In Memoriam: Dr. Robert E. Brown, MD (1941–2025)

Dr. Robert E. Brown, MD, FACSc, a distinguished physician-scientist and educator, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Granbury, Texas. He was 83 years old. Born on November 19, 1941, in Barnesboro, Pennsylvania, to Clarence “Chay” Brown and Elizabeth Vrana-Brown, Dr. Brown’s life was marked by academic excellence, military service, and groundbreaking scientific contributions to the field of pathology.

Academic and Professional Foundations

Dr. Robert E. Brown earned his Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine from the University of Akron in 1962. He went on to receive his Medical Degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1966. His pursuit of knowledge led him to a Fellowship in Biological Chemistry at Massachusetts General Hospital, in conjunction with Harvard Medical School, in 1968. He completed his residency in Anatomic Pathology at the Medical College of Virginia in 1970 and became board-certified in the discipline.

Military Service and Early Career

Following medical training, Dr. Brown served with distinction in the U.S. Army at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, where he achieved the rank of Major. This period of service further deepened his dedication to pathology and the advancement of medical science.

Inventor of Morphoproteomics

Dr. Robert E. Brown is internationally recognized as the inventor of Morphoproteomics, a revolutionary approach combining morphology and protein expression to understand disease mechanisms at a molecular level. His innovations have provided critical insights into disease biology, allowing clinicians to tailor more effective therapies for patients across a wide spectrum of conditions.

A Legacy of Education and Mentorship

For over five decades, Dr. Brown served as a Clinical Professor of Pathology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and as Medical Director of the Morphoproteomics Laboratory at UTHealth McGovern Medical School. He was a passionate teacher, mentor, and guide to countless students, residents, and colleagues, inspiring the next generation of pathologists with his intellect, humility, and dedication.

Scholarly Contributions and Honors

Dr. Brown authored and co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and served on the Editorial Board of the Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science. He was a Fellow of the College of American Pathologists, the American Society of Clinical Pathology, and the Association of Clinical Scientists. His contributions earned him widespread recognition, including a Distinguished Lifetime Achiever honor from Continental Who’s Who and accolades from IssueWire for excellence in medical science.

Humanitarian Commitment

Beyond his academic and clinical achievements, Dr. Brown was committed to equitable healthcare. He provided Morphoproteomics treatment consultations at low or no cost to disadvantaged patients, exemplifying his belief in compassionate, patient-centered medicine.

Personal Life and Family

Dr. Robert E. Brown is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mrs. Dorothy Lee Cook-Brown; sons Robert Chay Brown and Jonathan Lee Brown; grandchildren Holden Chay Brown and Ramzi Khan Brown; and his brother, Dr. Jan Brown, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Elizabeth Brown. His family, friends, colleagues, and students will remember him for his warmth, integrity, laughter, and lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

Tributes from the Medical Community

Dr. Robert E. Brown’s influence extended far beyond his published work and academic appointments. Colleagues across institutions and disciplines took to social media to honor his mentorship, friendship, and scientific legacy.

Mary McGuire PhD MS PMP:

“Final farewell to my longtime mentor, colleague and friend, Dr. Robert E. “Bob” Brown, former Professor and Vice-Chair of Pathology, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston. He passed away on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025. Bob advanced the use of morphoproteomics techniques to evaluate the immunohistochemical protein expressions of target markers in tumors to guide targeted therapy – primarily for patients beyond the standard of care. He was always open to new ideas, and supported my quest to develop “biomedical analytics” pathway analysis that augmented his observed networks. Bob, you’re greatly missed.
*Zhang KJ, Qu Z, Zhang PL, Brown RE. A Brief History, the Progress in the Variants of Therapies against Metastatic Neoplasms, and the Role of Pathologists. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2021 Jul;51(4):461-469. PMID: 34452884. https://lnkd.in/gdP6jxD5.”

Vivek Subbiah, MD:

“In memory of Dr. Robert E. Brown, MD November 19, 1941 – June 15, 2025

Wow. I’m still processing the loss of Dr. Robert Brown- a brilliant pathologist & molecular biologist, & someone I learned so much from during my fellowship days in oncology.

We worked together on several translational projects, but what I’ll remember most are our conversations—me calling with questions about pathways & pathology, him always generous with his time & knowledge. His insights helped shape how I think about oncology, precision medicine & drug development to this day.

I’m grateful for all he taught me, and even more grateful to have known him.

May he rest in peace.”

Dr. Robert E. Brown leaves behind an indelible mark on modern pathology and the countless lives touched by his mentorship, scholarship, and compassion. His memory will continue to inspire the medical community and the patients it serves.

Written  by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD