Eaton Rapids Medical Center (ERMC) recently welcomed Joy Bowling, FNP-C, to the hospital’s Rural Health Clinics. Bowling has extensive experience in the medical field including more than 14 years as a registered nurse and time spent as a licensed practical nurse and nursing assistant.
Bowling grew up watching her father, a family practice physician, complete hospital rounds; those positive experiences with patients and healthcare at a young age inspired her to pursue a career in medicine.
“Family medicine has always been my biggest interest,” says Bowling. “I love the idea of taking care of people throughout all stages of the lifespan.”
Bowling attended nursing school at Lansing Community College before transferring to the University of Michigan Flint to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Ultimately she returned to school in 2020 to complete her Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) as a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C.)
Bowling was drawn to ERMC, a critical access hospital, by an interest in rural health and preventative medicine.
“During my clinical rotations I spent quite a bit of time in a rural office and really enjoyed my time there. I grew up in Dimondale, and I’ve always loved the small town charm of Eaton Rapids,” she says.
Outside of practicing medicine Bowling spends as much time outdoors as she can, and stays active spending time with her family.
“We live on a small lake where we enjoy swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding in the summer, and ice skating and fishing in the winter,” she explained.
Joy and husband Darren have been married for ten years and have three children together – Leland (age nine), Merritt (age seven), and Greta (age five). The family also includes a Newfoundland poodle mix named Elsie who just turned one.
Bowling is looking forward to providing personalized, comprehensive care to the patients of ERMC’s Family Practice; “I’m excited to be joining this team and so thankful to ERMC and this community for welcoming me with open arms.”
