Local OB-GYN shifts focus to social work

Age should not stop anyone from improving themselves and reaching for their dreams. Local obstetrician-gynecologist, Dr. Cynthia Brown, has spent the past five years reinventing her career.

Brown decided at the age of 58, she wanted to become a social worker and is happy to start the new year having accomplished her goal and having a job as a social worker.

“I really decided when my son, Rex, was diagnosed with autism to devote more time with him,” said the 63-year-old Poplar Bluff woman.

Dr. Cynthia Brown

Leaving private practice, Brown’s career took her to public health care at the Butler County Health Center.

Brown admits she did not think about social work as a career when she was earning her medical degree.

“Social workers have been such a blessing to my family,” which Brown explained prompted her to pursue degrees in social work.

While caring for her mother, raising her son and working at the health center, Brown earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Hannibal-LaGrange University’s advanced program at its Poplar Bluff location at Three Rivers College in two years.

She spent three years earning her master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri.

The health department allowed her to work part time and adjust her schedule to care for her mom while she was on hospice.

Brown recalls “my mom remained active until at least in her 80s.”

“I know there is a God. He gave me strength” to accomplish everything, she said.

During her training, she spent time with the Butler and Ripley County Children’s Division and “working with the dedicated staff at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center,” she said.

Brown praised everyone who has helped her along the way, including Dr. Sondra Jackson; Rebecca Hartwell, LCSW; and Kerri Morrow.

“I have been blessed with people rooting for me,” she said. “You need other people to help you. Little Rex, he has his goals. His dad, Rex (Rattler) Sr., qualified to be his personal aid and is teaching him pre-job skills.”

Although she has completed her master’s in social work, Brown still is studying.

She is taking a 12-week cognitive behavior class through Boston University. She also took Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) training, including CASA training online earlier this month.

Brown shares she applied for a variety of places and interviewed at some of them; she is thankful and blessed to work at Missouri Highland Health Care in Poplar Bluff.

“I didn’t give up, and I kept trying,” she said.

She is thankful “Dr. Poppy Daniels put in a good word for me to be here at Missouri Highlands.”

Brown is pleased to work with Dr. Richard Hester; Marsha Shivley, family nurse practitioner; Dr. Amber Richardson, a clinical psychologist; Dr. Valerie Ann Miller, who specializes in psychiatry; and Jamie Murray, nurse practitioner.

While being thankful for her new career, Brown advises others to “not let age stop them from improving themselves and reaching for their dreams.

“I didn’t give up, and I kept trying. Do not let age stop your dreams and goals. Someone out there will appreciate your skills.”

Brown said she has no desire to retire.

“I can help others while I am helping myself and Rex Jr.,” she said. “You have to be realistic.”

Dr. Cynthia Brown and her son, Rex Rattler Jr.Photo provided