BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Rebecca Shadowen was a top specialist in the field of infectious diseases at Med Center Health in Bowling Green. She contracted COVID-19 in May and lost her fight with the virus on Friday, September 11. 

Connie Smith, President, and CEO of Med Center Health stated, “We are grieving the loss of Dr. Rebecca Shadowen. There are really no words to describe the pain felt by her family, physician colleagues and Med Center Health teammates. Dr. Shadowen will forever be remembered as a nationally recognized expert who provided the very best care for our patients and community. She was a dear friend to many.”

In May, Shadowen said he believed she got the virus after an elderly family member received in-home care from an infected caregiver. 

Dr. Shadowen said, “I do not believe I contracted the virus while working in the hospital. Our staff, myself included, have meticulously followed all personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines.” Dr. Shadowen continued, “I cannot emphasize enough that COVID-19 is now widespread in our communities. As many of our workplaces and businesses reopen, it is critical we all remain diligent in following the guidelines to remain Healthy at Home and Healthy at Work.”

Gov. Andy Beshear acknowledged Shadowen's passing over the weekend in a social media post saying, "I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Dr. Rebecca Shadowen, a front line hero who worked tirelessly to protect the lives of others," Beshear wrote. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues."

 

I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Dr. Rebecca Shadowen, a front line hero who worked tirelessly to protect the...

Posted by Governor Andy Beshear on Saturday, September 12, 2020

Shadowen had been working with with the Bowling Green–Warren County Coronavirus Workgroup until her positive diagnosis on May 13. 

She joined Medical Staff at The Medical Center at Bowling Green in 1989, and has been a physician leader in our region, across the Commonwealth of Kentucky and nationally for over 30 years.