Samuel R. Browd
Samuel R. Browd is an American pediatric neurosurgeon, academic physician, serial entrepreneur and business executive. He is a professor of neurological surgery at the University of Washington and an attending neurosurgeon at Seattle Children's Hospital. His research includes pediatric neurosurgery, neuroengineering, surgical visualization technologies and development of technologies for brain-computer-interface (BCI).[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Browd completed a combined M.D. and Ph.D. through the Medical Scientist Training Program in 2000 at the University of Florida, focusing on neuroplasticity and learning. In 2007, he completed a seven-year neurosurgery residency at the University of Utah, followed by a pediatric neurosurgery fellowship at the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital in 2007.[2]
Academic and clinical career
[edit]Browd joined the University of Washington faculty in 2007, where he is a professor of Neurological Surgery with adjunct appointments in bioengineering and sports medicine. At Seattle Children's Hospital, he is an attending neurosurgeon and directs the Hydrocephalus and Sports Concussion Programs. He was Director of The Sports Institute at UW Medicine from 2018 to 2025, where his work included interdisciplinary research, concussion prevention and youth sports safety.[3][4] In 2025, Browd and Dr.Dan Donoho founded the Foundation for Digital Neurosurgery focused on Ai, computer vision and robotics in neurological surgery. Browd serves as the president of the organization. Browd serves as the vice-chair for AI and Innovation in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Washington.
Browd has been involved in the founding of medical technology companies focused on neurosurgical devices, surgical imaging, and digital therapeutics. He co-founded VICIS (2013–2020), a helmet-technology company that developed football helmets designed to reduce head-impact forces.[5] Products developed by the company were included in TIME magazine's annual lists of best inventions in 2017, 2019, and 2021.[6][7][8]
Browd co-founded Proprio in 2016, a medical imaging company developing surgical visualization systems.[9]
In 2022, Browd co-founded DeepWell Digital Therapeutics alongside Mike Wilson and Ryan Douglas.[10] The company develops video game-based biofeedback tools. In 2024, DeepWell received FDA 510(k) clearance for a software development kit indicated for stress reduction and as an adjunctive treatment for hypertension.[11]Browd also co-founded Neufluent in 2022, a medical device venture studio focused on neuroscience devices and technologies.
Browd is listed as an inventor on U.S. and international patents covering neurosurgical implants, drainage systems, and surgical visualization technologies.[12] Some have been licensed through the University of Washington's CoMotion innovation program.[13]
Awards
Professional activities
[edit]Browd is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics.[20] He serves on committees of the Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation (NREF).[21] He has served as an unaffiliated neurological consultant to the National Football League and as an independent neurological consultant to the Seattle Seahawks.[13]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Samuel R. Browd, MD, PhD". UW Department of Neurological Surgery. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ↑ "Dr. Samuel Browd and the Anti-Concussion Helmet". Seattle Met. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
- ↑ "The Sports Institute announces new director". UW Medicine Newsroom. December 18, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ↑ "The Sports Institute joins the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine". University of Washington. July 1, 2025. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ↑ Reed, Tashan (2024-09-13). "NFL safety: How VICIS' position-specific helmets have become all the rage". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
- ↑ Staff, TIME. "The 25 Best Inventions of 2017". TIME. Archived from the original on 2025-12-24. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
- ↑ "TIME Best Inventions 2019". November 20, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
- ↑ "TIME Best Inventions 2021". November 20, 2021. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
- ↑ Schubert, Charlotte (2023-01-25). "Seattle startup aims to change surgery using AI, computer vision and augmented reality". GeekWire. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
- ↑ Wilde, Tyler (September 9, 2024). "The company behind a 'mental health action shooter' envisions a health insurance-funded 'golden age' for gaming, and it just got FDA clearance to treat stress". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
- ↑ Hammerand, Jim (2024-09-09). "DeepWell DTx wins FDA clearance of software development kit, with first indications for stress reduction and hypertension". MassDevice. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
- ↑ "Samuel R. Browd, M.D., Ph.D., FACS, FAANS, FAAP". Google Scholar.
- 1 2 "Samuel R. Browd". UW CoMotion. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ↑ "Innovator of the Year Award". Congress of Neurological Surgeons. January 22, 2025. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ↑ "Inventor of the Year". UW Medicine Research & Graduate Education. March 28, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ↑ "The 25 Best Inventions of 2017". TIME. 2017. Archived from the original on March 27, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ↑ "The 100 Best Inventions of 2019 — VICIS ZERO1 Youth". TIME. 2019. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ↑ "VICIS Zero2 Trench: The 100 Best Inventions of 2021". TIME. November 10, 2021. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ↑ "TIME Best Inventions of 2025". TIME. October 9, 2025. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "Samuel R Browd, MD, PhD". Seattle Children's. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ↑ "Education Committee". NREF. Retrieved October 23, 2025.