Deidre Downs Gunn (born July 7, 1980) is an American physician and former beauty pageant titleholder.

[8] She graduated magna cum laude in 2002 from Samford University with a degree in history and a double-minor in biology and chemistry.

Downs won the competition in June 2004,[1] when she received her crown from outgoing Miss Alabama titleholder, Catherine Crosby.

[5][8] Downs was Alabama's representative at the Miss America 2005 competition held in Atlantic City, New Jersey in September 2004.

"[15] After competing in casual wear, swimsuit, evening gown, and participating in a "pop quiz", only two state titleholders remained, Downs and Miss Louisiana 2004, Jennifer Dupont.

[16] She then beat out Dupont after a head-to-head talent competition[16] for the 2005 title and was crowned by Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap, on September 18, 2004.

[citation needed] The pageant, traditionally held in September, was delayed four months to allow the Miss America Organization to secure a TV deal.