Meet Your Care Team

Dr Julie M. Howson

My path to becoming a doctor was a bit different. I graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Microbiology and later from Columbia University with a postgraduate degree in Applied Physiology.

After completing my undergraduate education, I worked in healthcare management, performed medical research, and owned a wellness company helping clients with lifestyle modifications and weight management. These experiences and self-reflection led me to becoming a physician.

My medical education and training were at the University of South Florida in Tampa. I have been practicing medicine for 20 years and serving our local community in Union County for the past 10 years. The journey has been amazing and emotionally rewarding.

My years in the ER, along with my previous work in weight-loss and more recent certification from the American Board of Obesity Medicine have formed my desire to make a change and create a preventive health and wellness practice. I am excited to continue providing personal healthcare to our local community at StriveMD!

I am married with 4 active children, ages 14-20. Outside of medicine, I enjoy skiing, hiking, scuba diving and traveling.

Gina Robinson, PA-C

I am a board certified physician assistant and so excited to have joined the StriveMD team. I have been practicing family medicine in the Charlotte area since graduating from East Carolina’s Physician Assistant Program in December of 2016. During my 8 years of clinical experience in family medicine, I have had the opportunity to grow immensely as a provider, treating patients of all ages, and managing both acute and chronic medical needs.

I am a huge proponent of evidence-based medicine as well as shared and informed decision making. I truly enjoy cultivating trusting relationships with patients, giving them confidence in their healthcare decisions, and focusing on overall wellness. I am honored to be joining Dr. Howson and the StriveMD team by bringing my career back to Union County, where I have called home for almost 20 years.
Outside of medicine I enjoy spending time with my husband while wrangling our three young children and dog.

Kaitlyn Dorval, RN, BSN

Aesthetic Injector

Kaitlyn is a registered nurse at StriveMD, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from UMass Boston. She is currently enrolled in Nurse Practitioner school with plans to graduate in 2026.  She has a diverse background in critical care, ICU nursing, plastic surgery and here at StriveMD as an RN and Aesthetic Injector. She is passionate about helping clients feel confident and empowered in their own skin. Outside the clinic, she enjoys time with her husband and their three wonderful kids.

“I have never seen a doctor that was so good and accurate. She explained everything to me in simple language and explained what I have to do to get better.  She is one of the best doctors that I have ever dealt with. She was right on target, the right treatment and today I’m feeling 99 percent better. Thank you Dr Howson. It’s good to see a real doctor for a change.”

“Dr Howson could not have treated me any better. She put me at ease completely and I am so grateful to her and staff. Thank you.”

“I was most impressed with Dr. Julie Howson. She is intelligent, knows exactly how to solve the problem, proceeds in a reasonably quick manner, is friendly, and demonstrates her concern”

“She was amazing – sat beside my wife and did such a good, thorough job – asking questions, listening, and was so good at comforting her patient” 

– Charles Yost

STOP just book and appointment with Dr. Howson. I really am impressed with her personalized approach. Outstanding.

We just moved to the area from Miami. I was so happy to find Dr. Julie – she’s an amazing doctor that immediately understood what I needed and had even given me more insight, guidance and treatment protocols.

Dr. Julie Howson is an incredible physician. She is highly knowledgeable, attentive, and takes the time to truly understand her patients on a personal level. Her ability to see the bigger picture when it comes to health and wellness is unmatched. I always leave her office feeling cared for and confident in her recommendations.

We just moved to the area from Miami and I wasn’t sure I could find a doctor that practices functional medicine in the area to continue my treatment. I was so happy to find Dr. Julie – she’s an amazing doctor that immediately understood what I needed and had even given me more insight, guidance and treatment protocols. I also love that she’s also a general practitioner, this combination makes for a more complete approach to medicine.

Dr. Julie Howson is an incredible physician who blends traditional medicine with a holistic approach. She is highly knowledgeable, attentive, and takes the time to truly understand her patients on a personal level. Her ability to see the bigger picture when it comes to health and wellness is unmatched. I always leave her office feeling cared for and confident in her recommendations.

Finally Felt Seen, Heard, and Truly Cared For.
After years of being dismissed, told “everything looks fine” and just not feeling good, I had nearly given up on my health until I wad refrred to Dr. Howson.
She listens fully, never rushes, and leaves no stone unturned. She gets to the root of what’s going on and treats you like a whole person,not a chart, not a case.
Dr. Howson didn’t just restore my trust in healthcare she helped me take back control of my well-being. She’s the kind of doctor you hope for but rarely find.

Doctor Julie is the best! Can’t recommend her enough. 10 stars!

Anna

Anna is a native of the area, she spent eight years in sales before taking time off to be a stay-at-home mom. She later returned to the workforce at StriveMD working at the front of the office. Anna graduated from East Carolina University where she met her husband. Together they have two beautiful children, Katie and Charlie. In her free time she enjoys spending time at the beach, being outdoors, gardening, reading and her dogs.

Hannah

Hannah was born and raised in Raleigh, NC. She graduated at Johnston Community College in 2016 where she received her phlebotomy and CNA certificates. She moved to Charlotte in 2020 and became an MA at a cardiology office. She plans on continuing her education as her dream is to become a flight nurse. Outside of work Hannah enjoys her time watching sports, spending weekends at the beach and cuddles with her dog, Mya.

Kristen

Kristen’s role at Strive MD is an office administrator. Her career began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Marketing from the College of Staten Island. Throughout her professional life she’s worked in retail and as a paralegal. Kristen has lived in the Charlotte area for 9 years, with her three children, and their Labradoodle and Goldendoodle. We’re so happy to have her in our Strive MD family, she brings all the energy and positivity to our office! In her free time Kristen loves the beach, and being with her family. 

Lorri

Lorri is a dedicated medical assistant with a rich background in the healthcare field. Having lived in Waxhaw, NC, since the age of 12, she has deep roots in the community. Lorri graduated from South Piedmont Community College in 2004, where she earned her certification as a medical assistant. With two decades of experience in plastic surgery, now she is part of the Strive MD family providing exceptional care to her patients.
Outside of her professional life, Lorri cherishes her time spent with her grandbabies, creating lasting memories and enjoying the simple joys of family life. Her passion for healthcare and love for her family make her a compassionate and well-rounded individual.

Tonya

Tonya grew up in West Virginia, and began her professional career as an RN after receiving her Associate Degree in Nursing from Midlands Technical College in Columbia, SC. She went on to work in the Neonatal ICU at Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital (now Prisma Health), as well as the NICU at Texas Children’s Hospital. Tonya has been in Charlotte since 2006, and now resides in Weddington with her husband, son, daughter, and golden retriever. She has been blessed to stay home and raise her kids for the past 17 years, and has now been a part of the Strive MD team in her role as an office administrator since our grand opening in 2022. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending as much time as she can at Lake James.