Paul Brown was a consultant physician and gastroenterologist at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. The son of Arthur Brown, an electrician, and Clara Brown, a teacher, he was born in County Durham. He was educated at Stanley Grammar School and undertook his medical training at Bristol University and Bristol Royal Infirmary. He obtained a BSc in physiology and graduated MB ChB in 1969.
He was a house physician at the Bristol Royal Infirmary and a house surgeon at the Royal United Hospital, Bath. For two years from 1970 he was a MRC junior fellow at Bristol University before becoming registrar to Alan Read [Munk’s Roll, Vol.IX, p.440] at Bristol Royal Infirmary. From 1974 to 1975 he was a clinical fellow at the University of Cincinnati in the United States and returned to the University of Bristol as a lecturer in medicine.
He joined the gastroenterology unit at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital as consultant physician and gastroenterologist in 1979.
In 1987 he was appointed secretary of the endoscopy committee of the British Society of Gastroenterology. He played a full and vital role both in the teaching of endoscopic techniques and in the standard of care in the service.
At the opening of Telford Hospital in Shropshire Paul transferred there and established the endoscopy unit in that hospital. He was active in medical administration and became the clinical director of the hospital. His views and opinions were always widely sought and he had the ability to elicit the confidence of his fellow doctors.
Paul was an avid squash player and his skills on the squash court, together with his bonhomie and his ability as a raconteur, made him a popular figure in medical and nursing circles.
Some years ago Paul discovered that he had very significant hypertension. In early 1994 investigations revealed that he had a small cell carcinoma with multiple lymph node spread and he underwent courses of intensive treatment. Despite this he continued to carry out his clinical and administrative duties with dedication and bravery. At no time did he ever openly complain about his illness. It was his acceptance of it and his cheerfulness that further endeared him to all those who came in contact with him.
In 1968 Paul married Diane Mary Brown. They had two sons, Richard and James, and a daughter, Lucy.
Graeme D Kerr