Events
HAND SURGEON RECEIVES CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF DISTINCTION
HOUSTON – June 20, 2008 -- World renowned Hand Surgeon Michael G. Brown, M.D., was honored Wednesday June 18, 2008, in Washington, DC, where he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Distinction. Dr. Brown and his wife, Rachel, had lunch with Vice President Dick Cheney, and then enjoyed dinner that evening with President George W. Bush.
Dr. Michael Brown is the founder (retired) of The Hand Center in Houston, Texas, and Brown Hand Centers, opening across America. Dr. Brown has received international acclaim for his patented Brown Procedure Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel treatment which revolutionized the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, reducing recovery time from months or a year to only a few days, saving patients needless pain and suffering. The five minute out-patient procedure requires no stitches.
Dr. Brown is Chairman and CEO of Surgeons Management, Incorporated (SMI) the affiliated parent company of Brown Hand Center. His wife, Rachel, is Vice President of Public Relations for SMI, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Brown employ hundreds through their companies that promote the concept of delivering the very highest of health care with kindness and courtesy, helping many thousands of patients annually.
Click here for photos >
VOCATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENTS TOUR THE HAND CENTER
The staff at Surgeon's Management, Inc., The Hand Center, and related companies has extended a unique experience to the future workforce of America. The Hand Center and Barrett Foot & Ankle Centers, which are both known for their innovative, minimally invasive procedures and state of the art technology, offer weekly lectures to current students in the medical field. The lectures are given on a variety of topics by our highly skilled and experienced surgeons. After the lecture the students are given the opportunity to ask questions and tour our facilities, allowing students to get a firsthand look at what they will be doing. These lectures take them out of the classroom to gain real, hands-on knowledge.
AN EVENING WITH DAVID OSCARSON
David Oscarson is considered by most to be the world’s premier pen maker. To own a David Oscarson pen is to own a true piece of art. Each pen has David’s artistic interpretation of a particular theme from his Viking inspired Valhalla series, his Celestial series, which consists of pens specially commissioned by Steve Wynn (Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas) and his Masonic pen, which represents Jacques de Mollier. Dr. and Mrs. Brown along with Christine and Larry Dromgoole (Dromgoole’s Pens, Rice Blvd.) hosted An Evening With David Oscarson at the Brown’s Memorial home. David and Lizzie Oscarson graciously mingled with 100 invited guests admiring the magnificent display of Oscarson pens. The event was covered by both Stylus and Pen World magazines. For more information on this art form go to www.davidoscarson.com.
Click here for photos >
FOUNDER’S 50th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Rachel Brown had not one but two big surprises in store for her husband Michael G. Brown, M.D., The Hand Center’s founder for his 50th birthday. The surprised look on Dr. Brown’s face when he, his wife Rachel, and their five children – Sophie, Layla, Lauren, Raquel, and Max – pulled up to downtown Houston’s Majestic Theater and saw his name on the marquis, was unforgettable. Mrs. Brown had arranged the entire “Red Carpet Affair” reserving the entire theater for 200 invited guests to celebrate her husband’s 50th birthday. Mrs. Brown surprised her husband with not only the presence of his 87 year old mother Thelma Brown, his sisters Glenda and Jeanne, and his brother-in-law Jackie but also friends he had not seen since his high school days. Mrs. Brown gave a heartwarming speech on stage, joined by the children. “Dr. Brown confessed that for once he was speechless, and all he could do was thank his adoring wife, children, friends and family. A Jazz band greeted the guests in the foyer while vintage movie posters reminded Dr. Brown of his favorites from 30 years ago (all arranged by Rachel who had the family’s photos substituted for the actors photos in the posters.) The happy crowd enjoyed dancing, music, and an upstairs casino (the winners were awarded door prizes) until midnight when Dr. and Mrs. Brown were whisked away in Dr. Brown’s 1949 Cadillac El Dorado Biarritz convertible (literally a show car for the avid collector) to the Hotel ZaZa where Mrs. Brown had a private retreat planned. Mrs. Brown and the guests stressed how Dr. Brown, in his lifetime, had positively affected the lives of so many people, including over 21,000 he has performed surgery on, friends and family, and so many whose employment depended on the long years that Dr. Brown spent developing his landmark carpal tunnel procedure and spreading the word to the Greater Houston area and now across the nation.
Just when he thought the celebration was over Mrs. Brown surprised him again with an exceptional evening at Tony’s restaurant with close friends and business associates.
Dr. Brown expresses his admiration and adoration of his wife Rachel and their precious children. He says “all I ever wanted to be was the best husband, father, and hand surgeon I could be…in that order.”
