It is with a profound sense of sadness that I share with you the death of Dr. Brad Warner.
Dr. Warner joined our department in 2007 as director of the Division of Pediatric Surgery and surgeon-in-chief at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. He was the Jessie L. Ternberg, MD, PhD Distinguished Professor of Pediatric Surgery, a title he carried with pride. A consummate clinical surgeon, researcher, and educator, Dr. Warner was a nationally and internationally recognized academic pediatric surgeon who inspired and trained numerous pediatric surgeons. He was a member of nearly every prestigious academic organization, including the American Surgical Association and the Society of University Surgeons which he served as its president in 2003.
Dr. Warner provided world-class surgical care for countless children and touched the lives of innumerable families. As chief, he took surgery at St. Louis Children’s Hospital to a new level by recruiting talented faculty and building clinical programs in areas of greatest need for our community. His research in the area of adaptation to massive small bowel resection has advanced our understanding of short gut syndrome. He was truly an exemplary surgeon-scientist and a luminary in our field. Residents and medical students who have trained under Dr. Warner will tell you how he transformed pediatric surgery into one of the most sought-after rotations in the medical school. Many academic pediatric surgeons credit Brad not only with their decision to enter the field but also with their professional success.
Brad was loved by all. He was a phenomenal surgeon and rigorous researcher, an exceptional educator and dedicated mentor. He was a gifted photographer with a passion for nature. But most importantly, he was kind, generous and caring. If you had the pleasure of meeting him, you knew Brad’s infectious laugh, unwavering smile and unflappable nature.
Brad is survived by his wife, Dr. Barbara Warner, their two daughters, and one grandchild. Barb Warner is chief of the Division of Newborn Medicine and the F. Sessions Cole, MD, Chair in Newborn Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics. Our hearts go out to Barb and her family.
The passing of Brad Warner is a tragic loss for the WashU Surgery community and the surgical community more broadly.
John A. Olson Jr., MD, PhD
William K. Bixby Professor and Chair
Department of Surgery
Washington University School of Medicine
Surgeon-in-Chief
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
St. Louis, Missouri