Kelvin Brown, MD, MPH
Entrepreneur, Surgeon, Bariatric Specialist, Passionate Runner and Author
My Philosophy & Purpose
As a medical professional I take a holistic approach to understanding each client and their unique presenting concerns. I appreciate that our mind, body, spirit, genetics, environment, emotions, and relationships are all intertwined and intimately affected by one another. I try to focus on each client's strengths and talents in addition to their struggles and areas for growth.
I have a flexible and dynamic style that draws from several major theoretical approaches to overall health. At a basic level, I believe that there is inherent value in increasing self-understanding and self-acceptance. As clients come to a deeper appreciation for how their personal, community, or institutional history can affect their current existence, motivations, and relationships, they often feel more grounded and better able to make well-informed decisions about how to move forward in a healthier and more sustainable way.
My purpose is simple: to improve health while maintaining integrity and doing no harm. I look to do this one person or communitity at a time each and every day. While I desire to impact all people, I do have a unique sensitivity for children, the underserved, veterans, and the elderly.
As an entrepreneur, my focus is always on the individual. No matter what I am associated with, the end result must improve the lives of as many people as possible. My latest effort is give back to the world via Syncosystem, Inc. which I believe will positively disrupt both the health care and public health industries. When successful, it will improve the decisions, intelligence and lives of all people at the global level.
My Story
What does a child who experienced the heart-wrenching loss of his mother to suicide at just 8 years old, a teenager who became the first in his family to attend and graduate from college, a pioneering Black student who finished in the top 10% of his medical school class, a general surgeon who chose to prevent diseases rather than treat them with a scalpel, a 42-year-old who survived a heart attack, a devoted father of three, a loving grandfather of two, a man who reclaimed his life and health by shedding over 90 pounds, and a passionate marathoner have in common? The answer is Dr. Kelvin Brown.
Dr. Brown's life story is one of incredible resilience, relentless determination, and unwavering commitment to health and wellness. Now a 55-year-old Black male surgeon, entrepreneur, author, and family man, he embodies the principles he has passionately advocated to his patients across the United States for over 16 years. Yet, his journey has been anything but smooth.
Thirteen years ago, Dr. Brown faced a life-altering heart attack. Despite being sent home from the ER, he insisted on immediate care, resulting in the placement of multiple heart stents and the start of lifelong medication. This event marked a dramatic shift in his life—physically weakened, restricted by medical advice, and mentally burdened, he found himself at a crossroads.
His weight surged to 293 pounds, and he battled anxiety, depression, and claustrophobia. But amidst these struggles, his fiancée became his anchor, inspiring him with her own marathon achievements. In 2016, she began running, achieving the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star finish in the Boston Marathon, a journey Dr. Brown supported and admired.
Three pivotal events during the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed Dr. Brown's transformation. Firstly, the pandemic allowed him to write his first book, emphasizing the importance of finding one's "Why." Reflecting on his own motivations, he recognized the urgent need to improve his health, both for himself and his family. Secondly, witnessing the diverse and determined runners at the 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon inspired him profoundly. Finally, his daughter's wedding provided the impetus to lose weight and reclaim his health.
Dr. Brown began walking, then jogging, encouraged by his fiancée and motivated by his desire to lead by example. By 2022, his healthy lifestyle was consistent. He supported his fiancée in marathons, witnessed record-breaking performances, and felt the powerful inspiration of the marathon community. Determined, he ran the Memphis St. Jude Marathon, honoring his parents and supporting a noble cause. This experience ignited his passion for running, leading to a series of marathon achievements.
In October 2023, Dr. Brown completed his second marathon and improved his time at the Memphis St. Jude Marathon from 6:02 to 4:48. His journey continues with a bold goal: qualifying for the Boston Marathon with a time of 3:35 or less. With marathons scheduled in Chicago and California, Dr. Brown is driven by the desire to inspire others, demonstrating that with determination, commitment, and consistency, anything is possible.
Dr. Kelvin Brown's story is not just about personal triumph; it's a testament to the transformative power of resilience, the importance of mental and physical health, and the impact one individual can have on the lives of many. His journey inspires us all to pursue our dreams, no matter the challenges, and to live a life of purpose and passion.
My Health and Running Journey
Two Intertwined Journeys: Achieving Better Health & Unlocking My Full Potential
My journey is defined by two separate but deeply connected paths:
1. Getting healthier – Overcoming the physical and mental barriers that once limited me.
2. Realizing my full potential without limits – Pushing beyond what I thought was possible.
Journey to Better Health
For years, I didn’t fully grasp the toll that stress and unhealthy habits were taking on my body. That changed when I suffered a heart attack, an event that left me both shocked and paralyzed with fear. I had no roadmap for recovery, no role models who could show me how to move forward. So, I did the best I knew how—adapting to my condition rather than overcoming it. I walked instead of running, wore larger clothes, and avoided events and activities that challenged me. I maintained my health, but I didn’t improve it.
Then, a perfect storm for change occurred:
1. A New Environment Sparked Motivation – Moving to an area with a trail brought back memories of my younger, more active self. Seeing others of all fitness levels out there inspired me to start moving again.
2. A Mental Health Crisis Forced a Shift – The stress of work, the emotional weight of George Floyd’s death, and the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic sent me into a downward spiral, triggering anxiety attacks and claustrophobic episodes.
3. Family Milestones Put Life Into Perspective – With my daughter and son getting married, I became acutely aware of my legacy and long-term health.
4. I Took Control – Hitting rock bottom mentally forced me to invest in my well-being. I made self-care non-negotiable, prioritizing fitness, reducing alcohol intake, managing stress, and ensuring I was medically assessed to pursue my goals safely.
