robertsimon md bio

7/27/2019 Robertsimon Md Bio

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B I O G R A P H Y

Robert I. Simon, MD: Of Psychiatry,

Law, and Books

Liza H. Gold, MD, and Thomas G. Gutheil, MD

J Am Acad Psychiatry Law 34:9 13, 2006

Dr. Robert I. Simon, this years President of theAmerican Academy of Psychiatry and the Law

(AAPL), is an exceptional psychiatrist, teacher, andcolleague. His contributions have earned him themost prestigious awards in the field of forensic psy-chiatry. In perhaps the ultimate acknowledgment ofhis erudition, the Supreme Court cited one of hisbooks, Clinical Psychiatry and the Law(1987), in thelandmark case of Washington v. Harper (494 U.S.210 (1990)). His humility and self-deprecating senseof humor disguise one of the most gifted and accom-plished forensic psychiatrists ever to hold the office ofPresident of our Academy.

Dr. Simons career has been devoted to using the

principles of forensic psychiatry to educate clinicians,in the interest of improving their clinical practicesand the treatment they provide to their patients. Indoing so, he has championed and advanced the eth-ical practice of psychiatry, made invaluable contribu-tions to the academic literature of forensic and clin-ical psychiatry, and established a reputation forliterary, intellectual, and academic excellence. Hisown clinical foundation is the basis of his work. He isa master of psychodynamic theory, which he uses tounderstand and elucidate both clinical and forensic

problems.Dr. Simons many accomplishments in the field offorensic psychiatry more than merit his holding the

highest office in AAPL. He is the winner of twoManfred S. Guttmacher Awards (of the AmericanPsychiatric Association (APA and AAPL)) for hisoutstanding contribution to the literature on forensicpsychiatry. The most recent of these was in 2005 forhis bookAssessing Suicide Risk: Guidelines for Clini-cally Based Risk Management (2004). He has alsobeen awarded the 2003 Isaac Ray Award (of the APAand AAPL) for his outstanding contribution to fo-rensic psychiatry and the psychiatric aspects of juris-prudence; the 1995 Golden Apple Award (of AAPL)for his significant contributions to the field of foren-

Dr. Gold is Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and AssociateDirector of the Program in Psychiatry and Law at Georgetown Uni-versity School of Medicine in Washington, DC. Dr. Gutheil is Pro-fessor of Psychiatry and Co-Founder of the Program in Psychiatry andthe Law, Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Harvard MedicalSchool, Boston, MA. Address correspondence to: Liza H. Gold, MD,2501 N. Glebe Road, Suite 204, Arlington, VA 22207. E-mail:[email protected]

Robert I. Simon, MD

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sic psychiatry; and the 1994 Seymour Pollack Award(of the APA and AAPL) in recognition of his distin-guished contributions to the teaching and educa-tional functions of forensic psychiatry.

In his book Clinical Psychiatry and the Law, Dr.Simon quoted the epigraphs:

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.(John 8:32)

With purity and with holiness I will pass my life and practicemy art. (The Oath of Hippocrates)

These summarize the guiding values of Dr. Simonswork and life: to increase knowledge and to promotethe ethical practice of clinical and forensic psychia-try. Dr. Simon has dedicated himself to educatingforensic and general psychiatrists in the ethical andforensic practice of psychiatry through teaching,mentoring, and writing. As Clinical Professor of Psy-chiatry and Director of the Program in Psychiatryand Law at Georgetown University School of Medi-cine in Washington, D.C., he lectures locally, na-tionally, and internationally on a variety of clinicaland forensic topics. He is a valued speaker and hasbeen invited to address over 50 national and interna-tional organizations, including the Royal College ofPsychiatrists in England, St. Elizabeths Sesquicen-tennial (150th) Anniversary Symposium in Wash-ington D.C., and the 16th Annual Congress of the

Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychi-atry and Law.

Closer to home, Dr. Simon developed the Pro-gram in Psychiatry and Law at Georgetown Univer-sity Medical School in 1990. This program is dedi-cated to providing psychiatry residents with a basic

working knowledge of forensic psychiatry. He hasalso been instrumental in establishing the first foren-sic psychiatry fellowship program in WashingtonD.C., coordinated by St. Elizabeths Hospital, theGeorgetown University Medical Center Departmentof Psychiatry, and the District of Columbia, with thehope that the first fellows will be admitted this year.

