Michael Edward Brier, aged 65, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 27, 2024, surrounded by the family and friends who loved him most, after a courageous 15-year battle with leukemia.
Mike was born on May 10, 1959, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended St. Christopher and Cardinal Ritter High School, completing 12 years of Catholic education before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). His academic journey continued at Purdue University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacokinetics in 1986.
After a year of research in the nephrology division at Indiana University Hospital, Mike joined the University of Louisville's faculty in 1987 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine’s Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, working alongside his mentor, Dr. George Aronoff. Throughout his career, Mike became a leading researcher in drug dosing in renal failure. His work was supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Institutes of Health for over 30 years.
Mike’s groundbreaking research ranged from the use of physiological models of drug behavior to sophisticated statistical models. Notably, he pioneered the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning two decades ago. Mike led the development of an AI-based individualized dosing system for the treatment of anemia in hemodialysis patients, from conceptualization to commercialization. His work contributed to one of the largest implementations of AI in medicine, resulting in nearly 100 million dose recommendations for dialysis patients. He was also a co-author of the widely referenced book and web edition of Drug Prescribing in Renal Failure.
During his tenure at the University of Louisville, Mike chaired the Department of Medicine’s Promotion and Tenure Committee, where he was passionate about mentoring junior faculty. He found great fulfillment in helping colleagues focus on what was needed to achieve their goals and advance in their careers.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Kathryn Lennertz Brier.
He is survived by his loving wife, Vicki Parker Brier; his daughter, Emily Mattes (Josh); his stepsons, Matt Evans, and Chad Evans (Katie); and five cherished grandchildren, Murphy Mattes, Jonah Evans, Avery Evans, Riley and Emery Evans. Mike was one of six brothers and is survived by David (Liz), James (Kim), Richard (Shelli), Daniel (Jeanne), and Charles (Shannon), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
We invite you to a Celebration of Life to honor Mike’s remarkable legacy on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM in Louisville, Kentucky. The gathering will take place in the Ballroom at The Pendennis Club, located at: 218 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. Louisville, KY 40202. Please join us as we come together to remember Mike and celebrate his extraordinary contributions to medicine throughout his career.
