MUSC News

Robert Layton McCurdy, M.D., a psychiatrist, Distinguished University Professor and Dean Emeritus of the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, died on Jan. 26, at the age of 90. His passing marked the loss of a singular leader whose influence continues today – across MUSC, the city of Charleston and the broader landscape of academic medicine.

Even decades after his retirement, Dr. McCurdy’s name remains woven into conversation – spoken in offices and lecture halls, quoted in board meetings, ingrained in institutional memories. It is a testament not only to the roles he held but to the way he held them: with steadiness, sharp intellect and an unmistakable sense of dignity that shaped both people and programs.

Dr. McCurdy carried himself with a quiet refinement that mirrored his approach to leadership. He was always a step ahead, meticulous, witty and gracious; his careful attention to detail reflected a sincere respect for others. Those who knew him best recall his warmth as a leader who listened intently, laughed generously, spoke thoughtfully and made space for others to rise.