In addition to formal teaching, Dr. Simon epito-mizes the ideal mentor. Many members of AAPLhave benefited from his generosity of spirit. His

warmth, intellect, and keen sense of humor have re-sulted in prized and mutually satisfying mentoringrelationships. He freely gives his most valuable re-sources, his time and experience, to those who seekhim out. He goes out of his way to open doors toforensic practice and publishing opportunities. Heconsistently makes himself available to answer ques-

tions, discuss ideas, give advice or direction, providereferences for difficult problems or cases, review oredit articles in preparation for publication, and lendan empathetic ear to those struggling to master thecomplexities of forensic psychiatry.

One of the authors has personal experience with

Dr. Simons commitment to mentoring and teach-ing by personal example. Dr. Gold first heard of Dr.Simon in 1994, when they were retained by oppos-ing sides in Dr. Golds first forensic case. As a resultof this case, she became interested in forensic psychi-atry. She began to contact local forensic psychiatriststo see how she could begin a forensic practice. Anumber of people suggested that she call Dr. Simon,but she was hesitant to do so. Certainly, so eminent aforensic psychiatrist would not have time for an in-experienced newcomer.

Dr. Gold eventually decided to call Dr. Simon and

leave a message. Surprisingly, in this age of voicemail, Dr. Simon answered his own phone, catchingher off guard. She nervously identified herself. Dr.Simon remembered her from the case a few yearsearlier, which she felt could not be a good sign. Nev-ertheless, she managed to stammer, Dr. Simon, I

want to be a forensic psychiatrist. How do I do it?Contrary to Dr. Golds expectation of being dis-missed as a pesky novice seeking advice or as a one-time adversary, Dr. Simon greeted her as a colleague,generously invited her to join a forensic study group

that he had organized, and offered to discuss how togo about establishing a forensic practice. Dr. Goldwas not consciously aware that she was seeking amentor. In his wisdom, however, Dr. Simon not onlyrecognized what she was looking for but also volun-teered for the job!

It is with great personal and professional pleasurethat all who come to know this side of Dr. Simonlearn that his response to Dr. Golds call is typical.He demonstrates extraordinary generosity toward allpsychiatrists interested in learning about and practic-ing forensic psychiatry. His satisfaction and pleasure

in the success of others are obvious and genuine. Heis a willing and active collaborator in presentationsand projects and even in writing books and articles.

Although he could produce all these on his own, hetakes great pleasure in his collaborative relationshipsand acknowledges how much he himself benefitsfrom the mutual enrichment and growth these rela-tionships provide. The value of these collaborationsto the rest of us cannot be overstated.

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Indeed, part of the value in his teaching and men-toring lies in his willingness to use his own experi-ences as a way of instructing others in how to succeedor avoid the pitfalls inherent in the practice of foren-sic psychiatry. In the process of continually lookingfor ways to improve himself, Dr. Simon analyzes in

personal conversation and academic discussions hisperceived errors (most of which would go unnoticedif he were not to point them out). In characteristicdisplays of humility, Dr. Simon often teaches by per-sonal example. He frequently urges others to reflecton their own blind spots and biases by discussing hisown. In one of his writing workshops, his descriptionof his own anxieties and concerns relative to hisbooks was so personally revealing that one attendeeremarked, I feel as though I just walked into themiddle of someones analysis!

On another occasion, Dr. Simon related his expe-rience of being invited to an ex-patients wedding asa way of teaching about boundaries. After much re-flection and consideration of the pros and cons of thematter, he decided to attend. All went well until hefound himself in the receiving line after the cere-mony and realized he was expected, like all the maleguests, to kiss the bride, his ex-patient. He managedthis with aplomb, but recognized that this experiencepresented a valuable lesson on the capacity of ambig-uous boundary situations to take unexpected turns.

Some of the most valuable of Dr. Simons experi-ences involve the practical aspects of forensic psychi-atry. His decades of practice operating at the inter-face of psychiatry and the law have resulted in a

wealth of experience in negotiating some of the mostdifficult situations in clinical and forensic psychiatry.For example, he repeatedly reminds both new andexperienced practitioners to avoid being seduced byone side or the other in partisan forensic situations,because, as he so succinctly states, You have nofriends in litigation. If you want a friend, get a dog.

