The medical community is mourning the profound loss of Dr. Brad Warner, a beloved professor of surgery at Washington University School of Medicine and a highly respected pediatric surgeon at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Dr. Warner passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy defined by excellence in medicine, deep compassion for patients, and unwavering dedication to the advancement of pediatric surgery.
As a renowned physician, educator, and researcher, Dr. Warner’s impact extended far beyond the operating room. Over the course of his distinguished career, he earned a national reputation as one of the foremost experts in pediatric surgery and intestinal failure. His leadership at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine helped shape not only the institutions themselves but also generations of medical students, residents, and fellows.
Dr. Warner served as the Chief Surgeon-in-Chief at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and was the Robert and Robert B. Green Professor of Pediatric Surgery at Washington University. In these roles, he demonstrated both exceptional clinical skill and a deep commitment to training future physicians. Colleagues remember him not only as an expert in his field, but as a mentor who led with humility, wisdom, and grace.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Warner was instrumental in advancing surgical care for children with complex gastrointestinal conditions, including short bowel syndrome and other life-threatening digestive disorders. His groundbreaking research on intestinal adaptation and nutrition significantly improved outcomes for pediatric patients across the country and around the world.
In a statement, Washington University School of Medicine expressed their grief over the loss:
“Dr. Warner’s passing is an immeasurable loss to our community. He was a brilliant surgeon, a gifted teacher, and a kind and thoughtful colleague. His work has saved and shaped countless young lives, and his legacy will live on through the many people he trained and inspired.”
At St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where Dr. Warner spent decades caring for the region’s most vulnerable patients, hospital leadership offered heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the countless families whose lives he touched.
“Brad Warner was a cornerstone of our hospital,” the hospital’s statement read. “His compassionate care and unwavering dedication to children and their families were hallmarks of his extraordinary career. He was a source of strength for our staff and a beacon of hope for the families we serve.”
Dr. Warner’s commitment to pediatric health extended beyond the clinic and research lab. He was a passionate advocate for patient-centered care, equity in healthcare access, and mentorship in medicine. His colleagues frequently described him as approachable, deeply empathetic, and always ready to offer guidance, whether in a high-stakes surgical decision or a personal moment of support.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Warner will be remembered for his warmth, integrity, and the quiet strength he brought to every endeavor. His passing leaves a void that will be felt throughout the medical and academic communities for years to come.
Dr. Brad Warner is survived by his loving family, including his wife and children, as well as a wide network of friends, students, and colleagues who cherished and admired him.
Memorial service details will be shared by Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Dr. Warner’s memory to support pediatric surgical research and training programs — causes he championed throughout his life.
As the community comes to terms with this tremendous loss, one thing remains certain: Dr. Brad Warner’s life was a gift to medicine, to children, and to all who had the honor of knowing him.