she embarked on a career in primary care and completed general practice training through the Mersey Deanery. Dr Cowan has been a GP partner at the Eastham Group Practice since 2003 and continues to work two days per week in general practice. 

As a clinical leader, Dr Cowan was involved in Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) activity in a number of leadership roles, and as clinical chair until the closure of the CCG on June 30 2022. She led on key projects, encouraging integrated working across partner organisations aiming to facilitate transformational change in many areas including digital platforms and interoperability, addressing system health and care inequalities. 

Dr Cowan has brought this aim and drive for transformational change to her role as north west regional medical director for primary care, supporting areas such as primary Care - secondary care interface, provider collaboration, women's health, prevention and digital solutions to improve patient care. Dr Cowan is eager to promote the wide range of clinical expertise and roles across all of primary care.