1994 INDUCTEE John Browne, MD PhD Hormones, Health and Medical Education & Training, Hormones

Born:

April 13, 1904

(London, England)

Died:

January 21, 1984

Education:

MD, McGill University (1929)
PhD, McGill University (1932)

Awards & Honours:

1973: Robert H. Williams Leadership Award, The Endocrine Society

1967: The Centennial Medal

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Contributed significant advances to the field of endocrinology

A brilliant endocrinologist, a leader in medical education and an advocate for bilingual unity

Dr. John Symonds Lyon Browne, known as “JSL” among his colleagues and friends, was a giant in Canadian medicine. An astute clinical investigator, Browne made significant contributions to the field of endocrinology, focusing much of his research on the study of placental and ovarian hormones. Alongside a team of renowned endocrine researchers including Drs. J.B. Collip. David Thompson and Eleanor Venning, he worked to develop McGill University into the leading medical institution it is known as today.

Revered by both his students and colleagues, Dr. Browne was also considered a leader in medical education. Under his direction, McGill University established a diploma program for physicians interested in earning Master’s and doctoral degrees to become clinical scientists.

Key Facts

Served as President of the Endocrine Society as well as the American Society for Clinical Investigation

Worked tirelessly to unite the English and French speaking physicians of Quebec

Was an early advocate for the importance of biochemistry and physiology in undergraduate medical training

Mentored the next generation of physicians and incited their curiosity

Professional timeline

Impact on lives today

Known as a kind, brilliant and successful man, Dr. Browne’s impressive resume and personal attributes made him a pioneer in hormone research and leader beyond the field of medicine. As an advocate for national unity at a time when the political landscape was increasingly divisive, his legacy to this day reminds Canadians to practice respect and tolerance while working towards a common goal. In addition, McGill University remains a center of research excellence in the field of endocrinology with a global reputation for outstanding research. The Division of Endocrinology, which he helped build, is currently home for 43 primary and 21 associated members.

1994

May 27, 1994
John Browne was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

London, Ontario
1964
Browne helped establish the "Conseil du recherche medical du Quebec”

The council supported health research in Quebec and facilitated Quebec's contribution to international health research initiatives.
1955
Due to his failing eye sight, Browne could no longer continue with clinical work

In 1955, he was named Chairman of the new Department of Investigative Medicine at McGill. He remained there until retirement in 1969.
1934
Browne became a research fellow at McGill University

By 1948, he was a full Professor of Medicine, Chairman of the Department of Medicine, and Director of the Royal Victoria Hospital.
1932
Following his PhD, Browne earned a fellowship from the Royal society of Canada to work in Europe

He spent time in Germany and England before returning to Canada.
1930
Drs. Browne, Thompson and Collip published critical papers discussing the successful isolation of an estrogen complex, later named Emmenin
Hormones, Female Reproduction
This research enabled the first oral capsule with an active female sex hormone to be made available for the treatment of menstrual disorders.
1930s
For 25 years, John Browne pursued a productive research agenda, which included the isolation of pregnanediol, a metabolic product of progesterone detectable in urine
Hormones
This discovery allowed his team to study how progesterone fluctuates during both normal and irregular menstrual cycles and pregnancy, significantly advancing the understanding of progesterone and its effects on the female body.
1929
After completing his MD from McGill University, Browne went on to pursue a PhD in Biochemistry under the supervision of Dr. J.B. Collip

He earned the Governor General’s Silver Medal for Best Thesis of 1932.