Dr. Rea Brown - McGill University student, professor & athlete, remarkable medical career and surgeon during the Montreal massacre

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

Episode #29 - Dr. Rea Brown shares his story from the green bench of a career nothing short of remarkable, from growing up with a critically ill brother to finding himself in the world of medicine surrounded by pro athletes and on December 6, 1989, in Montreal saving the lives of several women after the École Polytechnique Tragedy (Montreal Massacre). He joins us from his home at The Village of Humber Heights in Etobicoke.

Erin Davis is joined by our guest co-host Doug Reed (Episode # 9) at The Village of Arbour Trails in Guelph while Lloyd takes the rest he needs.

Dr. Brown shares the story about his brother's illness after having pneumonia - learning about a new antibody that was coming available now that the war coming to an end - Penicillin was the drug spoken of which helped him within a week at the Montreal Western Hospital.

"My first successful surgery was on a cob of corn." -Dr. Rea Brown

His education in a one-room school shared stories that encouraged him to read. What is one book that you remember reading while growing up?

1954 - Dr. Brown was accepted into McGill University with the goals of getting a degree and playing football. Drafted by the Tiger-Cats in 1957, but didn't want to play professional football, and decided he wanted to be a doctor. 1958, joined the faculty of medicine students and continued to play football winning the 1960 Churchill Champions. Graduate in 1962 and applied to a training program for surgery and segued into sports medicine and many accolades and awards.

December 6, 1989 - the day of the massacre at École Polytechnique in Montreal, Dr. Rea Brown was present and available to support as the women came in for care. In 1991, the Parliament of Canada declared 6 December to be a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. It is also known as White Ribbon Day.

Doctor for the Montreal Alouettes and shares a couple of stories along with one he recalls with the quarterback, Turner Gill.

Erin Davis asks, 'who was your favourite patient?' Dr. Brown names John Beliveau (Montreal Canadiens from 1950 to 1971) as his favourite patient - hear why at the 24-minute mark

Advice to listeners to have hope: "I HOPE it is going to be better tomorrow." -Dr. Rea Brown

Dr. Brown reflects on funding a residents space on the 18th floor of the Montreal General Hospital called 'The Brown Room'

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The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about co-host, Lloyd Hetherington
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca