1887–1960
Mount Pleasant Cemetery
Section 29 Lot 178
Born in Clinton, Ont., Alan Brown graduated with honours in medicine from the University of Toronto. His passion for pediatrics led him to spend three years at the Babies’ Hospital in New York City, followed by post-graduate work at leading pediatric hospitals across Europe. Upon returning to Toronto, he joined the staff at the Hospital for Sick Children, then located on College Street.
Appalled by the hospital’s high mortality rate, Dr. Brown implemented radical changes that halved the death rate within a year. His leadership and vision earned him the role of physician-in-chief. Brown also championed broader public health reforms, successfully lobbying for compulsory pasteurization legislation to combat tuberculosis in children.
Dr. Brown is best remembered for his role in helping to develop Pablum, a revolutionary infant cereal fortified with vitamins and minerals. Working with Drs. Theo Drake and Fred Tisdall (Section 29, Plot 213), Brown oversaw the creation of this life-saving product in the early 1930s. Pablum dramatically reduced childhood malnutrition and disease, and its royalties funded research and the construction of the new Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) on University Avenue, which opened in 1951.
Beyond Pablum, Dr. Brown’s contributions to pediatric medicine and nutrition shaped modern healthcare for children. Dr. Alan Brown passed away on September 7, 1960, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and progress.
His commitment to research and innovation ensured better lives for countless children and their families in Canada and beyond.
Sources:
• Mount Pleasant Group – Dr. Alan Brown
• Pablum – Wikipedia
• The Canadian Encyclopedia – Pablum
• SickKids – Nutrition Research History
Photo: Museum of Health Care at Kingston, Ont.
