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June 2002, Vol 92, No. 6 | American Journal of Public Health 893-894
© 2002 American Public Health Association

LETTER

DR HOWARD BROWN

Peter Rogatz, MD, MPH

Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be sent to Peter Rogatz, MD, MPH, 76 Oakdale Ln, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577-1535(e-mail: rogatz2{at}aol.com).

I read Bert Hansen's article on the careers of gay and lesbian professionals with particular interest because of my wife's and my long-standing friendship with Dr Howard Brown.

When I went to work at the Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York, (HIP) as an associate medical director in 1956, Howard was my immediate supervisor. Those were the early days of HIP, and the organization, under the leadership of George Baehr and Ed Daily, was fighting to establish its reputation in an environment of skepticism—and often outright hostility.

To know Howard was to be struck by his steadiness, fairness, and integrity. He insisted on high professional standards and absolutely refused to sacrifice quality of care for political considerations, despite many occasions when others might have done so. His behavior was consistently calm and unruffled and marked by a great sense of dignity. He was among the most likeable of the many colleagues with whom I have enjoyed warm and friendly relationships throughout my life.

Although I had known Howard well for some years and had often seen him act as an advocate for high standards, the most public evidence of his great personal bravery and character came when he made his decision to come out as a gay man. This required an extraordinary display of courage and social commitment, especially at that time. Howard was no longer just an admired colleague and friend—in my eyes, he became a real hero, and he has remained so ever since.

Reference

1. Hansen B. Public careers and private sexuality: some gay and lesbian lives in the history of medicine and public health. Am J Public Health.2002;92:36–44.[Abstract/Free Full Text]





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