Remembering Dr David Sturgeon, 1947–2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death on 19 April, 2024, of our esteemed friend and colleague, Dr David Alexander Sturgeon.

David's loss is deeply felt by all who knew him, both personally and professionally.

David was born on July 3, 1947, the only child of Alec and Jean. His father served in the RAF, and David's childhood was a rich tapestry of stories from various countries where he grew up. His adventurous spirit often led to attempted escapes from boarding school, which he hated. He was diagnosed with Diabetes type 1 when he was 13. The consultant said he would never send a child of his to boarding school. David said ‘the skies opened. The sun shone.’ He was then sent to the day school, Hipperholme Grammar.

David pursued his medical education at St Peters College, Oxford, qualifying in 1971. He then moved to University College London Hospital to complete his house jobs before specializing in psychiatry under the supervision of Dr Heinz Woolf in 1973. He became a lecturer in 1975 and senior lecturer in 1977 in the Department of Mental Health, subsequently the Department of Academic Psychiatry at the Middlesex Hospital. His scholarly contributions include numerous articles co-authored with distinguished colleagues such as Julien Leff, focusing on the impact of social interventions in families of schizophrenic patients, and Peter Shoenberg, on the impact of psychotherapy training for medical students.

In 1997, David moved to work in the NHS, becoming a founding member of the Liaison Psychiatry Service at University College London Hospital. He was instrumental in introducing a psychotherapeutic approach to general hospital settings, significantly impacting medical student psychotherapy schemes, teaching, and clinic management. Many former students reminisce about David's empathy and understanding during patient interactions, aspiring to emulate his approach.

David's influence extended to trauma therapy, stemming from his work with survivors of the Kings Crossfire 1987. He was called in to help on the 30 April 1999 at the Admiral Duncan pub bombing which was the scene of the worst homophobic attack to ever occur ln a gay venue. He was also called in after a bomb detonated on the upper deck of a bus in Tavistock Square in 2011.

His exceptional contribution to teaching was recognized at UCL where he received the Dean’s award for teaching in 2002.

David was a remarkably gifted psychiatrist whose profound impact on the lives of many, especially young and vulnerable students, will be remembered for years to come. His ability to connect with his patients, offering them not just treatment but genuine understanding and support, was a testament to his warm and containing nature. He was highly intelligent and brought a sharp wit to both his professional and personal interactions, often brightening our days with his humour. 

David also had a profound love for music, providing a soundtrack to his life which brought great pleasure. His affection for food – French Onion Soup and Spaghetti Vongole – was well-known among his friends and colleagues, often a topic of light-hearted conversation and shared meals.

In 2006, David joined UCL’s Student Psychological and Counselling Services which is part of UCL’s Student Support and Wellbeing Services. Over 17 years, he witnessed the team’s expansion and played a pivotal role in providing therapeutic support. David's wisdom, wit, and guidance made him a beloved and respected figure among colleagues and students alike.

David's private practice flourished alongside his academic responsibilities. Above all, he was a devoted family man, cherishing moments with his grandchildren Iris, Zac and Theo, and delighting in the lives of his daughters Kate and Natasha. His wife of 47 years, Liz, was his steadfast companion, and they eagerly anticipated retirement together.

Tragically, David retired from UCL in June 2023, only to suffer a catastrophic fall ten days later, resulting in (back) spinal injuries and paralysis. Despite the challenges of being in hospital for over nine months, sometimes in intensive care, and then later some happy months in a care home, even in his final days David faced his situation with his characteristic wit, patience, and acceptance, often saying, ‘It is what it is’. At one point he said to Liz ‘This is not the future we could ever have envisaged, but there is a future’. He valued every moment with his family, even in his final days.

David Sturgeon was a remarkable individual – enthusiastic, unselfish, compassionate, a skilful psychiatrist, teacher, and colleague, and almost everybody's friend. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.

Rest in peace, dear David. We miss you deeply and will always remember you with love and gratitude.

Dr David Alexander Sturgeon
b. 3 July 1947 – d. 19 April 2024
MA BM BChir Oxon 1970, FRCPsych 1986