Peter Whitehouse MD, PhD

Peter J. Whitehouse MD, Ph.D. has a primary appointment as a Professor of Neurology, with secondary positions as Professor of Psychiatry, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, and Organizational Behavior, and former appointments (but current interests) in Psychology, Bioethics, History, and Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. He is also currently a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, an incoming fellow at Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, and President of Intergenerational Schools International. He received his undergraduate degree from Brown University and MD-PhD (Psychology) from Johns Hopkins University (with Ph.D. work at Harvard and Boston Universities), followed by a Fellowship in Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Neurology Residency, and faculty appointments at Hopkins. He has served in national and international leadership positions in neurology, geriatrics, and public health.

In 1999 Peter founded with his wife, Catherine, The Intergenerational Schools, unique public, multi-age community school in Cleveland. He is a serial social innovator with a focus on learning environments. He is the author and editor of hundreds of academic papers, book chapters, books, and multimedia projects ranging from genetics and cognitive neuroscience to clinical issues, community and public health, and ethics and the humanities. He often takes a critical stance toward existing models of thought.

Peter is a prevention-oriented, intergenerational neurologist. His current main academic and practice focus is on eco-psychosocial models of brain health and aging and the role of the arts and humanities in health. He is currently focusing on new conceptions of wisdom and quality of life. He explores the evolving meaning of old and new words and the importance of narrative in all domains of life. He is an aspiring geek and artist focusing on digital photography. He is also actively engaged in understanding and contributing to cultural responses to climate change, social injustice, economic inequality, and other complex wicked problems. Peter considers himself an inter-generative, transdisciplinary, action-oriented scholar.