From 1970 to 1974 he taught at Stanford University and was chair of Stanford's Medical School Faculty Senate and director of the General Research Center.[4][5]
In 1974, Brodie moved to Duke University to chair the department of psychiatry, with the encouragement of Ewald "Bud" Busse, who was leaving the chairmanship to become dean of the School of Medicine. He was later named James B. Duke Professor of Psychiatry and Law. in 1982, he became chancellor and in 1985 president of Duke University serving until 1993.[4][5] As president Brodie helped to expand applications to graduate and undergraduate programs and increase Duke's national reputation as a research university. He also led efforts to increase racial/ethnic diversity among the faculty through the "Black Faculty Initiative", a program that would be echoed by his successor, Nan Keohane, through the creation of the Women's Initiative.[2]
After his term as president, Brodie continued teaching and clinical work.
While serving as university president, Brodie opted to live at his own private residence rather than in the president's official residence, the J. Deryl Hart House, or the guest residence, Kirby House.[7]
