Not many people have the honor of being stopped — on the street, at the post office, in restaurants — by people who say, “Thank you. You saved my life.”
Dr. Bruny Germain does.
Regularly.
Most Westporters have never met him. But for those who have, he is indeed an Unsung Hero.
Dr. Germain retired last month, after 47 years as a psychiatrist. He worked not in private practice, but at the hospital now known as The Shores Mental Health, part of St. Vincent’s Medical Center. Decades earlier, it was Hall-Brooke Hospital.
Dr. Germain was beloved by colleagues as well as patients. His impact on all was profound.
Dr. Bruny Germain
The Haiti native came to the US in 1975. After residency at the University of Connecticut, he considered moving to Atlanta or Florida. But he started dating a woman from Wallingford. He interviewed with Hall-Brooke’s Elisabeth Solomon and Rosalie Aberman — and stayed in the Land of Steady Habits for the next 5 decades.
Dr. Germain had many roles, including several stints as medical director. But he always treated patients. Direct care was his passion.
The last time he missed work was 33 years ago. He was not sick, he explains; his daughter was, and his wife was working.)
Much has changed in the psychiatric profession. Under managed care, stays are shorter. There is more outpatient treatment.
Mental illness is less stigmatized today than in years past — though it has not disappeared. Dr. Germain wants patients, and their families, to know that mental health is no less important than physical health.
Dr. Germain — a distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association — is not calling this step “retirement.” It’s a “sabbatical,” allowing him to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren.
The Shores’ chief of psychiatry Dr. Tobias Wasser is filled with admiration.
“He’s been here longer than I’ve been alive,” Dr. Wasser says. “I came in as his ‘boss.’ But he was so gracious.
“His longevity is a testament to his commitment to the most ill individuals, struggling to recover from mental health challenges.
“He’s a gracious colleague. He’s onboarded many generations of psychiatrists.”
Dr. Bruny Germain, with Shores colleagues. They were not born when he began practicing at the facility, then called Hall-Brooke.
“He’s also a wonderful teacher. We partner with Quinnipiac’s medical school, and he’s won Teacher of the Year.”
Dr. Germain’s early training was in the classic Freudian model, Dr. Wasser says. But as the field changed, he adapted well.
“He’s very thoughtful. He explains things clearly. He instills hope,” Dr. Wasser adds.
Dr. Germain is also “gregarious, outgoing and fun-loving.” Both doctors are part of the same tennis group, and Dr. Germain has played into his 70s.
Dr. Wasser has seen a number of Dr. Germain’s patients return later. Some request him again. Others simply come back to thank him.
If they haven’t already done so, in a chance meeting on the street, in the post office or at a restaurant.
Congratulations, Dr. Bruny Germain, on your 47 years serving patients, on your “sabbatical” — and as your well-deserved selection as this week’s “06880” Unsung Hero. (Hat tip: Lisa Wexler)
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)
