Dr. Harold Israel Eist

Dr. Harold Eist was born on June 5, 1937 in Edmonton, Alberta and earned his Medical Degree from the University of Alberta. He was married to his wife, Ann for 61 years and he devoted his life to her, his family, and the patients he served. Dr. Eist was a dedicated Psychiatrist serving the local, national and global community since 1967. He ceaselessly strived for patient privacy and the highest quality mental healthcare. He was a champion for the mentally ill and has been globally recognized as a warrior for the disenfranchised. Dr. Eist gave voice to this "voiceless" community through promoting progressive, equitable and fair practices. One of the achievements he was most proud of was the creation of the "Patient's Bill of Rights'', supported by 1 million health care professionals, aimed toward protecting patients from the harmful practices of the for-profit healthcare industry.
Dr. Eist was the Medical Director of the DC Institute of Mental Health's three clinics from 1967 until 1986 serving the greater Washington DC's most needy. The clinic received the APA's Gold Award and was renamed "The Harold I. Eist, MD Clinic." He maintained an active private practice for 54 years and also deeply enjoyed his work as an educator in the field – teaching and mentoring were life-long passions. Dr. Eist served as a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Howard University and George Washington University medical schools. At Howard he authored the syllabus for psychiatry, and he thrived in his interactions with upcoming physicians.
Harold was President of the American Psychiatric Association, a three-time president of the Washington Psychiatric Society and president of the Suburban Maryland Psychiatric Society, as well as the founder and president of the American Association of Private Practice Physicians. Recognized throughout his career for his efforts on behalf of patients, Dr. Eist was selected as Washingtonian of The Year in 1979. In his role as the US representative to the World Psychiatric Society, he traveled the world to advocate for better mental healthcare and patient rights and was a distinguished guest lecturer in eleven countries. Harold Eist had a transformational impact on the government, trainees in psychiatry, and the public, which has diminished the stigma to which those with mental illness are too often exposed.
Dr. Eist was passionate about living life to the fullest and he exemplified living one's values. Harold was an avid reader. He enjoyed fishing, walking by the ocean, and he found endless joy in the arts, music and sports. Most happy with Ann by his side eating good food, drinking wine, spending time with friends, and celebrating life.