Newberry Honors Dr. John Brown with Portrait Dedication
NEWBERRY — A touching moment unfolded at Newberry County Memorial Hospital last week, as a portrait of the late Dr. John Brown was unveiled during a heartfelt dedication ceremony. Dr. Brown, who passed away in 2021, gave decades of medical service to the community. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a proper recognition of his contributions was delayed until now.
Celebrating a Medical Legacy
During the ceremony, Dr. Brown’s family, friends, and colleagues gathered to commemorate the exceptional life of a man described by many as a remarkable doctor and a beloved community member. His wife, Susandale Cauble Brown, stood proudly next to her husband’s portrait that will grace the hospital’s halls.
Dr. Brown earned his degrees from Clemson University and Duke Medical School. His career in medicine began in 1965 after serving in the United States Navy during the Cuban Crisis. Following his military service, he completed an internship at MUSC in Charleston, where he became board certified in General Vascular and Thoracic Surgery.
A Journey of Service
In 1970, he joined Palmetto Surgical Associates in Columbia, South Carolina, the state’s oldest general surgery practice at the time. His dedication to advancing his skills led him to complete a four-month cardiovascular fellowship at the Houston Heart Institute in 1982. He later took a pivotal leadership role in launching the open heart program at Richland Memorial Hospital.
Returning to Newberry in 2001, Dr. Brown opened a private practice and eventually became associated with Newberry County Memorial Hospital. At a time when the community had no other surgeons, he filled the gap until his retirement in 2018. He later diversified his expertise by adding wound care and hyperbaric medicine to his service offerings.
Commitment Beyond the Clinic
Dr. Brown’s commitment to his community extended beyond his surgical practice. He offered free medical services to multiple clinics in Columbia, Laurens, and Newberry, participated in medical missions to Haiti following the catastrophic 2010 earthquake, and was an active member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church.
In recognition of his contributions, he received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, in 2011 from former Governor Nikki Haley.
Family Reflections
During the event, Brown’s daughter, Anna Brown Applegate, expressed her gratitude, noting, “My dad wasn’t just my dad, he was a hero.” She urged everyone who walks by her father’s portrait to remember his laughter, wisdom, and the love he showed to everyone he encountered.
Memories Shared
Those who worked with Dr. Brown shared fond reminiscences about him. Corey Brown, the surgery director at NCMH, highlighted his multifaceted personality, “He was a teacher, a father figure, and a phenomenal surgeon. His reputation will remain in our hearts for many years to come.”
John Thompson, who worked alongside Dr. Brown, praised his reliability and expertise. “When I first came to Newberry in 1978, if we had a case that needed a surgeon we could trust, it would usually be Dr. Brown,” he recalled. “He was a dependable and skilled doctor, and I still think about him often.”
Continuing the Legacy
John Snow, the Chief Executive Officer of NCMH, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor Dr. Brown. “We are glad to have all of the family here to celebrate the many years of service Dr. Brown provided to this hospital and community,” he stated. Though Snow didn’t know Dr. Brown personally, he acknowledged the strong foundation the doctor laid for future medical professionals in the area.
The dedication of Dr. Brown’s portrait marks a lasting reminder of his extensive contributions to healthcare and his compassionate spirit within the Newberry community.
