Alison Cowan, MD, MS, FACOG
About Alison Cowan
Dr. Alison Cowan, MD, is a board-certified OB-GYN specialist at Boulder Medical Center, known for her compassionate care and dedication to her patients. Raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Dr. Cowan pursued her medical education in Atlanta and completed her residency in Chicago. She and her family relocated to Colorado in 2014, drawn by their love for the mountains and the lifestyle it offers. “We moved here to spend more time in the mountains, and we love it. We’ll never leave!”
Her labor and delivery nurse mother profoundly influenced Dr. Cowan’s decision to enter medicine. She recalls, “I thought my mom had the most amazing job ‘getting to help ladies have babies.’ I told her I wanted to do that, too, and she encouraged me to consider becoming a doctor, which she thought I would enjoy even more. She was right—I made that my goal and never looked back.”
One of the most inspiring moments in Dr. Cowan’s career came during a delivery for a patient she had not previously met. “I was called to a delivery where the patient was standing at the bedside and felt the urge to push. I knelt underneath her and delivered her baby in that position. The nurses later told me that this patient had a negative experience during a previous delivery and was thrilled to have the choice to deliver in the position she preferred this time. Supporting her in achieving the delivery experience she hoped for, even as a first-time meeting, was incredibly rewarding.”
Dr. Cowan brings knowledge, experience, and attentive listening to her practice. “I strive to balance these skills effectively. Lifelong learning and staying updated through constant reading and learning are essential to providing top-notch care. With over ten years in practice, my strong surgical foundation benefits my patients greatly. Understanding each patient’s goals is crucial—what matters most to them should guide our visits and treatment plans.”
Her philosophy of care is straightforward yet profound: “I believe in the golden rule—treat others as you would like to be treated. I treat my patients with respect and empathy and provide them with the information they need to make decisions aligned with their health goals.”
Dr. Cowan is dedicated to ensuring that medical procedures are as fast and comfortable as possible. She takes pride in efficiently performing IUD insertions and often enjoys hearing patients exclaim, “That’s it? You’re done?” “My goal is always to make procedures as smooth and comfortable as possible,” she says.
Outside of work, Dr. Cowan enjoys spending time with her family. Her 11-year-old son is passionate about gymnastics and skiing, her 8-year-old son is a budding artist, and her 4-year-old daughter loves gymnastics and baking. Dr. Cowan also enjoys reading and outdoor activities, making the most of her time in Colorado.
Specialty Areas
As a board-certified OBGYN specialist, Dr. Cowan offers comprehensive care for women in all stages of life. Her specialties include:
- Full-scope gynecologic care, including well-woman care
- Obstetrics (including high-risk pregnancies in collaboration with maternal-fetal medicine)
- Adolescent gynecology
- Contraceptive management
- Preconception counseling
- Office procedures
- Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery
- Menopausal transition
- Hereditary cancer risk assessment
Dr. Cowan has earned her certification as a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. This prestigious certification reflects her advanced knowledge and expertise in caring for women during the menopausal transition and beyond. By staying at the forefront of menopause care, Dr. Cowan can offer her patients the latest evidence-based treatments and personalized strategies for managing menopausal symptoms, hormone therapy, and overall health. Her commitment to ongoing education ensures that women receive exceptional, informed care through every stage of life.
Education and Certifications
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Residency — Northwestern University - McGaw Medical Center
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Chicago, IL
2014
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Medical School — Emory University School of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
2010
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Undergraduate — University of Michigan
Bachelor of Science in Biology and German
Ann Arbor, MI
2005
Professional Affiliations
- Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Colorado Medical License