His influence extends beyond Stanford, marked by nationally elected positions such as chair of the sections on Chronic Daily Headache and In-office Patient Education for the American Headache Society. As past president of the Headache Cooperative of the Pacific and a fellow of both the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society, doctor cowan’s leadership in the field is well-recognized. He has also contributed significantly to the governance of headache-related organizations, having served on the boards of the Alliance for Headache Diseases Advocacy, the Headache Cooperative of the Pacific, the American Headache and Migraine Association, and the American Council for Headache Education.
Dr. Cowan’s research is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of chronic daily headache. His work has been supported by grants from prestigious institutions including the National Institutes of Health, various foundations, and industry collaborations, alongside private grants and gifts, underscoring the importance and impact of doctor cowan’s investigations.
The breadth of doctor cowan’s knowledge is evident in his extensive publications in peer-reviewed journals, notably Headache and Neurology. He is an active reviewer for Headache and other journals and acts as an editor for Headache Currents, shaping the direction of current research. His authorship includes the acclaimed books “The Keeler Migraine Method” and “Chronic Daily Headache,” as well as numerous contributions to textbook chapters, establishing doctor cowan as a key voice in headache literature.
Doctor cowan frequently shares his research and insights at national and international platforms, including meetings of the American Academy of Neurology and the International Headache Society. His lectures cover a wide array of headache topics, reaching audiences worldwide. His expertise has also been sought by major media outlets, with appearances on network television and features in publications ranging from the San Francisco Chronicle and the New York Times to Vogue Magazine, bringing awareness of headache disorders to a broader public.
Committed to nurturing the next generation of headache specialists, doctor cowan is a professor at the School of Medicine, a senior fellow at the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health, and a mentor for the American Brain Foundation. Through these roles, doctor cowan shapes the future of neurology and headache treatment.
He maintains memberships with leading professional organizations such as the American Headache Society, American Academy of Neurology, and Headache Cooperative of the Pacific, reinforcing his engagement within the neurology community.
Beyond his professional commitments, doctor cowan dedicates his time and expertise to volunteer service, supporting the Alliance for Patient Access, Veterans Administration, and various community health programs, demonstrating a commitment to broader healthcare access and patient well-being.