The Brattleboro Retreat has announced that Dr. Mark McGee, Dr. John Murphy, Dr. Joseph Smith, and Dr. Kathy Eppel have joined the hospital’s medical staff. These appointments bring to 25 the total number of physicians currently on staff at the Brattleboro Retreat.
Dr. Mark McGee, MD joins the Retreat as a staff psychiatrist where currently treats patients on the Retreat’s Adult Intensive Unit. His undergraduate studies in Religion and Philosophy at the University of Vermont were followed by graduate study in Counseling Psychology at Lesley College in Cambridge, MA. After working as a psychotherapist for several years, Dr. McGee went on to complete his medical education at the University of Vermont and completed residency training in psychiatry at Fletcher Allen in Burlington, VT, serving as chief resident from 2011—2012.
Dr. John Murphy, D.O has joined the Retreat as Director of Medical Services where he oversees the licensed independent practitioners (LIPs) in the medical clinic. Murphy is a family physician who has been in practice for several years in central Massachusetts. He completed his medical training at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and his residency in Family Practice at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester. Dr. Murphy has special interest in working with patients with addictions. He has served as the Medical Director of a methadone maintenance program and as well as the attending physician for AdCare (a large detoxification hospital in Massachusetts).
Joseph Smith, MD, comes to the Retreat after receiving his medical training at the University of Pennsylvania, and his psychiatric residency, addiction fellowship, and forensic fellowship at Yale University. He enjoys teaching and writing, and is especially interested in pursuing work in the field of forensic psychiatry. Dr. Smith cares for inpatients in the Retreat's general adult program. His focus is on individuals who are hospitalized involuntarily or are facing legal (forensic) issues.
Kathy Eppel, MD, completed her medical and psychiatric training at the University of Nebraska and has practiced psychiatry for 14 years prior to her joining the Retreat. She also holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. in clinical social work, as well as a Ph.D. Dr. Eppel will serve as the lead psychiatrist in the Birches Treatment Center (the Retreat’s Partial Hospital Program and Hospital Outpatient Program).
“We are excited to welcome these outstanding physicians to our medical staff,” said Frederick “Fritz” Engstrom, MD, medical director. “Their experience and passion for treating patients will go a long way in helping the Brattleboro Retreat meet the increasing demand for its psychiatric and addiction treatment services.”