Nancy J. Brown, MD

Dr. Nancy J. Brown, recently appointed as the C.N.H. Long Professor of Internal Medicine, is an internationally renowned educator, investigator, and clinician. Her appointment will be effective Feb. 1, pending approval by the School of Medicine Board of Permanent Officers.

In September, Brown was named the next dean of the Yale School of Medicine. She will assume that post on Feb. 1.

A Yale College graduate, Brown is currently the Hugh Jackson Morgan Professor and chair of the Department of Medicine at Vanderbilt University.

Brown majored in molecular biophysics and biochemistry at Yale and earned her medical degree at Harvard University. After completing internship and residency programs at Vanderbilt University, she joined its faculty, engaging in both clinical care and research.

While taking on increased leadership responsibilities and mentoring scores of Vanderbilt students, residents, and fellows, Brown has led a research program in cardiovascular pharmacology, which has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health since 1993. Among her research contributions, she has defined the molecular mechanisms through which commonly prescribed blood pressure and diabetes drugs affect the risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease. She has continued to care for patients, especially those with resistant and secondary forms of hypertension, and to mentor the next generation of physician-scientists.

Since becoming leader of Vanderbilt’s Department of Medicine in 2010, Brown expanded mentorship resources for trainees and faculty members who concentrate on research and established a career development program for faculty members who focus on clinical work. During her tenure, there was an increase in the number of women and members of underrepresented groups in medicine, both on the faculty and in leadership positions.

Throughout her career, Brown has focused on medical education and mentoring career development. She founded and directed the Vanderbilt Master of Science in Clinical Investigation program to promote the advancement of patient-oriented researchers. She also developed the Elliot Newman Society to shorten time-to-independence for physician-scientists. She is an elected member of the Vanderbilt Academy for Excellence in Teaching and has received many mentorship awards.

Brown serves on a number of editorial boards and national and international scientific advisory committees, providing guidance on the development of research programs and educational initiatives. She has received numerous awards for her achievements, including election to the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the Association of American Physicians, and the National Academy of Medicine.