About Dr. Robert M Kaplan
Forensic Psychiatrist, Author, Historian and Speaker
Dr. Robert M Kaplan is not your typical forensic psychiatrist. With a career spanning medicine, history, and the courtroom, he has explored the human mind at its darkest and most complex, from analysing criminal behaviour to uncovering the psychological drivers behind some of history’s most notorious figures.
Dr. Kaplan is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Western Sydney University, and the University of Wollongong. He is also a Conjoint Lecturer, Justice Health at the University of New South Wales and a Research Fellow in the History Department at Stellenbosch University. His forensic expertise has been called upon in some of the most complex and high-profile cases, where his sharp insights into human behaviour have shaped both medical and legal understandings of criminal pathology.
Experience and Professional Background
Dr. Kaplan is a specialist in forensic psychiatry with over 40 years of experience. His expertise covers:
Forensic Psychiatry
Complex criminal cases, medico-legal reports, and psychological assessments.
History of Psychiatry and Medicine
Studying how mental health practices have evolved and their broader cultural impact.
Crime and Criminal Psychology
Understanding the mind of offenders, from medical serial killers to political figures.
Genocide and Human Rights Abuses
Analysing the psychological and sociological underpinnings of mass violence.
Dr. Kaplan’s academic qualifications include:
- MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) – University of Cape Town
- FRANZCP (Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists)
- MA (Journalism) – University of Wollongong
- MPhil (Science) – Sydney University
He holds positions as a Clinical Associate Professor at Western Sydney University, and the University of Wollongong. He is also a Conjoint Lecturer, Justice Health at the University of New South Wales and a Research Fellow in the History Department at Stellenbosch University. He has been a foundation member of the Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry and the Faculty of Adult Psychiatry at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. He held the position of RANZCP Chair of the Joint Section of Philosophy & Humanities for some years. Dr Kaplan is also an associate member of the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists. He has been a foundation member of the Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry and the Faculty of Adult Psychiatry at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
Multimedium Author
Dr. Kaplan has published extensively on psychiatry, medicine, and history. His books include:
- Medical Murder: Disturbing Tales of Doctors Who Kill (2009)
- The Exceptional Brain and How It Changed History (2011)
- The Prophet of Psychiatry: In Search of Reginald Ellery (2015)
- Dark Tales of Illness, Medicine, and Madness (2019)
- Suicide3 (2024)
- Mary Barkas: A Life Unfulfilled (in press)
- The King Who Strangled His Psychiatrist and Other Dark Tales (in press)
His writing extends beyond books. He has authored numerous articles for leading medical journals, including The Lancet, British Medical Journal, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, Australasian Psychiatry, The Journal of Science, Humanities and Arts (JOSHA), Psychohistory Journal, Medical Journal of Australia, Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health, South African Journal of History, Medical Republic and Medical Observer.
Speaker and Media Presence
Dr. Kaplan’s expertise and engaging speaking style have made him a sought-after speaker.
Dr. Kaplan has delivered keynote speeches at leading universities, museums, and medical conferences around the world, captivating audiences with his deep insights into forensic psychiatry and historical psychology.
He has spoken at prestigious venues such as the University of Sydney Nicholson Museum, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Sydney Jewish Museum, the Melbourne Genocide Museum, Limud Oz, and the Cape Town & Johannesburg Jewish Holocaust Museum, where his analysis of historical and psychological themes has drawn significant interest.
His expertise has also been featured on ABC Radio’s Conversations with Richard Fidler and on radio with Richard Glover, and he has provided expert commentary for TV documentaries, notably ‘Nurses who kill’, ‘Adolf Hitler secret sex life’, ‘Escaped Prisoners of War’, ‘Nazi Mythology’, ‘Dr Aubrey Levin’, and ‘Secret sex life of Adolf Hitler’.
His Frontal Lobotomy podcast explores the intersection of history, psychiatry, and crime, tackling complex psychological topics with insight and dry humour.
Dr. Kaplan is also in demand as a cruise speaker, attracting large audiences with his talks on Hitler, serial killers, and the psychological roots of political power.
Philosophy and Personal Insight
Psychiatry isn’t just about understanding the mind; it’s about understanding humanity. Dr. Kaplan’s work challenges conventional wisdom, uncovering the uncomfortable truths behind human behaviour. His writing reflects his wry, direct tone and sharp intellect, blending forensic analysis with historical insight.
He is compulsively curious and deeply interested in photography, drone photography, history, and archaeology. His passion for history and culture extends to his personal life, where he enjoys a good South African braai (barbecue) and closely follows global political and historical developments.
Professional Memberships and Accreditations
Dr Kaplan’s credibility is reinforced by his professional affiliations and recognised expertise:
- Fellow, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)
- Chair, RANZCP Binational Section of Philosophy and History
- Member, Australian Medico-Legal College
- Professional Advisor Panel, Victims’ Services NSW
- Member, Australian Society for the History of Medicine
- Member, Association of South African Professional Archaeologists
Explore Dr. Kaplan's Work
Dr. Kaplan’s work stands at the crossroads of history and psychiatry by providing insight into the human condition with clarity, honesty, and a touch of wry humour.
Explore his latest publications
Discover books and articles spanning forensic psychiatry, medical history, and true crime.
Listen to the Frontal Lobotomy Podcast
Engage with thought-provoking insights into history, psychiatry, and the criminal mind.
Book a consultation
Gain expert analysis and advice for medico-legal cases and complex forensic assessments.
Invite Dr. Kaplan to speak
Book Dr. Kaplan for your next conference, event, or professional development session.