By Fallon Bourgeois

The late Robert Forsythe (MD’53) entered the world of psychiatric medicine at a time of fundamental changes – the years proceeding World War II. And it was undoubtedly his own first-hand experiences as a war pilot that influenced his decision to pursue medicine at Dalhousie in 1948.

Like many who served in the war, Dr. Forsythe observed radical changes in the personality and character in his comrades.

“Bob always had an interest in people, but what he experienced during the war only heightened his curiosity and made him want to help others,” says Dorothy Forsythe of her late husband.

While Forsythe was training to be a physician, the health-care system was feeling the post-effects of war with a sharp spike in the numbers of patients in institutional care. Understaffing, overcrowding and the lack of effective treatments often led to restrictive care, relying on methods involving seclusion, as well as chemical and physical restraints.

As his education and experience evolved, Dr. Forsythe recognized that medical science was on the cusp of developing effective treatments for psychiatric illness.

“When Bob began his career in the late 1950s, mental health was vastly different,” recalls Dorothy. “In fact, he was the first psychiatrist to use anti-psychotics in PEI. It was the first time the staff had seen real changes, and the patients benefited too. The health and welfare of his patients always came first.”

Over the course of his 50-year career, Dr. Forsythe continued to influence and impact the field in many ways, including as Director of Mental Health in PEI and as Chief Medical Adviser, Psychiatry and Neurology for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

And making a difference in the lives of his patients always remained his top priority.

“Bob was modest about his accomplishments, but he took great pride in realizing some of the ambitions that first set him on the path to psychiatry,” says Dorothy. “He had a very rewarding career and was grateful that he was able to have a positive impact on many people in the field – patients and colleagues alike.”

And thanks to the Forsythes’ generosity, his legacy and passion for helping others will live on through the Dr. Robert and Mrs. Dorothy Forsythe Prize, which recognizes a graduating student in the Faculty of Medicine with an aptitude and interest in psychiatry.

“Creating this award was a way to give back to Bob’s alma mater, which has always held a special place in our family,” says Dorothy. “We also saw it as a terrific opportunity to support students who could make great contributions to the field someday.”

While Dr. Forsythe passed away just months before the first prize was awarded last May, Dorothy says they were both extremely proud to support a student and recognize their hard work and dedication to psychiatry.

For Andrew Dutcher (MD’15), the first recipient of the prize, it was an honour to receive the award from someone he sees as an innovator.

“Dr. Forsythe’s career was very inspiring,” says Dr. Dutcher who is doing a psychiatry residency in Calgary. “The Forsythes’ support meant a great deal to me during my fourth year of medicine and will continue to inspire me throughout my career in psychiatry.”