Of all Dr. Simons professional activities, the pas-

sion of his professional life is writing. For him, writ-ing is like breathing: it is an essential life function.Time for writing is a protected part of his every day.

When his children were small, they would not dreamof opening the door to his home office when he was

writing. They knew that nothing but a major catas-trophe would be allowed to interrupt his writingtime. (All minor catastrophes were by mutual agree-ment the responsibility of his wife.)

Dr. Robert Sadoff has described Dr. Simon asone of psychiatrys most gifted writers. Dr. Si-mons writing is characterized by creativity and in-sight. He teaches the technically complex aspects offorensic psychiatry while reinforcing and remindinghis audience of the basic principles and aspects of

practice. No other author has contributed to thedepth and breadth of the literature of forensic psy-chiatry as has Robert Simon.

Dr. Simon is the author, at last count, of 93 arti-cles and 47 book chapters (if you just blinked, thesenumbers have risen). Since 1999 alone, he has con-tributed chapters on forensic subjects to several sem-inal texts, spanning psychiatric subspecialties, in-cluding consultation-liaison psychiatry, clinicalpsychiatry, and administrative psychiatry.

Most impressively, he has edited or written 12

separate publications on forensic psychiatry. Hismost recent book, Assessing and Managing SuicideRisk: Guidelines for Clinically-based Risk Management(2004), as noted, won the 2005 Guttmacher Award,as did an earlier work, Psychiatric Malpractice: Casesand Comments for Clinicians (coauthored with Dr.Sadoff, 1992). His innovative books, The Retrospec-tive Assessment of Mental States in Litigation: Predict-ing the Past(co-edited with Daniel W. Shuman, JD,2002) and the second edition ofClinical Psychiatryand the Law(1992), received honorable mention forthis same award.

Dr. Simons work has offered unique perspectiveson some of the most complex forensic and clinicalissues. He has most recently edited The AmericanPsychiatric Publishing Textbook of Suicide Assessmentand Management (co-edited by Robert E. Hales,2006). In 2004, along with writing his book, Assess-ing and Managing Suicide Risk: Guidelines for Clini-cally-based Risk Management, Dr. Simon edited the

American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of ForensicPsychiatry(co-edited with Dr. Gold, 2004). This isthe first comprehensive textbook of forensic psychi-

atry directed toward both the general clinician andexperienced forensic practitioners, and a second edi-tion of this work is scheduled for publication in2009. In 2003, he published a second and updatededition of his groundbreaking work, PosttraumaticStress Disorder in Litigation: Guidelines for Forensic

Assessment(2003), a controversial and difficult sub-ject with which forensic psychiatrists and the legalsystem often struggle.

Gold and Gutheil



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His book, Bad Men Do What Good Men Dream: AForensic Psychiatrist Illuminates the Darker Side of Human Behavior (American Psychiatric Press,1996), offers insight into some of the most compli-cated aspects of human behavior. Masterfully writ-ten, this fascinating text explores and explains a spec-

trum of clinical and forensic experience withoutsensationalizing. A book review published in theAmerican Journal of Psychiatrydescribed it as rivet-ing (Am J Psych 157:15312, 2000). It is the firstbook of the forensic genre intended for informedlaypersons as well as professionals. Its success andpopularity are demonstrated by its publication in pa-perback (1999) and its translation into Italian(1997), Japanese (1997), and Chinese (1999).

Other invaluable texts by Dr. Simon includeMas-tering Forensic Psychiatric Practice: Advanced Strate-

gies for the Expert Witness (co-authored with Dr.

Gutheil, American Psychiatric Press, Inc., 2002);The Mental Health Professional and the Law: A Com-

prehensive Handbook(co-edited with Lawrence A Lif-son, MD, Harvard University Press, 1998); The Con-cise Guide to Psychiatry and Law for Clinicians, 3rdedition (American Psychiatric Press, Inc., 2001); The

American Psychiatric Press Review of Clinical Psychia-try and the Law, volumes 1, 2, and 3 (American Psy-chiatric Press, 1990 1992); and Psychiatric Interven-tions and Malpractice: A Primer for LiabilityPrevention (Charles C Thomas, 1982).

