Alexandru Obregia was born on July 20, 1860, in Iași, and became one of Romania’s most important psychiatrists. From the start, Obregia showed a strong inclination toward studying the human psyche and understanding mental illnesses.  

The Early Life and Education of Alexandru Obregia

He was a student of the renowned Professor Dr. Alexandru Suțu and focused his studies on the morphology of the nervous system, schizophrenia, and general paralysis. Throughout his career, he introduced innovative procedures, such as the suboccipital puncture, a revolutionary method in Romanian neurological practice at the time.

Professor Obregia was known for his unique perspective on patients. He firmly stated, “I never pronounced the word ‘mad’ nor even ‘alienated.’ I don’t know if the term ‘sick’ is the most appropriate. Perhaps it is wiser to say ‘tormented.’”

This approach demonstrates his empathy and profound respect for those suffering from mental disorders, emphasizing the treatment of people rather than just their illnesses.

The Vision and Initiative of the Bucharest Psychiatric Hospital

The story of the Psychiatric Hospital that now bears his name began in 1906. Alexandru Obregia, together with Prime Minister Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino, proposed a law to establish a facility for the “alienated” near Bucharest, on land administered by the Civil Hospitals Board, between Filaret and Văcărești. 

On March 10, 1906, a sum of 2,500,000 lei was allocated for the construction of the facility, with the condition that it be completed within two years.

Obregia was personally involved in every stage of the project. He participated in the drafting of architectural plans, decided on the organizational structure, and assumed the role of chief technical and administrative director of the future hospital. 

His ambition was grand: 34 pavilions and 2,000 beds, making the institution the largest psychiatric hospital in Romania and one of the most important in Europe. Unfortunately, World War I delayed the inauguration until 1923, but Obregia’s vision and perseverance remained unwavering.

Obregia – Professor, Mentor, and Innovator in Psychiatry

In parallel with his administrative work, Alexandru Obregia served as the head of the Department of Psychiatry and the Clinic of Mental Diseases at the University of Medicine in Bucharest between 1910 and 1924. 

His students regarded him as a demanding yet empathetic mentor who encouraged professional development and innovation in psychiatry. His academic career was marked by significant contributions to the understanding of schizophrenia and general paralysis, bringing methodological clarity and modern approaches to these fields.

Beyond his clinical and academic work, Obregia had a major influence on society’s perception of mentally ill patients.

He redefined the approach to these individuals, insisting that patients be treated with respect and consideration. This philosophy laid the foundation for modern psychiatry in Romania and established high standards for patient care.

The Modern Hospital and Holistic Treatment Approach

Obregia was convinced that patient recovery depended not only on medical treatment but also on environment and social interactions. 

In the hospital he designed, the pavilions were spacious, gardens were included, therapy rooms and recreational spaces were provided—all conceived for the comfort and safety of patients. 

This holistic approach allowed for the recovery of many patients and delivered remarkable results: over 40% of patients were fully cured, an exceptional achievement for the time.

From 1927 to 1930, Obregia held the position of chief technical and administrative director of the Central Hospital, consolidating the institution’s reputation as a center of excellence in treating mental disorders. 

In 1934, he retired, leaving the hospital in the hands of his student Petre Tomescu, who continued his mentor’s legacy. Tomescu praised Obregia’s impact, comparing him to Pinel, who liberated psychiatric patients in France.

The Legacy of Alexandru Obregia

Alexandru Obregia’s legacy is not limited to the hospital building or his medical achievements. It also lies in changing attitudes and perceptions regarding psychiatry in Romania. Obregia demonstrated that mentally ill patients are not “alienated” or “mad” but rather tormented, and their treatment should be humane, scientific, and respectful.

Moreover, he created an efficient administrative structure, selected qualified staff, and implemented clear procedures for patient care. As a result, the Bucharest Psychiatric Hospital became a recognized center of excellence, treating thousands of patients annually and serving as a model for other institutions across the country.

Professor Obregia transformed psychiatry into a respected medical discipline, grounded in science, empathy, and respect for human dignity. He demonstrated that modern treatments, combined with a suitable environment and a holistic approach, could yield remarkable results in curing mental illnesses, even in patients previously considered incurable.

Alexandru Obregia remains an emblematic figure in the history of Romanian medicine. Through his vision, professionalism, and empathy toward patients, he changed how society views mental illness and laid the foundation for modern psychiatry in Romania. 

The hospital bearing his name is not just a medical institution but a symbol of compassion, innovation, and respect for the human being. Alexandru Obregia will forever be remembered as the physician who treated and cured thousands of mentally “alienated” Romanians, giving them the chance at a dignified and recoverable life.

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