At 41 years old with a doctorate degree and an established career as a chemical engineer, Blaine Brown,‘02 M.D., Ph.D., pursued medical school despite the challenges of parenthood and family duty. With the unwavering support of his wife, Karen Brown, who has a master’s degree in social work, Blaine moved his family to Reno to attend the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) — all while raising six children. 

“I was just so humbled to be admitted to medical school at my age,” Blaine said. “I was thrilled. I am very grateful to the admissions committee.”  

For the Browns, medical school was not only an academic journey but a full family commitment. While Blaine spent long hours in lectures, study groups and clinical rotations, Karen managed the day-to-day responsibilities of parenting. With the support of additional scholarships from UNR Med, the Browns succeeded in raising a family while allowing Blaine the opportunity to pursue a career in medicine.  

“We learned to be very innovative,” Karen said. “We learned to be industrious and very creative with our time and our money.” 

Despite the challenges, the experience shaped the entire family. Their children took on responsibilities, developed strong work ethics and found opportunities in their new community. The Browns also built lasting friendships with classmates and other medical school families, creating a support system that helped them navigate a demanding period in their life. 

Looking back as a retired physician, Blaine credits his devoted wife and the support he received from UNR Med for making his career as an anesthesiologist possible. 

“I had never encountered a group of people so smart and so kind all at once,” he said. “The support from my classmates and the medical school made a tremendous difference.” 

It is that memory of being supported as a student parent that inspired the couple to establish the Blaine and Karen Brown Scholarship for Parents in Medicine. The scholarship is designed to ease the financial pressure for medical students who are raising children.  

Karen added that the financial responsibility is only one part of the challenge. “Medical school is already demanding,” she said. “When you add parenting to that, there’s a constant balance between being present for your family and meeting the expectations of your training. Any support that reduces that stress helps the entire family.” 

Throughout his education, Blaine received alumni-funded scholarships that helped his family cover essential costs. He never forgot their impact. 

“We were so grateful for those gifts,” he said. “This is our way of paying that forward to students who are in the same position we were in.” 

For the Browns, the scholarship is also deeply personal. It reflects their commitment to family, their belief in education and their gratitude for the opportunities they found at UNR Med. 

“We know what these students are going through,” Blaine said. “If we can make their path a little easier, that means everything to us.” 

Today, the couple looks back on their time in Reno as one of the most meaningful chapters of their lives. “It was hard,” Karen said. “But it was also a great and glorious experience for our whole family.” 

Through their generosity, the Browns hope current and future students know that they do not have to navigate the journey alone and will feel the same sense of support that once carried them through medical school.