Thomas Story Kirkbride

This article is about the American physician. For the British writer, see Thomas Story.
Thomas Story Kirkbride
Kirkbride in 1861
Born(1809-07-31)July 31, 1809
Morrisville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedDecember 16, 1883(1883-12-16) (aged 74)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Resting placeLaurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Alma mater
Occupation(s)Physician, alienist
Known for
See list
Children6

Thomas Story Kirkbride (July 31, 1809 – December 16, 1883) was a physician, alienist, hospital superintendent for the Institute of the Pennsylvania Hospital, and primary founder of the Association of Medical Superintendents of American Institutions for the Insane (AMSAII), the organizational precursor to the American Psychiatric Association.[1][2] Along with Benjamin Rush he is considered to be the father of the modern American practice of psychiatry as a specific medical discipline. His directive and organization of institutions for the insane were the gold-standard of clinical care in psychiatry throughout the 19th century.

  1. ^ Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania (2008). "Dr. Thomas Story Kirkbride". University of Pennsylvania Health System. Retrieved November 28, 2008.
  2. ^ Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania (2008). "The Story of the Magic Lantern". University of Pennsylvania Health System. Retrieved November 28, 2008.