‘Dan gave energy and heart to the ACLP’
Daniel Winstead, MD, FACLP, the Academy’s president 1998-99, passed on August 10. He is survived by his son Theodore (Teddy) and daughter Laura and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Jenny.
Among tributes to Dr. Winstead, Mary Jane Massie, MD, FACLP, fellow Academy Board member during his presidency and herself Academy president (2002-2003), says: “Dan was an invaluable mentor to me and other council members who were attempting to maximize their leadership skills in both the Academy and their own institution. Dan gave energy and heart to the ACLP. I fondly remember his immense enjoyment of the camaraderie of the Academy. He delighted in urging the accomplishments of our junior members and mentoring progress in the science of our field.”
Another Board member who served during Dr. Winstead’s presidency, James Levenson, MD, FACLP, himself Academy president (1999-2000), says: “I remember Dan Winstead as an inspirational leader who never lost his sense of humor. For someone who accomplished so much, one never felt self-importance from him. His love of life was infectious. He maintained close relationships with colleagues all over the US, and was widely loved and respected by them. He knew how important it is not take serious things too seriously.”
Philip Muskin, MD, MA, DLFAPA, FACLP, says: “Dan Winstead was a treasured friend and colleague who mentored hundreds of psychiatrists in a variety of specialties. He was exceptionally special to me. As phrased by a close colleague of his, he was ‘an older brother’ who knew more about everything, and was particularly knowledgeable about scotch.
“Dan chose me to be his vice-chair for the 1998 APA meeting, and as his program chair when he was ACLP president in 1999. His mentoring was always casual but powerful. It often occurred during meals, or, at the best of times—afterwards. A meal with Dan was not only about eating, it was about friendship and sharing. With two or 20, the experience was always warm and filial. I last had lunch with him (at Emeril’s of course) in November of 2019. He was at full Dan, though physically limited, and our conversation spanned personal and academic life.
“He liked to call on Friday evenings and we spoke only a few weeks before his passing. I sought his advice about a professional matter and he closed with: ‘I’m proud of you Phil,’—perhaps the most meaningful words a friend and colleague has ever uttered to me. There will never be another Dan.”
Distinguished career in Psychiatry
Dr. Winstead was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1944 and graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1966. Following graduation from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1970, Dr. Winstead returned to the University of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati General Hospital for training in adult and child psychiatry.
From 1973-1976, he served at the US Army Hospital in Nuremberg, West Germany. In 1977, he returned to the US to become associate chief of staff for Education at the New Orleans Veterans Affairs Medical Center (1979-1987) and director of Psychiatric Education at Tulane University School of Medicine (1983-1987.) He was acting chairman from 1986-1987 and named chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Neurology in 1987. He was invested as the Robert G. Heath Professor of Psychiatry at Tulane University School of Medicine in May 1993 for his demonstrated research competence and leadership ability.
Dr. Winstead published extensively in psychiatric literature and was active in many professional organizations including the New Orleans Area Psychiatric Association, the Louisiana Psychiatric Medical Association, and as a fellow in the Society of Biological Psychiatry, a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, fellow of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (then known as the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine), and in the American College of Psychiatrists.
He was president of numerous national psychiatric organizations including the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and the American Association of Chairs of Departments of Psychiatry (2000-2002), American College of Psychiatrists (2012) and was also chair of the ACGME Residency Review Committee for Psychiatry. In December 2007 he completed two terms (eight years) as a director of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology where he also served as president (2006).
Dr. Winstead received numerous awards and honors: The Psychiatrist of the Year, Louisiana Psychiatric Association; Menninger Award, American College of Physicians; Presidential Commendation Award, American Psychiatric Association.
“His passing came much too soon and is a loss for not just Psychiatry, but for the world—Philip Muskin”