Brad Warner, MD, a cherished pediatric surgeon and investigator who focused on gastrointestinal surgery for children, passed away at his residence on Friday, April 4, 2025. Warner held the Jessie L. Ternberg, MD, PhD, Distinguished Professorship in Pediatric Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and served as the head of the Division of Pediatric Surgery at WashU Medicine as well as the chief pediatric surgeon at St. Louis Children’s Hospital from 2007 until 2023.
Warner was an exceptionally skillful surgeon with significant proficiency in pediatric oncology surgery and treatments for inflammatory bowel conditions. Over an extensive and reputable career, first in Cincinnati and later in St. Louis, he mentored numerous students and residents, who attribute Warner’s warmth and compassion as instrumental in advancing their professional paths.
“Dr. Warner was an extraordinary surgeon and a diligent researcher, an outstanding educator and a passionate mentor,” remarked John A. Olson Jr., MD, PhD, the William K. Bixby Endowed Professor and leader of the Department of Surgery. “However, the most noteworthy were his kindness, generosity and compassion. If you were fortunate enough to meet him, you experienced Brad’s contagious laughter, steadfast smile, and calm demeanor.”
Raised in St. Louis, Warner recognized his aspiration to become a physician from a young age, inspired by his mother’s stories from her career as a nurse. During his teenage years, he volunteered in the emergency department of what was then known as Jewish Hospital, located on the Washington University Medical Campus, where surgeons from WashU Medicine permitted him to observe operations in the surgical room.
Warner obtained his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, before proceeding to a residency in surgery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and a fellowship in pediatric surgery at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He spent 25 years in that city, ultimately becoming an attending surgeon in the Division of Pediatric Surgery, program director for the pediatric surgery residency and director of surgical research at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Additionally, he served as professor of surgery and pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
In 2007, the chance to take on a leadership position in pediatric surgery at WashU Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital brought Warner back to St. Louis. He contributed significant enthusiasm to the department, attracting new surgeons and establishing innovative surgical programs to meet the needs of patients both locally and beyond. Throughout his career, he impacted the lives of countless patients, families, students, residents, and colleagues, ensuring that they all felt appreciated and recognized.
Warner’s own scholarly work was deeply influenced by a patient he met early in his career: a 4-year-old with short bowel syndrome, a condition that involves shortened intestines, complicating nutrient absorption. Due to the boy’s ailment, he was unable to digest food traditionally and relied on a backpack equipped with a battery-operated feeding pump to deliver nutrients intravenously. Warner was profoundly affected by the boy’s strength and tenacity, dedicating his research to enhancing outcomes for those with short bowel syndrome, particularly focusing on how the intestine develops and recuperates after surgical removal of parts of the organ.
Additionally, Warner was passionately dedicated to educating the upcoming generation of pediatric surgeons. He established a premier pediatric surgery training program at WashU Medicine, which quickly became a top choice for rotations and residencies among medical students. A well-regarded mentor, he was honored last year with a Distinguished Service Teaching Award, awarded by WashU Medicine medical students to recognize faculty members’ commitment, patience, and expertise in guiding budding physicians.
Brad Warner is survived by his spouse, fellow physician and research partner, Barbara Warner, MD, who serves as the director of the Division of Newborn Medicine, the F. Sessions Cole, MD, Chair in Newborn Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics, and holds a professorship in pediatrics at WashU Medicine; their two daughters, Lauren and Emily; a grandchild; and extended family. A celebration of life event on the Medical Campus is scheduled for a future date.
For more information, visit the Bopp Chapel website.
Initially published on the WashU Medicine website
The article Brad Warner, professor of pediatric surgery, 66 was originally featured on The Source.