Roanoke, Virginia – Roanoke City Council has officially named Dr. Robert Brown as the 2025 Citizen of the Year, recognizing his exceptional service to the community as an emergency medicine physician and his heartfelt devotion to Roanoke’s most vulnerable residents. The announcement was made during the council’s meeting yesterday, accompanied by words of deep gratitude and admiration for a man who has made it his mission to care for those most in need.
Dr. Brown, a proud graduate of the charter class of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, chose to remain in the Roanoke Valley following his medical training, dedicating his career to both urgent medical care and long-term community well-being. On the front lines of emergency rooms, he is known for providing steady and compassionate care during some of the most critical and emotional moments in people’s lives.
But Dr. Brown’s service does not stop at the hospital doors. When crisis strikes or problems arise, he is known for always asking one question: “How can I help?” That simple inquiry has led to years of tireless efforts beyond his medical practice. He regularly works alongside city officials, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations to advance public health, improve housing stability, and support educational and mentorship programs for aspiring healthcare professionals.
One of the most notable examples of his selfless commitment is his weekly volunteer work at the Bradley Free Clinic. Since 2020, he has provided primary care to uninsured and underinsured patients in Roanoke, always delivering culturally responsive and language-accessible healthcare. His approach reflects not just skill but deep empathy, integrity, and a genuine desire to lift others up.
