HAROLD EIST

Dr. Harold I. Eist, M.D.  
Sadly, Dr. Harold I. Eist, M.D., DLFAPA, FRCPC, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 16,2021 at the age of 84. Called the "Winston Churchill of American Psychiatry", he was a dedicated Psychiatrist serving the local, national and global community since 1967.Recognized as a "warrior for the disenfranchised," Dr. Eist promoted progressive, equitable and fair practices. Dr. Eist was the Medical Director of the DC Institute of Mental Health's three clinics for the underserved mentally ill from 1967 until 1986. The clinic received the APA's Gold Award and was renamed "The Harold I. Eist, MD Clinic." He was a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at George Washington University, and Past President of the American Psychiatric Association. 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 13 countries. He met with China's Deputy Minister of Health as a delegate for the World Psychiatric Association to discuss the treatment of the Falun Gong. He was also a reviewer and contributor to the Madrid Declaration on Human Rights, 1996, adopted by the World Psychiatric Association as the "Ethical guidelines for psychiatric practice." His work also led to him giving testimony before the US Senate and Congress. The New York Times, The Washington Post, 60 minutes, 20/20 and CBS Evening News have consulted with him and he has appeared for expert comment. Those are just a few of his long list of incredible accomplishments. Dr. Eist was passionate about living life to the fullest and he exemplified living one's values. His greatest joy was being with his family. Harold Eist is survived by his wife, Ann, three children, and four amazing grandchildren. Also mourned by extended family, friends, and colleagues around the world. The family will receive close friends, loved ones and the community he touched at a memorial service to be held in the near future.