Global Care

Travel to one of a dozen countries around the world, and there’s an excellent chance you’ll find Elizabeth Sullivan Brown’s influence in its health care system. The director of clinical services at Partners Harvard Medical International, a nonprofit subsidiary of Partners HealthCare, Brown has overseen health care operations in far-flung countries such as India, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe, and Ecuador. 

A nurse with a business perspective (Brown has both an MBA and an MS in nursing), she focuses her international work in several areas, among them advancing nursing care in hospitals, developing quality-improvement systems to ensure patient safety, and enhancing operations through education and training.

Through her work, she has found fulfillment in improving health care globally and, in the process, has experienced new cultures.

“As I build great long-term relationships with people in many different countries, I appreciate the transfer of knowledge that goes both ways,” says Brown. “I definitely have more insights into life and health care now than I did earlier in my career.”

Below, Brown shares more of her thoughts and life lessons:

What is the most satisfying moment in your professional life?

When a patient came back to the ICU to find me the day he was going home. He wanted to thank me—he told me the last thing he heard during his cardiac arrest was my voice telling him not to be afraid and to hang on.

In your personal life?

Running the Boston Marathon as a Dana-Farber team member and hearing a pediatric patient yell, “You can do it, Betsy!” as I neared the finish line. 

What is your best BC memory?

Winter break 1984–85. Most of my senior class relocated to Dallas for the Cotton Bowl festivities during the height of the Doug Flutie years.

What is your next goal?

Contemplating a Ph.D.—yikes!

What is one thing everyone should do while at BC?
Volunteer.

How have you changed since graduation?
I have many more stamps in my passport.

Why did you decide to attend BC?

Its outstanding nursing program, extensive student life, Jesuit commitment to service, and amazing campus. 

What is the secret to success?

Still looking! But having great mentors, finding a good work-life balance, and not taking yourself too seriously is a start.

Where is your favorite spot on the Heights?

The Quad.

What would you do if you were BC president for a day?

Host a symposium on global health.

What was your first job?
Registered nurse on a surgical unit in the West Roxbury Veterans Administration Medical Center.

Where did you live freshman year?

2025 Commonwealth Avenue. I had three years of housing, and that was my year off campus.

How do you relax?
I walk on the beach, exercise, cook, garden, meditate, and spend time with family and friends. 

What was your favorite BC class?
History of Film.

What do you look forward to each day?
Learning something new.

What was your favorite BC activity?
An Appalachia Volunteers trip to Kentucky.

What is something your friends don’t know about you?
They probably know everything already. 

How much can you sing of the BC fight song?
Very little on my own, but much more in a group!

What was the best meal at the BC dining hall?
Hot apple crisp with vanilla ice cream in the Golden Lantern restaurant. But sadly, the Golden Lantern is no more!