Senior Chaplain, Houston Methodist
For more than two decades, Brian Gowan has served as a compassionate presence at Houston Methodist—first for 11 years, then returning a decade ago in what he calls his “second calling” to the hospital. Today, as Senior Chaplain, he focuses primarily on heart failure and transplant patients, walking alongside them pre- and post-surgery, while also serving in women’s health and labor and delivery.
A Calling to Serve – and Innovate
Brian first connected with Dr. Amy Waterman and the PE Lab during one of the most challenging times in modern health care: the COVID-19 pandemic. While conducting “COVID rounds” to support ICU staff, he began gathering video messages from grateful patients to share with care teams as a boost to morale. These heartfelt digital stories caught the attention of a colleague, who introduced him to Dr. Waterman and her work in digital storytelling. The two quickly discovered a shared passion for using stories to inspire, educate, and strengthen connections between patients, staff, and the broader community.
Aligning Passions with the PE Lab Mission
For Brian, the PE Lab’s mission to amplify patient voices and improve care aligns perfectly with his own work. He believes in “reinforcing momentum and quality care through alignment”—finding like-minded partners, breaking down silos, and focusing on the patient as the central goal.
Through his collaboration with the Mayra Almendarez, Project Manager of the PE Lab, Brian has been instrumental in expanding digital storytelling and developing a peer mentoring program for transplant patients. These initiatives not only inspire hope but also create a pathway for past patients to give back as mentors, storytellers, or members of the Grateful Heart Singers—a musical group of transplant recipients who perform on hospital units to thank staff.
Looking Ahead as the PE Lab Becomes a Center
As the PE Lab transitions into a formal center, Brian envisions even greater partnership. Drawing from his years of building citywide networks among nonprofits and congregations, he sees the future as one where people with shared “DNA” come together, check egos at the door, and focus on the patient’s well-being and outcomes.
What He Values Most
For Brian, collaboration and friendship are the heart of his work. “If it ain’t fun, I ain’t doing it,” he says with a smile, emphasizing that joy and connection make the work sustainable.
Beyond the Chaplain’s Office
Outside of work, Brian enjoys meaningful history documentaries, cheering for the Houston Astros, and playing basketball. A lifelong musician, he has written more than 125 songs—about 25 of them health care–related—and often incorporates music into his ministry. One of his most cherished creations is setting the 11th-century Prayer of Maimonides to music.
Hopes for the Future Impact of the PE Lab
Brian believes the initiatives being built within the PE Lab have the potential to expand nationally and globally, touching lives far beyond Houston Methodist. “There are great people at the table with great ideas,” he says. “When you combine passion with purpose, the reach can be limitless.”
Advice for Newcomers
His counsel for anyone considering involvement with the PE Lab is simple: identify your greatest gifts—and then run with them. “I like to hire and work with people like Forrest Gump,” Brian laughs. “If you’re passionate and gifted, I’ll just say: run, Forrest, run. Don’t micromanage yourself—lean into your strengths and make an impact.”
From leading heartfelt storytelling projects to creating musical thank-you rounds, Brian Gowan’s work is a testament to how compassion, creativity, and community can transform patient care.