Famous psychiatrist and entrepreneur Edward Stitt Fleming founded the Psychiatric Institutes of Washington and America in the late 1960s. His influence goes beyond medicine, as he was related to high society by his marriage to Patricia Altschul, a socialite and television personality. Despite his success, Fleming struggled personally and died young aged 67.
Early Life and Career
Ed Stitt Fleming was born in San Diego, California, circa 1930. His family prioritized education and accomplishment. In the early 1950s, he joined the Air Force to practice psychiatry. Leaving the Air Force, Fleming studied and became a famous psychiatrist.
He founded the Psychiatric Institute of Washington in the 1960s to provide high-quality mental health treatments. His entrepreneurial spirit continued. Fleming founded the Psychiatric Institutes of America to make psychiatric care more accessible nationwide. His research shaped modern psychiatry, especially in Washington, D.C.
Edward Stitt Fleming’s Spouse: Patricia Altschul
The reality TV show Southern Charm made Patricia Altschul, an American socialite and art collector, famous. Patricia, born in Jacksonville, Florida, on April 16, 1941, has been involved in high society, philanthropy, and fine art. Edward Stitt Fleming was one of her three marriages. Her 1989–1995 marriage adds to her extensive personal past. Although Patricia’s marriage to Fleming was less known than her marriage to Arthur Altschul, it is nevertheless a significant part of her biography. Her other marriage to Arthur Altschul, a former Goldman Sachs partner, is commonly mentioned when describing her riches and social status.
Patricia Altschul influences social groups and television beyond her personal contacts. She was popular as Southern Charm’s matriarch due to her keen wit, refined manner, and frank criticism on Charleston’s upper society. She wrote the successful book The Art of Southern Charm on her life’s hobbies and experiences. Although her marriage to Edward Stitt Fleming ended in the mid-1990s, Patricia’s influence in Charleston and television presence cemented her status as a Southern socialite. Patricia remains active in Southern Charm and culture despite personal issues including health.
Personal Life: Marriage to Patricia Altschul
Edward Stitt Fleming’s marriage to Patricia Altschul, a prominent Washington, D.C., and international socialite, gained attention. Bravo’s Southern Charm star Altschul married Fleming in 1989. Both parties had notable backgrounds, making their marriage public.
Their relationship struggled, and they divorced in 1995 after six years. It was a big deal in their social circles, yet they split amicably. Altschul has spoken about Fleming in interviews, recalling their time together and the conflicts that led to their breakup.
Fleming’s social elite connections continued after his marriage to Altschul. She introduced him to powerful people, including their son Whitney Sudler-Smith, who appeared in Southern Charm. Fleming’s connections to such circles increased his fame.
Later Years and Death
As a psychiatrist, Fleming focused on private practice and psychiatric institutes. Health problems plagued him later in life. He died of septicemia at 67 at an Austin hospital on June 10, 1997. He died after a renowned mental health profession and a personal life that included some of America’s most notable personalities.
He was recognized by his psychiatric peers for his dedication to his profession and the organizations he helped construct. His obituary in The Washington Post acknowledged his outstanding mental health contributions and dedication to improving care.
Legacy
The facilities Edward Stitt Fleming built continue to treat patients nationwide. The Psychiatric Institutes of America are crucial to healthcare. Innovative and compassionate, Fleming’s contributions to psychiatry and mental health treatment were groundbreaking.
Despite his personal problems, especially his divorce from Patricia Altschul, Fleming excelled professionally. He pioneered mental health treatment and was an entrepreneur who saw the need for accessible and effective services.
His ties to high society, especially his relationship with Altschul, have kept Fleming in the public eye, especially in debates of Southern Charm and social elites. His familial lineage links him to James Bond author Ian Fleming, adding intrigue to his story.
Conclusion
Edward Stitt Fleming’s life was marked by professional success, high society connections, and mental influence. After his 1997 death, his work in mental health treatment and building the Psychiatric Institute of Washington continues to affect the field. His complex and fascinating legacy stems from his marriage to Patricia Altschul, Whitney Sudler-Smith, and the Fleming family.
