Dr. Pownell received his Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University with cum laude honors in 1982. His medical degree was achieved at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas in 1986. In medical school, his academic excellence was recognized with election to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society for finishing in the top 5 percent of his graduating class. Upon graduation, he completed a six-year residency in Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery at Parkland Hospital and the affiliated University of Texas Southwestern hospitals. Following this residency, he received his board certification in Otolaryngology in 1993. Dr. Pownell went on to complete a separate two-year residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery also at Southwestern Medical Center in 1994. Based on his achievements, he was recruited as an assistant professor within the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Southwestern Medical Center. He spent two years in this gratifying role as both clinical practitioner and instructional professor involved in the training of plastic surgery residents. In 1996, he received his board certification in Plastic Surgery and he subsequently moved into his own full-time private practice. In 1998, he was elected as a fellow into the prestigious American College of Surgeons. Two years later, he was elected as a member in the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the Rhinoplasty Society. Dr. Pownell continues to serve as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Southwestern Medical Center.

Dr. Powell has written and published many articles and textbook chapters for both Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology. He has been an author for The Selected Readings in Plastic Surgery that is used as an educational tool by plastic surgery residency training programs across the country. From 1995 until 2001, he has served as one of the authors of the annual Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation In-Service Training Exam that is administered to virtually every plastic surgery resident in this country and abroad. Dr. Powell is a regular participant in continuing education seminars nationwide and is current in the Plastic Surgery Maintenance of Certification Program.

Dr. Pownell is a native Texan.  He was born in Tyler, Texas and spent most of his youth in Corpus Christi, Texas.

While attending Baylor University, he met his wife, Dawn. They have been married since 1984 and have been blessed with three wonderful married children. They have now been crowned with four lovely grandchildren. Family is a high priority for Dr. Pownell and he plays an active role in the lives of his children. Dr. Powell has completed five marathons, including the New York City Marathon twice. He had the great pleasure of running the Houston Marathon together with his two sons.

He and his wife have been active members of Dallas Bible Church for over thirty years where they have served in a variety of roles. Dr. Pownell served on the Board of Elders of the church from 1999 until 2005. He is active in Bible Study Fellowship and has been a group leader for thirteen years.

In 2016, Dr. Powell served as the President of the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons representing the specialty within the Texas Medical Society and across the state of Texas.

Within the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, he served in numerous roles including the Program Chair for the Annual Scientific Meeting in 2015. In 2001, Dr. Powell was first recognized nationally by his physician peers and was named one of the Best Doctors in America. He received this honor for over fifteen years. In 2003, Dr. Powell was first recognized as one of Dallas' Best Physicians by D Magazine and again has received this honor repeatedly over the last two decades. He has also been recognized on numerous occasions by Texas Monthly Magazine as one of Texas' SuperDoctors and now recognized as a Legacy Member for being recognized over fifteen years. He has also serve as the President of the Dallas Plastic Surgery Society and the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. These acknowledgements are Dr. Pownell's highest and most humbling honors.

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

American Society of Plastic Surgery

The Rhinoplasty Society

American College of Surgeons

Dallas Plastic Surgery Society

Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation

Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons

Christian Medical and Dental Society

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

Dallas County Medical Society

Texas Medical Association

Texas Institute for Surgery

North Central Surgery Center

THR Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

Baylor University Medical Center

THR Presbyterian Hospital of Plano

Park Cities Surgery Center