After graduating APHS in 1958, Bruce graduated from Yale University in 1962 (Magna Cum Laude), Harvard Medical School in 1966, did his Surgical Residency at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital 1966-1972, and Vascular Surgery Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital 1972-1973. He was Captain in the US Army Reserve from 1972-1975.

After the fellowship, Bruce joined a prestigious group of surgeons and remained with them for thirty years. They led an active academic life despite their private practice model, teaching students, residents and fellows, carrying out research projects, and maintaining a busy daily clinical practice. Dr. Brener became an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, as well as a Clinical Professor of Surgery at UMDNJ Medical School. During that period, he became Director of Vascular Surgery; President of the medical staff at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center; President of a local, a regional, and national vascular society; a member of the Vascular Surgery Board; and a Governor of the American College of Surgeons. He was named as one of "the best doctors in New York" by New York Magazine and one of "the best doctors in New Jersey" by New Jersey Monthly.

Ten years ago, he started his own group and took on some administrative and programmatic duties with Barnabas Health, a large health care system, and would like to keep doing this for the foreseeable future.

He considers providing medical care for indigent patients one of his responsibilities and privileges.

Bruce has received several honors and awards from his peers, but he does not emphasize them. He has been published in medical journals and peer reviews hundreds of times.

He met his wife, Ellen Hoch (APHS Class of 1958) when they were in grammar school, and kept their relationship going through high school and college., despite a three-thousand mile separation. Bruce says their marriage, right after college graduation 5 years ago, has provided strength and purpose, memorable events, three great kids, Robert, Deborah, and Richard, and their partners, three fabulous grandchildren, Hayley, Daniel, and Eli... and none of his professional accomplishments come close.

Quotation: What we really want, in our hearts, is to be less selfish, more aware of what''s actually happening in the present moment, more open and more loving" - from a convocation speech by George Saunders at Syracuse University for the class of 2013.