Click here for photos >
New Techniques and Research
THE BROWN HAND CENTER’S ARTHROSCOPIC INTERPOSITION ARTHROPLASTY PROCEDURE for treatment of basilar thumb joint arthritis. Continuing with Dr. Brown’s tradition of developing minimally invasive techniques to reduce patient pain, suffering and minimize recovery time (The Brown Procedure endoscopic carpal tunnel technique, Brown Endoscopic Trigger Release, BETR) Randolph Lopez, M.D. and the other Brown Hand Center surgeons have developed a modified minimally invasive arthroscopic technique for treating the very common problem of basilar thumb joint (metacarpal-trapezial) arthritis which commonly causes pain at the base of the thumb.
Using a simple two-portal technique, the joint is resurfaced arthroscopically, and an acellular dermal matrix allograft or a type 1 collagen graft is interposed, acting as a much needed cushion in the joint. This is an outpatient procedure requiring NO stitches. The patient is placed in a removable thumb spica splint avoiding an uncomfortable cast and may resume normal activity in six weeks.
This procedure has revolutionized treatment of basilar joint arthritis, sparing large incisions, painful removal of bone and debilitating bone fusions.
Minimal Incision Procedure for Thumb Arthritis.
Percutaneous Ligamentous Reconstruction for the basilar thumb joint instability and arthritis. The stretching or tearing of the volar beak ligament, due to injury or simply aging, is known to cause arthritis of the basal thumb joint. Traditional reconstruction of the ligament requires big incisions and prolonged recovery. Dr. Andrew K. Lee, Dr. Nur Nurbhai and the team of doctors at The Hand Center are developing a new minimally invasive ligamentous reconstruction technique. This procedure requires only two tiny incisions and utilizes an anchor device; therefore, there is no donor site morbidity, hardly any scarring and leads to earlier recovery. This procedure can also be done concurrently with any basal thumb arthroplasties, including arthroscopic interposition arthroplasty to prolong and maintain the long term good result.
Endo Ulnar/Pronator Release
Endoscopic Cubital Tunnel (Ulnar Nerve) Release and Pronator (Median Nerve) Release. Although not as common as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, the Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and the Pronator Syndrome are compression neuropathies that cause numbness, weakness and pain in the arms and hands. Traditionally, these types of nerve compression syndromes were treated by making a long incision at the elbow and forearm. Following the precedent set by Dr. Michael G. Brown (first to develop the successful Brown Procedure: Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release), Dr Lee, Dr. Lopez and other doctors at the Brown Hand Center have developed an improved way of endoscopically treating these conditions with a less than 2 cm incision. This means less scarring, earlier motion and a faster recovery. Just as The Brown Procedure has revolutionized endoscopic hand surgery, with perhaps the single most important advancement since hand surgery began, these techniques will prove to be the revolutionary procedures for the 21st century.
Charity and Philanthropy
CHARITABLE EVENTS
The following charitable organizations and events are supported and by Rachel and Dr. Michael G. Brown, M. D..
The Rachel and Dr. Michael G. Brown, M.D. Helping Hands Foundation, Brown Hand Center and Brown Medical.
2008 List
- Child Advocates
- Family Services of Houston
- Family Services of Greater Houston
- Baylor College of Medicine
Huffington Center on Aging
- Toys for Tots
- Star of Hope Mission
- Amschwand Sarcoma Foundation
- Houston AIDS Foundation
- The Humane Society
- The Awty International School
- Children’s Miracle Network
- St Jude’s
- UNICEF
- Acts 4 Today (CWC Ministries)
- Open Door Mission Foundation
- Children at Risk
- Atway International Annual Gala
- Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
- Aids Foundation Houston, Inc.
- Hero for Hand Bags
- Toys for Tots
- Society for the Performing Arts
- National Debutante Cotillion /
Benefiting the Children’s
National Medical Center
- Trees of Hope
- Readers Are Leaders Foundation
DR. LEE AND MOSES KOLLIE
The Fairfield Baptist Church in Cypress Texas contacted Brown Hand Center regarding an African boy, whom they had found during their mission trip. His left arm and hand was nonfunctional. This boy, Moses Kollie, was born in 1995 during the Liberian war. Tragically when he was only three months old, his mother was shot to death by a rebel while she was out searching for food. Her lifeless body lay draped on top of her dear son Moses where they remained for several days until a passerby heard the child crying and rescued him. After a search for his relatives proved to be futile, he was consequently placed into an orphanage. The mission team’s hope was to see if Brown Hand Center would be able to help him in any way to restore his arm and hand function. Brown Hand Center immediately offered to help probono. Moses was brought to U.S. by the church mission team. After the evaluation by our hand surgeons and physiatrists, he was diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy with spasticity. His elbow was severely contracted to 90 degrees and his wrist was fixed at 100 degrees of flexion. Moses, informed of the complexity of the reconstructive surgery, eagerly asked for the procedure to be performed.
