A Forensic Psychiatrist's Journey: A True-Crime Conversation with Dr. Park Dietz
51m
• Presented by Hopkins at Home and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
• Featuring Dr. Park Dietz, Med '75 (MD), BSPH '75 (MPH), Med '84 (PhD); moderated by Dr. Peter D. Byeff (Med ’74)
In this virtual event, Dr. Park Dietz – a globally recognized forensic psychiatrist and Hopkins alumnus – offers a retrospective exploration of his storied career at the nexus of psychiatry, law, and public safety, illuminating the evolution of forensic psychiatry and its profound societal impact.
Dr. Dietz’s autobiographical talk examines the interplay between media, crime, and mental health, drawing upon landmark research and his firsthand experience in defining the concept of “performance crimes.” He critically evaluates ethical challenges posed by media coverage in high-profile criminal proceedings, and shares nuanced perspectives from his consultations on landmark cases such as the trials of Jeffrey Dahmer and John Hinckley Jr.
Our conversation was moderated by Dr. Peter D. Byeff, MD (Med ’74), President of the Johns Hopkins Medicine Alumni Association and Director of the George Bray Cancer Center at the Hospital of Central Connecticut.
Recorded Wednesday, December 3, 2025