He received his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia Campus, Richmond, VA. He completed his post doctoral training in internal medicine and a surgical residency at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. Prior to joining RIM, Dr. Howell was employed as a hospitalist for Integrated Health Associates in Ann Arbor, where he provided acute inpatient care and intensive care coverage.

Dr. Howell has served in the Air National Guard since 2001 and is currently a Major and a flight surgeon, Medical Corps, Michigan Air National Guard. In 2009, he received the United States Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal.

He is a member of several professional organizations including the Society of United States Air Force Flight Surgeons, the American Medical Association, and the American College of Physician Executives.