On June 11, 2008, the Brown Hand Center surgical team, led by Dr. Andrew K. Lee, performed multiple tendon lengthening and tendon transfers of the elbow, wrist and hand. After a four hour operation and a month of hand therapy, Moses is able to extend his elbow to 30 degrees and his wrist up to neutral. He demonstrated good grasping and releasing motion of the fingers. His result was superb. Moses wrote on his thank you note to Dr. Lee, “I have nothing to repay…but God will bless you…” We would like to thank Fairfield Baptist Church for providing us with the opportunity to participate in caring for this young man. We are grateful that we are able to be utilized as God’s conduit for healing and restoration. We are here to help people who need our skills and expertise we have gained over decades of caring for complex problems requiring reconstructive surgery. We consider this to be a privilege and God’s blessing upon us. He works through us and guides us in every aspect of every patient’s care.
 |
| Dr. Lee and Moses Kollie |
CHILD ADVOCATES
Brown Hand Center and The Dr. Michael G. Brown Helping Hands Foundation were pleased to support Child Advocates in their 16th annual PULL FOR KIDS CLASSIC- RHYTHM OF THE NIGHT. The day’s event honoring Arthur Gochman and Academy Sports and Outdoors was held at the American Shooting Center sporting clays range. Michael G. Brown, M.D., Mr. Manny Guyot, Dr. Randolph Lopez, Dr. Mark Khoursandi, and Mr. Roland Saucedo joined over a group of over 300 sporting clays participants. That evening over 700 guests enjoyed a night of mambo and salsa amidst live and silent auctions benefiting Child Advocates. Mr. Gochman presented an award for his long time support of the event and Child Advocates. He gave a poignant and inspirational acceptance speech emphasizing that “anyone” can do well in The United States of America, especially with a little help when needed. A mother and daughter who experienced firsthand the kindness of Child Advocates thanked the audience for their support then encouraged the guests to fill out a child sponsor card for the coming year. Hands holding child sponsor cards went up throughout the Reliant Arena as attendees donated to the children and families in need. The event was under the leadership of Cherie and Alan Hassenflu with the support of returning chairs Jeff Birmingham, Sarah Wilbanks, Rachel Owens, Nolan Lehmann, and Sheryl and Joel Androphy.
Child Advocates, Inc. provides needed care to some of the most severely abused children and has helped more than 14,000 children. Some of the children are in truly heartbreaking situations and in great need of help from the kindness of others. As Child Advocates point out, their service depends on the benevolence of others so to support this extremely worthwhile cause go to www.childadvocates.org.
 |
Left to right: Dr. Mark Khoursandi, Dr. Michael G. Brown, Founder (retired), Chairman and CEO,
Dr. Randolph Lopez, Mr. Manny Guyot, Senior Vice-President, and Roland Saucedo |
 |
Dr. and Mrs. Michael G. Brown, Founder (retired), Chairman and CEO
Dress for the nights theme…Havana…RHYTHM OF THE NIGHT
in support of Child Advocates |
AWTY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL GALA
The magnificent Corinthian in downtown Houston was this year’s venue for the Awty International School’s annual gala and fundraiser. Dr. and Mrs. Michael G. Brown as well as Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Dang have children who attend Awty. They, accompanied by Dr. and Mrs. Randolph Lopez and Senior Vice-President Manny Guyot and Sandy Williamson lent their fervent support to this cause which is so dear to their hearts. Auction items included trips to Monaco, Puerto Vallarta and other destinations as bids sored raising funds for this prestigious school whose students hale from around the globe. The Awty school is regarded as among Houston’s finest and graduates, who typically are accepted to the nations finest universities, have gone on to become influential leaders in society.
 |
The spectacular Corinthian…one of Houston’s grandest venues |
 |
Dr. and Mrs. Michael G. Brown, Founder (retired), Chairman and CEO were among the supporters and proud parents at the Awty International School’s annual Gala at the Corinthian |
AIDS FOUNDATION HOUSTON, INC.
