Friendship Health Appoints Dr. Erin Howes to lead new Friendship Physician Clinic
Friendship Health, a leader in skilled nursing and post-acute care, announces the appointment of Dr. Erin Howes to lead the organization’s newest healthcare offering, Friendship Physician Clinic, which opened on January 11, 2021. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held today to celebrate the accomplishment.
“It has been a long-time goal to open a physician clinic on our campus,” said President and CEO Joe Hoff. “Erin has a wealth of experience that will benefit all individuals, as the intent with this clinic is to serve the entire Roanoke Valley, not just those within our Friendship campuses.”
Howes is a board-certified family medicine physician. A native to Pennsylvania, she completed her undergraduate studies in biology at Juniata College. She then went on to earn her medical doctorate at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Howes completed her residency training in family medicine at University of Illinois College of Medicine where she also served as chief resident. She added to her credentials by completing Fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through University of Arizona under the direction of Dr. Andrew Weil. Howes is board-certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and has over 15 years of experience in family practice. In addition, she is an active member of the American Academy of Family Practice.
“I’m thrilled to join Friendship,” said Howes. “I look forward to reconnecting with past clients, while also building new relationships and promoting wellness. It’s an honor to help Friendship fulfill its mission of supporting friends by providing peace of mind,” said Howes.
Vice President of Healthcare Operations Ben Higgins was on the selection committee which hired Howes and has been working diligently to bring the new healthcare offering to fruition.
“Erin has a very caring way about her,” said Higgins. “She has a strong history of providing family medicine with an integrative medicine approach. She is trained to meet the diverse health needs of families and individuals of all ages, and takes great pride in looking at a patient’s health holistically to treat the whole person, not just a condition.”
The clinic, which was previously Friendship’s Outpatient and Wellness Services building, has been renovated and now features a large, sunlit lobby, a spacious nurses station, as well as multiple, private exam rooms. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The clinic is independent and not affiliated with any major health system.
“What really excites me about this new venture is the inherent teamwork that is already in place,” said Howes. “There is an established on-site pharmacy right around the corner, as well as a whole host of services right here. If a patient needs respite care, desires to set up assistance with home care, or needs therapy, award-winning teams are either steps or an internal call away, ensuring we can meet health needs no matter where individuals are in their health journey.”
Friendship Physician Clinic is accepting new patients and encourages those seeking primary care to call 540.265.2087 to schedule initial visits or resume care with Howes.
To watch Howes' interview with WFXR's Living Local, CLICK HERE.
To watch her interview on WSLS' Daytime Blue Ridge, CLICK HERE.