Q&A with DeMarco Bowen, MD, MPH, assistant professor, Divisions of Hospital Medicine & Complex Care and Global Pediatrics
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Educational/professional background: I earned my MD and MPH from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, followed by a residency in Global Child Health at Baylor College of Medicine and a Pediatric Hospital Medicine fellowship at UC San Diego. I’ve been fortunate to train in places as varied as Texas, California, and Sub-Saharan Africa—each shaping my approach to pediatric care and medical education.
Previous position (title, institution): Assistant professor and pediatric hospitalist, Medical College of Wisconsin
What is your field of research or area of clinical care, and how did you get into it? I specialize in pediatric hospital medicine with a focus on global child health, health equity, and medical education. I got into this field because of the desire to fix acute problems, while understanding the importance of preventive care, public health, and advocacy. Big picture, it’s also important to think about how we train future doctors and improve care for children around the world (plus, as a pediatrician, I get to talk about Batman on a regular basis!). A mix of curiosity, a passion for global engagement, and a commitment to justice led me to global health, and I haven’t looked back since!
How would you describe your work to a 5-year-old? I help sick kids in the hospital! I figure out what’s making them feel yucky, help them get better, and teach other doctors how to do the same. Also, I get to look at X-rays, cool lab tests, and make sure kids go home happy and healthy with their families.
What attracted you to UW–Madison? It’s home! I grew up in Wisconsin, and after years away, I was drawn back by the opportunity to teach, practice, and build partnerships that improve child health locally and globally.
What is your favorite thing to do in Madison? Anything on the water—kayaking, paddleboarding, or just sitting by the lake at the terrace with a coffee. There’s nothing like watching the sunset over Lake Mendota!
What’s one thing you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? I hope they learn that being a great physician isn’t just about knowing facts — it’s about being so systematic that the answers reveal themselves; about treating others with empathy, dignity, and respect; and always embracing willingness to challenge the status quo.
Do you feel your work relates to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how. Absolutely! The Wisconsin Idea is all about using knowledge to improve lives beyond campus, and my work in global health education and hospital medicine is built on that principle. Whether it’s training future pediatricians, tackling health disparities, or partnering with communities worldwide, my goal is to make sure our work has a real, lasting impact.
What’s something interesting about your area of expertise you can share that will make us sound smarter during video chats and parties? Did you know that hospitals are some of the noisiest places for patients trying to heal? Studies show that noise levels in hospitals often range from 37-88.6 dB(A), which can affect sleep, anxiety, stress levels, and even recovery time. So if you ever visit someone in the hospital, speaking softly isn’t just polite, it’s actually good medicine 😉
What are some of your hobbies and other interests? Parenting keeps me on my toes, but when I get a break, I love weightlifting, writing, being out on the water, and traveling.