5. Tangible Progress Kept Me Going – My weight steadily dropped from the 290s to the 230s. My endurance improved, my mental health stabilized, and I finally felt like I was truly living again.
Pushing Beyond Limits: Becoming a Marathoner
As my health improved, I began to ask myself: What else am I capable of?
A second perfect storm pushed me to explore my full potential:
1. Financial Freedom Opened New Doors – The removal of financial burdens allowed me to make choices that supported my well-being.
2. A New Medical & Business Perspective – The introduction of GLP-1 medications, both for my health and through my business, provided additional tools for success.
3. Inspired by My Wife, January – Supporting her on her journey to becoming an Abbott World Marathon Majors Six-Star Finisher introduced me to the world of serious running. I was drawn to the inspiration, motivation, sense of community, and undeniable health benefits.
My Marathon Journey
• Memphis 2022 (First Marathon): I wanted to run for my parents in my hometown. I wasn’t fully prepared and knew I hadn’t given my best effort.
• Memphis 2023 (Redemption): I returned stronger but suffered a knee injury at the Chicago Marathon 5K in October. To test my resilience, I completed the Silver Comet Marathon in late October, then ran Memphis again, this time breaking the 5-hour barrier.
• Nashville 2024: Inspired by January earning her sixth star at the Boston Marathon, I set a sub-4-hour goal for Nashville. At mile 22, I witnessed a runner suffer a cardiac arrest—an experience that reinforced the importance of smart training and listening to my body. I finished in 4:15, knowing I still had more to give.
• Birthday Marathon 2024: While planning a birthday trip, I discovered a Boston-qualifying marathon on my birthday. It felt like destiny—my ultimate test.
A Life-Changing Discovery
Before committing to the race, I underwent a cardiac evaluation. During stress testing, I injured my leg but passed the test. Still, something didn’t feel right. I insisted on further testing, which revealed a significant two-vessel blockage. In July 2024, I underwent a successful heart catheterization and stent placement. Just weeks later, I resumed training.
On September 1, 2024, I ran my birthday marathon in 3:53, officially breaking the 4-hour barrier. My original goal was 3:30, but given my health challenges that summer, finishing strong was victory enough.
The Path to the Six-Star Finish Line
Initially, I had no plans to complete all six World Marathon Majors. My only goal was to return to the Chicago Marathon for St. Jude. But then, more opportunities emerged:
• New York City Marathon
• Berlin Marathon
After securing three of the six majors, I realized I was part of something much bigger than myself.
Why This Journey Matters
This isn’t just about running. It’s about breaking limits, defying expectations, and proving that health setbacks don’t define us. I want to inspire others—especially those over 40 and 50—that transformation is possible. There is hope, and there are blueprints to follow.
Equally important, I want to emphasize the importance of training smart, listening to our bodies, and seeking medical guidance when necessary. Running is for everyone, but those of us with past health challenges must approach it with both ambition and wisdom.
What’s Next?
I am now registered to run the Boston, London, and Sydney Marathons in 2025, with Sydney taking place one day before my birthday. My original goal was to complete all seven majors within a single birthday year, but running six is still an incredible achievement. Hopefully, Tokyo will be my final major in 2026.
However, this journey isn’t without challenges.
• I injured my knee at the Chicago Marathon.
• I worsened the injury at the New York City Marathon, forcing me to walk the last six miles.
• After four months of recovery and rehab, I now have only 6–7 weeks to rebuild my fitness for Boston before turning around and preparing for London.
The road ahead is uncertain, but that’s what makes it exciting. Faith, resilience, and discipline have carried me this far—and they will carry me across every finish line ahead.
Useful info
For individuals
If you are looking to achieve or maintain better health, then please look no further. Regardless of age, gender, and current health status, Precision Health can and will help you.
For practitioners
If you are a physician or nurse practitioner looking to improve your professional satisfaction by helping others on your own terms as an entreprenuer, then get a Precision Health license or franchise today.
For institutions
Every institution, business, and consumer-serving entity must have health at the top of their priority list! Let me help you improve your health environment for both employees and customers.
For media/movies
Having a few areas of expertise, I am available for interviews and consultations in these areas: medical, trauma, health policy, epidemics, obesity, healthcare disparities, and more.
My short bio
After finishing Salutatorian of my high school class, I graduated from Christian Brothers University Magna Cum Laude with my Bachelor's Degree in 1990. I completed both my Masters in Public Health Degree and my Medical Degree in 1998. I attained my MPH with a focus in Epidemology from Emory University while finishing Summa Cum Laude. I attained my MD from UAB School of Medicine while finishing in the top 10 percent of the class with Alpha Omega Alpha destinction. After medical school, I completed five years of General Surgery training at Emory University Hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia.
I started working for my father when I was 8 years old. My father had multiple restaurants in Memphis, Tennessee, and I learned everything about hard work, sacrifice and being an entreprenuer before college. I have worked in warehouses, fitness gyms, quality control laboratories, research labs, basketball programs (asst coach), publich health departments (tuberculosis and HIV), and much more. After completing general surgery residency, I worked in a multi-specialty group as a general surgeon. I then worked for Wellstar Health Systems before going into private practice.
Over the years, I have worked as a surgeon for the following hospitals: Emory University Hospital, Grady Health Systems, Piedmont Hospital, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Redmond Regional Hospital, Floyd Medical Center, and Wellstar Health Systems. As a public health expert, I have work with UAB, Grady Hospital, and the CDC.
My standards
When doing anything in life, I have the highest standards and expectations. This is evidenced by my track record.
Testimonials
Dr. Brown and his staff are AMAZING. They really care about the total wellness of your family. I have been extremely pleased and highly recommend.
Wander Thornton