Steven Brown, MD, Honored for His Exceptional Leadership

Known for his dedication, innovation and passion for medical education, Steven Brown, MD, program director of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix’s Family Medicine Residency – Phoenix, was recently awarded the Nikitis J. Zervanos Outstanding Program Director award by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors.

The award, which he received during a ceremony in Kansas City, MO, on March 26, honors a program director who demonstrates leadership and advancement of the specialty, is a mentor to residents and medical students, and provides service to the community and to family medicine organizations. Dr. Brown personifies those criteria, often going above and beyond the attributes mentioned.

If one were to take a poll of current and former residents who studied under Dr. Brown, their excitement and approval of his selection would be unanimous.

In his nomination letter, Jacob Anderson, DO, the program director for the college’s Family Medicine Residency – Desert, spoke glowingly about the type of mentor and colleague Dr. Brown has been to him. “I count myself among a vast group of those that are better family physicians, leaders and teachers thanks to the guidance and, importantly, the example of Dr. Brown,” he said. Dr. Anderson has worked closely with Dr. Brown for more than 10 years, starting first as a resident under his leadership and then as a core faculty member within the Phoenix program.

Current residents in the Family Medicine Residency – Phoenix program offered similar praise for Dr. Brown. “I challenge anyone to find a person, let alone a physician, more fiercely dedicated to the genuine betterment and equity of society. He doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk; and I would argue it's more of a power walk, if anything. He is an inspiration to how physicians can bring real positive change to the patients they see and the world around them,” said Justin Chediak, MD, who will be a chief resident next year and will graduate with the program’s Class of 2026.

Emily Eisenberg, MD, who is currently a second-year resident stated that Dr. Brown, “Truly embodies what it means to advocate for family medicine — it’s present in everything he does. He champions our patients at every level — individual, community, state and federal — and brings that same energy and commitment to working with residents.” She added, “He’s a constant advocate for our growth, both in education and professional development. We’re lucky to be part of the vision he’s brought to life in our program.”

“Dr. Brown is a fierce advocate and educator when it comes to addressing social determinants of health and health inequity in the community and the role of the primary care physician in doing so,” said Haley Hochstein, DO, a chief resident who is set to graduate from the program this year. “He has dedicated so much of his time identifying barriers to caring for our underserved patients of the Phoenix community, and the residents he mentors are thankful for his guidance.”

Fostering such a positive and collaborative culture has always been paramount for Dr. Brown. “Our program is always working to improve the delivery of evidence-based primary care in a way that is more satisfying for physicians and patients. Building effective multidisciplinary teams can help accomplish this goal and can help doctors feel joy in their work,” Dr. Brown said. “We'd love to continue to inspire more medical students to recognize that family medicine is a way to provide amazing, continuous, comprehensive care in the context of community.”

Dr. Brown has also created a philosophy that encourages residents and medical students to give back to the communities they serve in new and unique ways. Under his leadership the program launched the incredibly successful American Family Physician (AFP) Podcast, which averages more than 40,000 downloads per month and presents unbiased and transparent takes on the topics covered in the journal; and in partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank and Sun Produce, they established the Banner Family Food Pantry in April 2023, providing easier access to healthy foods for those in most need.

When it comes to establishing such success within a residency, the formula is easy for Dr. Brown, “Surround yourself with the best people and keep a sharp focus on what matters: high quality patient care in a setting where residents and other learners can be their best and become the kind of doctor they want to be.”