We mourn the loss of Dr Hans Hirnsperger
Our long-standing colleague, Dr Hans Hirnsperger, born in Schwaz in Tyrol in 1962, died suddenly and unexpectedly on 12 March 2021.
Dr Hirnsperger was a consultant psychiatrist and neurologist and joined the Institute – now Division – of Medical Psychology on completing his specialist medical and psychoanalytical training.
His scientific interest, which is also reflected in his publications, was first and foremost the history of medical psychology, especially in the years 1925 to 1938, when there was an Association of Medical Psychology founded by students. His research kept him in close contact with the last surviving member of this association, Fritz Redlich, right up until the time of Redlich's death. Redlich had subsequently established social psychiatry in America. Hirnsperger was also the first person to produce a historical appraisal of suicide and suicide prevention between 1938 and 1945.
Dr Hirnsperger was a committed teacher and visionary, who was already championing the concept of telemedicine many years ago. He pursued his goals with an admirable mixture of tenacity and kindness.
We will remember him as a brilliant and caring human being and will miss him very much.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
On behalf of
Mag. Dr Birgit Hladschik-Kermer, MME (Head of the Division of Medical Psychology)
em. o. Univ. Prof. Dr Gernot Sonneck (former Institute Director)
and all colleagues from Medical Psychology