The Michael G. Brown M. D. Helping Hands Foundation made a donation to AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. on Wednesday, March 12. The foundation assists more than 100,000 Houstonians each year with services such as housing, food, medical care, education, counseling, pediatric programs, and job training. Dr. and Mrs. Brown presented a check to Kelly McCann, Chief Executive Officer of AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. at The Brown Hand Center on Dacoma Street in Northwest Houston.
AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. is a nonprofit organization serving nearly 6,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS in greater Houston. “It is our pleasure to support an organization that helps Houstonians living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. The AIDS Foundation is a vital force in increasing awareness of the condition throughout the Houston area,” says Hand Center founder, Dr. Michael G. Brown.
Since 1982, AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. has taken the lead in HIV/STD prevention efforts. Its special initiatives target groups such as the gay / lesbian / bisexual / transgender communities, adolescents and incarcerated and recently-released offenders. For more information on AFH, please visit www.AIDShelp.org.
 |
Check presentation from Dr. and Mrs. Michael G. Brown, Founder (retired), Chairman and CEO to Kelly McCann, Chief Executive Officer of AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. |
AMSCHWAND SARCOMA FOUNDATION
Tom Amschwand founded the Amschwand Sarcoma Foundation after the loss of his mother Kathryn with the goal of educating the public about sarcoma, supporting those with the disease, and encouraging research. The ASCF has enjoyed many fundraisers since its inception in 2001 however this event was the first annual Catwalk for a Cure in Houston on September 28, 2007. Celebrity models walked the catwalk at the Corinthian in downtown Houston. A silent and live auction raised funds for the ASCF.
Rachel and Michael G. Brown, M.D. (Founder, Brown Hand Center; Chairman and CEO Surgeon’s Management, Inc., Brown Hand Center) were joined by Senior Vice President Mr. Manny Guyot and Ms. Sandy Williamson in support of this worthwhile cause. For more information on the ASCF or to contribute, go to http://www.sarcomacancer.org.
BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE HUFFINGTON CENTER ON AGING
Established by Ambassador Roy M. and Phyllis Gough Huffington in 1988, the HCOA is considered one of the premier centers in the world and continues to support research on aging and longevity. Ambassador Roy Huffington, an example of health and fitness at 90 years of age, was on stage at the Women’s Health Summit held at River Oaks Country Club on October 24, 2007. He presented the Anne Morrow Lindbergh Award for Living with Grace and Distinction to the late Estee Lauder for her exemplary life of pioneering achievement in business. Her granddaughter Aerin Lauder, now head of corporate marketing, accepted the award on Estee Lauder’s behalf. The event was co-hosted by Virginia Reisman and Jan Carson and raised $210,000. Rachel and Michael G. Brown, M.D. were pleased to support the event as corporate sponsors. Joining the Brown’s at their table were Ms. Sharon Frank, Health & Fitness Magazine, Ms. Stefani Twyford, President, Legacy Multimedia, Mr. Bob Ludwick, Publisher, the Pohly Company, Mr. Jack Miller, the Pohly Company, Mr. Manny Guyot, Senior Vice President Surgeon’s Management, Inc., Ms. Sandy Williamson, and Mr. Joel Salinas, Vice President of Operations Surgeon’s Management, Inc. and his wife Laura. The evening before the luncheon at the River Oaks Country Club, Dr. and Mrs. Brown, along with Mr. Manny Guyot and Ms. Sandy Williamson, were pleased to attend “An Evening With Aerin Lauder” at the Memorial home of hosts Gita Saberioon and Anooshea Saberioon Taghdisi. For more information on the Roy M. and Phyllis Gough Huffington Center on Aging or to contribute, go to http://www.HCOA.org.
FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER HOUSTON
Established in 1904, this worthy organization touched the lives of more than 59,000 individuals and families alone in 2007 through its counseling, education, and support services. The organization’s first President, Mrs. E.N. Gray set an ambitious mandate of helping others help themselves, helping children in need, helping workers find employment, and preventing street begging and vagrancy. Mrs. Gray wanted better hospitals in Houston. She enlisted the assistance of Mr. George Hermann for donations for what would become Hermann Hospital. On November 9, 2007, the 10th anniversary celebration of Festari for Men’s “Una Notte in Italia” was held at the Hilton Post Oak where celebrity male models took the catwalk in a fashion presentation from Festari. The 2007 event, hosted annually by Rudy and Debbie Festari, raised over $300,000. Rachel and Michael G. Brown, M.D. supported this event and were joined at their table by Tabatha and Randy Lopez, M.D., Mr. Manny Guyot and Ms. Sandy Williamson, Ms.Wendy Reeves (Houston Health & Fitness Magazine) and Scott Tichavsky, Ms. Laura Pennino, social columnist, and Ms. Jaime Roark. For more information or to contribute to Family Services of Houston, go to www.familyservices.org.
