Grow Your Own Journey Series Clint Sowards

Clint Sowards, DO, Medical Director of Primary Care

Dr. Sowards recently accepted a new leadership role at SLV Health as the Medical Director of Primary Care. He is used to juggling a lot of things at once and embraces new challenges. Even though his official title is “doctor” he equally values his other titles such as “dad, husband, friend, and coach,” and takes on each role with pride.

When he graduated from Centauri High School in 2002, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer. He returned from his mission, got married, and started undergrad at Adams State. He was living in married housing on campus and working as much as he could because he didn’t realize he was going to get billed for the housing! After he found that out, he became a Resident Assistant to offset the cost. He approached his brother Martin to learn some basic skills such as lab draws, taking vital signs, and filing insurance claims.

He applied to the Regional Medical Center when a lab aide position opened up, but he did not get the job. Someone called him for a “clinic technician” position, or what is now known as a Medical Assistant (MA). He worked in many departments and received a wide experience, including in Orthopedics. He is still friends with Dr. Kitchen today and values all those who he interacted with while he was a student. SLV Health allowed him to work around his school schedule, and he floated everywhere, even answering calls in OB on Christmas Eve one year and picking up recruits at the airport.

He graduated from Adams State debt-free and went on to medical school. When he looks back at those years while working and attending college, he remembers he always felt respected. The providers and patients always took an interest in him and were encouraging. “It was something to feel appreciated,” he recalled.
Most providers will tell you that when they or a loved one becomes a patient themselves, it is an opportunity to learn empathy and learn how you would like to be treated. When his two-month-old son needed open heart surgery, he remembers feeling confused and vulnerable and how the providers and care team calmed their fears and built trust.

He has had many other personal moments like losing a pre-term infant and losing one brother to Lou Gehrig’s (ALS) disease and another to suicide. Each time he learned the value of supportive relationships with his family, care team, and others involved.

During his residency, he stayed in touch with his SLVH colleagues. He was excited to be offered the position in primary care at the Antonito Clinic near his hometown of Manassa before he finished medical school. His advice to those still in high school or possibly still seeking out their career path is to “stick with it and try new things.” He remembers he wasn’t picked to be part of the National Honors Society in high school.

But school is not the beginning or end of your pathway to your career, it’s just part of the journey, so keep on keeping on.

You can visit Dr. Soward’s bio here. He is married to Alisha (Dunn) and they are busy on a ranch with their five children along with raising animals and being involved in the community.