Exhibit 23

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We consent to the  inclusion  of our report  dated  August 9, 1996 with
respect to the Statement of Revenue and Certain Expenses of Lewis-Gale  Building
Corporation  included in the Current  Report on Form 8-K/A of Healthcare  Realty
Trust  Incorporated  dated  January  10,  1997,  filed with the  Securities  and
Exchange  Commission,  and its  incorporation by reference into the Registration
Statement  on  Form  S-3  (File  No.   33-97888)  of  Healthcare   Realty  Trust
Incorporated, also filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                   /s/  BROWN, EDWARDS & COMPANY, L.L.P.
                                        CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Roanoke, Virginia
January 10, 1997

                                      Ex.1