Bruce Gage, MD, our colleague, mentor and friend, passed away this month. A Clinical Associate Professor in our department, Dr. Gage devoted his career to advancing psychiatric care for individuals with mental illness and criminal justice system involvement. He inspired hundreds of mental health professionals during his prolific career as a leader in psychiatric training and practice.

Dr. Gage’s mark on our state is both undeniable and indelible. Among his many professional roles and accomplishments, Dr. Gage most recently served as the Chief of Psychiatry for the Washington State Department of Corrections. He previously held the position of Director of Forensic Services and Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Director at Western State Hospital. He routinely lectured on topics of forensic and correctional psychiatry and worked to improve care delivery in correctional and other secure settings.

Dr. Gage has been described as a tremendous clinician, educator, and mentor. He demonstrated compassion and advocacy for vulnerable members of our society, most notably persons getting psychiatric care within correctional facilities. In recognition of his work, the Center of Forensic Services at Western State Hospital was renamed the Bruce Gage Center of Forensic Science. The Center for Mental Health, Policy, and the Law (CMHPL) directed by Jennifer Piel, MD, JD, has set up the Bruce Gage Annual Lecture in Forensic Mental Health to honor Dr. Gage and to carry on his work. CMHPL endeavors to carry forward Dr. Gage’s pursuit of improving psychiatric care, education and training in our state. If you would like to donate to the lectureship, you may do so at http://www.acceleratemed.org/give/?page=make&source=PBSPLF.