Anthony Robin Brown

Dr. Robin Brown was appointed as Professor Emeritus of Anesthesiology at the Columbia University Medical Center on October 1, 2020, following his official retirement on September 30th, having served more than 40 years at the institution.

Dr. Brown joined the department of anesthesiology as Assistant Professor in Anesthesiology in July 1989 and continued his rise through the ranks of academic professorship. His clinical and teaching talents led him to his full professorship in July 2015. He became Director of Orthopedic Anesthesia in 1990 (renamed Director of Orthopedic and Regional Anesthesia in 1996), Director of the Acute Pain Service (1998–2013), Director of Ambulatory Anesthesia Services (2005–2020), Vice-Chair, OR Management (1997–2020) as well as numerous CUMC committees.

Dr. Brown’s primary interest was in orthopedic and regional anesthesia as well as perioperative pain management. Shortly after joining the Anesthesia Department he actively encouraged the use of regional anesthesia, specifically peripheral nerve blocks, for extremity surgery, with an emphasis on orthopedic as well as vascular surgical procedures. This service was expanded by the insertion of peripheral nerve catheters for prolonged postoperative analgesia, as well as the introduction of truncal blocks and catheters.

In 1996 Dr. Brown, with the assistance of Dr. Wendy Silverstein, introduced a Fellowship in Regional Anesthesia. This was eventually expanded to a Fellowship in Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine and culminated in the graduation of three fellows on an annual basis.

Dr. Brown’s expertise has led to numerous invitations as a presenter at national as well as international meetings. In addition, he has conducted clinical workshops related to regional anesthesia both nationally and internationally. He has published numerous articles, reviews, book chapters, and abstracts.

In May 2017 Dr. Brown was inducted into The Academy of Clinical Excellence of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Updated August 30, 2023