Psychiatry
Dr. Robert A. Senescu was recruited from the Medical College of Virginia in 1964 to become the founding chairman of the Department of Psychiatry; a position he held until 1976. Under his leadership, the department became a leading university training program in community psychiatry. During his decade as chairman, he was instrumental in designing the curriculum for the medical school. Dr. Senescu stressed compassion and communication with patients. Many early students remember that Dr. Senescu introduced them to patients during their very first weeks of medical school, recalled his influence in promoting the understanding of patients, and of the doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Senescu was recipient of the school’s first Khatali teaching award. A coveted award in his honor is now given to an outstanding psychiatry residency graduate who lessens the suffering of humankind.
