The Rev. Dr. Orlando R. Dowdy is a psychotherapist, pastoral counselor, author, and Presiding Elder of the Raleigh District of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Through Dowdy Psychotherapy and his denominational leadership, he serves pastors, congregations, families, and individuals throughout the community, with particular attention to mental health, trauma, spiritual well-being, and leadership development.

Dr. Dowdy brings to the Duke CPRN ELC decades of experience in pastoral ministry, clinical counseling, community engagement, and organizational leadership. His contributions include helping connect Duke’s work with faith communities, offering insight into the mental health and health-care needs of clergy and congregations, and encouraging culturally responsive approaches to community education, prevention, and healing. His involvement with the Duke/AME Zion HEAL initiative, for a decade, reflects his commitment to strengthening relationships among health-care professionals, churches, and the communities they serve.

He is motivated by the belief that meaningful change begins by listening carefully to people whose experiences are too often overlooked. He values compassion, integrity, collaboration, equity, and service. Dr. Dowdy serves because he wants to help ensure that community voices inform decisions, that trustworthy partnerships are developed, and that Duke’s resources and research contribute to practical improvements in the health and well-being of individuals, families, clergy, and congregations.