Hormone & Regenerative Medicine Specialist

We sat down with Connor Bowen, PA-C, to talk about his work in East Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids, his dual passion for aesthetics and regenerative medicine, and how a juice bar he co-owns has become as much a part of his wellness journey as the treatments he provides. From PRF in his knees and shoulders to a surprising fact about his daily routine, Connor brings a refreshingly real perspective to medicine, health, and life outside the clinic.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live, and what do you enjoy outside of work?

I live in Eastown, which is kind of the eclectic middle ground between East Grand Rapids and downtown. It’s a diverse, creative area, and I love being there. Outside of work, I like to stay active. My partner and I work out together almost every day. I used to play competitive volleyball until a couple of shoulder injuries sidelined me, but now I lean into other hobbies like sailing and arts and crafts. On top of that, my partner and I own Good Judy's Market & Juice Bar, a juice bar in Eastown. We just celebrated our three-year anniversary, so it’s been a big labor of love.

What was your path before joining CAPS and RegenCen?

I spent nearly six years at a private internal medicine practice here in Grand Rapids, and then briefly worked at a regenerative medicine practice focused on PRP, stem cells, and musculoskeletal joint injections. That experience gave me a solid foundation in both traditional care and regenerative approaches, which blended perfectly into the work I do now.

Have you tried any of the therapies yourself?

Yes! I’ve had PRF in my knees and shoulders, which definitely helped, and I’ve done several rounds of NAD+. I’ll admit, I was hoping it would make me feel completely superhuman, but the real result was a steady boost in energy and stamina—which I’ve really valued. My testosterone levels are normal, so I haven’t needed therapy there, but if I could get the “superhuman booster,” I’d be all for it.

What inspired your passion for hormone and regenerative medicine?

A little bit of both personal interest and professional experience. At my internal medicine practice, I worked extensively with hormone therapy—men, women, and especially within the queer community for transition support. I saw firsthand the quality-of-life improvements it made. Pairing that with regenerative medicine felt natural, because I believe in using the body’s own mechanisms to heal and restore. Together, it creates a more complete way of caring for patients.

What are the top concerns people come in with?

For regenerative medicine, weight loss is the number one issue. Many patients are doing all the right things but can’t get past stubborn weight as they age. On the hormone side, people often describe just feeling “blah”—low energy, low stamina, reduced sex drive, and an overall diminished quality of life. That’s usually the spark that brings them in.

What improvements do men report most often with testosterone therapy?

Energy is always the first thing they mention. Many of our male patients are in their late 30s or 40s, and after starting therapy they report more energy, faster muscle gain, and a noticeable improvement in sex drive. Those are the three most consistent changes I hear about.

Is there something you wish more people knew about regenerative treatments?

Absolutely. A lot of men still don’t realize that hormone optimization can transform their health and quality of life—not just women. And I wish more people knew about joint injections. They’re natural, they work, and nearly everyone has some kind of joint pain. It’s underutilized in our field, even though the outcomes can be a game changer.

Where do you see the field heading in the next decade?

I think hormones will only become more widely prescribed and better understood. For women, especially, this means huge improvements in quality of life post-menopause. I also think we’ll see a positive shift in long-term health outcomes, like a reduction in cardiovascular disease, as more women get access to the care they need.

What’s your favorite part about working here?

Honestly, the people. It feels like a family, and that’s a huge change from my previous job. I genuinely enjoy being around my team every day. Clinically, I love being able to bridge aesthetics and regenerative medicine; helping people feel better on the inside and look their best on the outside. That combination is really rewarding.

If you weren’t in medicine, what would you be doing?

Design. I interned with interior designers before medicine, and I’m still passionate about it. My partner and I are about to start a full remodel, which is exciting.

Coffee order?

Here’s my fun fact: I’ve never had coffee in my life. Not a sip. I grew up hating the smell, and now I’ve made it this far without it. I don’t really do caffeine at all—I run pretty high-energy naturally, so I don’t need it. NAD+ is probably the closest thing I’ll ever get to a coffee habit.