Celebrating a Lifetime of Devotion: The Alison Gates Brown Conference Room and Fund

Alison Gates Brown, MPH, BSN, built her University of Maryland Medical System career on supporting and listening to others. “By listening well, we learn about the potential for shared goals, hopes, dreams, and concerns with the patients we care for or the people we lead,” she shared. “We also gain valuable insights into how we can improve our work for greater impact.”

Pictured: Heather Culp, Dr. Brit Kirwan, Alison Brown, Dr. Bert O'Malley and Rebecca Altman

Alison's remarkable 30-year career at the University of Maryland Medical System exemplifies unwavering dedication, visionary guidance, and an unyielding commitment to community well-being. Her instrumental role in bringing the Midtown Outpatient Tower at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) Midtown Campus to fruition underscores her passion and determination to improve healthcare resources for the West Baltimore community.

The naming of a conference room in the outpatient tower in her honor is a fitting tribute to her impact. Recently, a community of leaders, colleagues, family, and friends gathered to celebrate this special occasion. This collective recognition not only underscores the profound impact of Alison’s leadership but also reaffirms their shared commitment to her values, which have significantly shaped the community.

The conference room is more than just a physical space. It symbolizes unity and collaboration, where patients, community members, staff, faculty, leaders, and care providers can come together for discussions that shape the future of patient care. It also stands as a testament to outstanding leadership and the transformative power of philanthropy.

The philanthropic campaign by the University of Maryland Medicine Philanthropy, a strategic fundraising partnership between the University of Maryland Medical Center and the University of Maryland Medical School, to honor Alison’s retirement made the space's naming possible. This campaign also established the Alison Gates Brown Fund at UMMC Midtown, a powerful testament to Alison's enduring influence and a vital vehicle for perpetuating her commitment to healthcare equity and innovation.

Naming this space and establishing the fund has been a concrete way to meaningfully ensure that Alison’s leadership, collaborative spirit, inspiration, and lifelong dedication to improving health outcomes live on. The fund supports what is most important to her: equitable and inclusive healthcare, professional development and education, resources for team member well-being, and innovative solutions to improve community health. Your contributions to this fund will help us continue Alison's legacy and promote a healthcare environment for everyone.

Alison has often reflected on the importance of her nursing roots in shaping her career. “I experienced firsthand what it is to take care of people when they are in a most vulnerable place and that incredible responsibility of knowing that people and their families are placing their trust in your hands.”