Derek Bown trained for the Conjoint Diploma at Guy's Hospital and became a Fellow of the College in 1930. He held posts at the Taunton and Somerset Hospital and the Royal South Hants and Southampton Hospital and was medical officer for Reckitt's Convalescent Home in Essex. He became honorary surgeon to the Bexhill Hospital and consultant surgeon to the Clacton and District Hospital. His wife, Elizabeth, had predeceased him when he died on 25 February 1986.