Dr. Raynorda F. Brown Passes
Raynorda F. Brown, MD, a dedicated physician, educator, beloved mentor, and leader
who left a lasting impact on the Department of Pediatrics and Manning Family Children's,
passed away on May 5, 2026. Her career was one of 33+ years of dedication to the department
and to the care of children with gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders.
After earning her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Brown completed her pediatric residency at Cleveland Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. She went on to complete fellowship training in pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition with LSUHSC and joined the faculty in 1986. Throughout her career, she cared for patients at Children's Hospital New Orleans, providing compassionate and expert care to generations of children and families. She retired after a robust career in June 2020.
Dr. Brown was deeply committed to medical education and mentorship. She received numerous honors for her service, mentorship, and commitment to advancing opportunities for minority students and physicians. She taught students, residents, and fellows. She supervised and mentored numerous pediatric gastroenterology fellows who went on to careers in academic medicine and clinical practice. Her former trainee Dr. Amanda Glinky said, "Dr. Brown showed an unmatched dedication to the gastroenterology service, often spending extended time rounding and educating her learners and families."
Her contributions extended beyond clinical care and teaching into research and leadership. Dr. Brown participated in important clinical and translational research related to pediatric obesity, Crohn’s disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and nutrition. She authored and co-authored numerous publications and presented nationally at meetings of the National Medical Association and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.
Dr. Brown will be remembered for her kindness, professionalism, dedication to her patients, and unwavering commitment to education and community service. She left an indelible mark on the department through her steadfast support of fellows, residents and patients, and her legacy lives on through the many trainees she mentored, colleagues she inspired, and children whose lives she touched throughout her distinguished career. She will be greatly missed by the LSU pediatrics family. Her impact on the lives of patients and learners leaves an enduring legacy in our region and beyond.