TOYS FOR TOTS
The U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys in October, November, and December each year and distributes them as Christmas gifts to needy children as a gift of hope, intended to encourage them to grow to become responsible and productive citizens and leaders of society.
The entire staff of Surgeon’s Management, Inc., The Brown Hand Center, and related companies are proud to participate in this annual drive.
Surrounded by their children at the annual company Christmas party for Surgeon’s Management, Inc. and related companies, on December 14, 2007 Michael G. Brown, M.D., founder of The Brown Hand Center, and his wife Rachel presented a $25,000 check to Captain John Campbell and Sergeant Larry Gauthier of the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Captain Campbell explained that with this help the Toys for Tots outreach in Houston doubled its goal and was able to reach 20,000 children instead of the anticipated 10,000 children. When the Toys for Tots representative asked “What is Santa Claus bringing you for Christmas,” the little boy from Aldine’s Kenneth D. Black Elementary School answered “Santa doesn’t come to my house.” On Wednesday, December 19, 2007, Captain John Campbell distributed toys to all 600 children grades kindergarten through 4th grade explaining that this was made possible by the donation from Dr. Brown and the employees of The Brown Hand Center and related companies.
Dr. Brown was awarded the United States Marine Corps Commander’s Award for his philanthropic work with the Toys for Tots organization in 2007.
A note from Michael G. Brown, M.D.:
I thank God for the blessing of being able to give to others.
I thank all of the employees of SMI, Inc. and related companies for their participation in the Toys for Tots toy drive. These toys let children know people care. They get hope and inspiration that not only brings joy to difficult lives but also encourages them to strive for a place in life where they can help others.
I sincerely encourage all medical professionals and business owners to participate in the Toys for Tots program. Like so many, I once thought such a high profile organization must have plenty of help. I was shocked to learn that the modest donation from our organization doubled the number of children Toys for Tots was able to reach in Houston. I had the honor of talking to this group of fourth graders and telling them to never give up no matter how difficult or unfair life is, to follow their conscience that always tells them wrong from right, and that they could achieve anything they set their mind to with hard work and God’s blessing. I expressed to them that they were important, that they mattered and that people care. Please support Toys for Tots and thank you to Captain John Campbell and Sergeant Larry Gauthier for their tireless work for this worthy cause.
Michael G. Brown, M.D.
December 31, 2007
Click here for photos >
STAR OF HOPE MISSION
Established in 1907 the Star of Hope Mission, a Christ centered organization, has helped the homeless. Each day over 900 men, women, and children are helped with the necessities of food, clothing, and shelter as well as structured recovery programs. The Emergency Shelters and Transitional Living Centers touches the lives of more than 7000 homeless people are touched each year including over1600 children. In 1906 Reverend Pevoto and Evangelist Mordecai Ham formed the first shelter for homeless men in Houston. The Star of Hope Mission was born on July 1, 1907 and today is one of the biggest shelters in Houston. Richard Dowling was appointed as the first director. The Mission was originally in a two-story building on Franklin Street then relocated to Congress Street and later to La Branch where the ministry continued from 1955 to 2000. The Women and Family Emergency Shelter is on Dowling, The Transitional Living Center is located on Ardmore. The Doris and Carloss Morris Men’s Development Center opened in 2000, and the June Waggoner House of Hope Day Care Center opened in 2004 at the Dowling street location. The Star of Hope Mission is truly one God’s greatest answers to Houstonian’s prayers to help and spiritually uplift those in need. The Mission will continue to feed, cloth, and house those who would simply go without for many years to come.
The entire staff of Surgeon’s Management, Inc., The Brown Hand Center, and related companies extend a helping hand each holiday season collectively through food donations and personally through monetary donations. The Brown children have visited the Mission and gained a unique life perspective, appreciation and respect for others, that would have been difficult to instill by merely spoken words. They have donated toys this Holiday season to give to those at the Star of Hope. We strongly encourage others to contribute. For more information or to contribute, go to http://www.sohmission.org.
On Monday, December 17, 2007 Rachel and Dr. Michael G. Brown (Founder, The Brown Hand Center), along with their children Raquel and Max, delivered two tons of food to the Star of Hope along with a $25,000 check presented to Marilyn Fountain, Manager, Community Relations, and Mr. Scott Arthur, Director of Public Relations. Santa joined them as they made the delivery to Star of Hope’s Ardmore Street location.
Click here for photos >
.jpg)