Not one to rest on his laurels, Dr. Simon has otherworks in progress. These include a collaboration withDaniel W. Shuman, JD, in writing The Clinical

Manual of Psychiatry and the Law(publication sched-uled for 2007) and with Dr. Gutheil in writingPrac-tical Forensic Psychiatry: The Expert Witness at Work(publication scheduled for 2008). Dr. Simon himselfstates that he is always writing. In whatever activityhe may be engaged, a part of his mind is consideringthe written word. As he describes it, the process of

writing is really one of transposing what he has al-ready written on paper. This is literally true. Dr.

Simons prodigious writing accomplishments areeven more impressive when one considers that he hasonly recently come to terms with modern technol-ogy. Despite advancing quickly on the technologicallearning curve, he still prefers utilizing a pen when he

writes.He also is committed to sharing his love of writing.

In addition to contributing his own articles for pub-lication, he supports and assists others in publishing

by contributing his time and expertise to peer reviewand editing. On more than one occasion, he has run

workshops for forensic practitioners at AAPL andelsewhere on writing. Even to sit down next to him isto be flint to his steel. He has the unusual capacity tostrike sparks of inspiration in others. Many a casual

remark from him will lead to creative responses incolleagues, as both authors of this biography havehad cause to know and appreciate.

He often says, Character is destiny. If that is thecase, it is clear why he has become AAPLs new presi-dent. It is not his accomplishments alone that haveearned him well-deserved professional recognition. Dr.Simons exemplary character and his personal achieve-ment of the ideals of ethical practice are equally impres-sive.Hewrotein Clinical Psychiatry andtheLaw,Atthehighest level, the clinician must understand the overrid-ing truth that professional concern for the patient is the

fundamental law. He has dedicated himself and en-couraged and taught others to be mindful of the ethicsof the practice of forensic and clinical psychiatry.

Moreover, Dr. Simons career in psychiatry, thelaw, and the making of books has provided a rolemodel that demonstrates how to be an ethical prac-titioner of the clinical science and art that is psychi-atry. As forensic psychiatrists are all aware, our disci-plineisonethatoffersmorethantheusualnumberofopportunities to cross ethical and moral boundaries.

A longtime colleague summed up Dr. Simons ability

to encompass the ideals of ethical practice. Wheneverthe colleague faces a difficult decision, he asks him-self, What would Bob Simon do? No matter whatthe question, the answer is always, Take the highroad. Dr. Simons character and career have dem-onstrated that this is an ideal that can be attained.

Dr. Simon began his distinguished career as an un-dergraduate at the University of Connecticut (whosebasketball team he still follows avidly), receiving his BA

with honors in 1956. He received his MD from TuftsUniversity School of Medicine in 1960. He completedhis internship at Brooke General Hospital in Fort Sam

Houston, Texas, in 1961, and his residency in psychi-atry at the Jackson Memorial Hospital and Universityof Miami School of Medicine in 1966. He met his wifePat, a psychiatric nurse, in Florida, beginning their life-long partnership.

Dr. Simons wife, their three sons, and threegrandsons (a fourth grandchild is on the way) are alsoa testimonial to Dr. Simons character and values.

Anyone who knows Dr. Simon comes to know Pat

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Simon, because they are without question a team.They have been married for 37 years, although who(if either) is in charge is open to debate: each refers tothe other lovingly as the boss. Their relationshiphas been the cornerstone of Dr. Simons career. As heputs it, Pat is the heart and soul of my achieve-

ments. Pat Simon speaks freely of her husbandsprofessional and personal generosity and of his devo-tion to his family. She describes him as someone whois much more focused on giving to others than ongaining for himself. However, this is as true about heras it is about him. He is the first to say that anyrecognition of his accomplishments is also recogni-tion of her dedicated support of his work.

Dr. Simon, quoting from Ecclesiastes in one of hispublished works noted, Of making many booksthere is no end. His career has been devoted to usingthe principles of forensic psychiatry to educate clini-cians in the interest of improving their clinical prac-tice and the treatment they provide to their patients

through example and written word. In doing so, hehas committed himself to advancing the ethical prac-tice of forensic and general psychiatry, contributed tothe academic literature of forensic psychiatry, andestablished a reputation for literary, intellectual, andacademic excellence. We therefore hope that to themaking of Dr. Robert Simons books, there is indeedno end.

Gold and Gutheil


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