Dr. Mark Edward Cowen is a retired physician and healthcare quality researcher whose career has centered on understanding how people make critical decisions under pressure. Drawing on decades of experience, he has explored the delicate balance between intuition and analysis that guides life-changing choices, bringing a rare combination of precision and insight to his work.

He served as Associate Editor of the Encyclopedia of Medical Decision Making and spent many years as Chief of Clinical Decision Services for a major multi-hospital system. In these roles, Cowen honed his ability to bridge complex research with real-world applications, translating intricate ideas into clear, actionable knowledge that informs both professionals and the public.

A graduate of the University of Michigan (A.B., Residential College; M.D.) with a master’s in Epidemiology (S.M.) from the Harvard School of Public Health, Cowen blends analytical expertise with historical empathy. His writing invites readers to explore human behavior, decision-making, and the moral dimensions of choice, offering insights that illuminate both history and the challenges of everyday life.