Editor's Note: This online version is the most current and accurate. The print edition contains some errors that have been corrected here.

Robyn Ho, a prominent figure in the realm of forensic psychiatry, has carved a distinguished career path that merges the complexities of psychiatry with the rigors of the legal system. Beginning her foundational years in London, Dr. Ho graduated from medical school before attending psychiatric training at the prestigious Maudsley and South London National Health Services Trust. However, her return to Hong Kong in 2005 marked a pivotal moment in her career. Continuing her specialization at Castle Peak Hospital, she eventually attained the esteemed title of 'Specialist in Psychiatry' in 2008. From then on until 2012, Dr. Ho worked in the only Department of Forensic Psychiatry in Hong Kong, where she assessed and wrote reports for over 2500 patients. Her introduction of psychiatric violent risk assessment and management tools, such as HCR-20 and START, have proven invaluable assets within the Hong Kong and mainland Chinese judicial system. But Dr. Ho's achievements don't stop there. Since 2018, she has garnered literary acclaim for her books on forensic psychiatry, winning numerous awards including the 'Hong Kong Golden Reading' award for her book titled "失常罪 – 法醫精神科醫生的代告白" known as "Insanity Crimes," in English. Therefore, it should be no surprise to our readers that Dr. Robyn Ho is one of the few to be presented with the JESSICA Most Successful Women award.

"Forensic psychiatry over this side of the world is not popularized. People don't really know about it… I want to educate the people about what is real about this."

Written by: Rachel Wade

Edited by: Jeremy Chapnick

Photos by: Raymond Chan

"It is just a funny little story"

"Since I was young, I wanted to be a lawyer," Dr. Ho reminisces, "I wanted to be a barrister because I wanted to be in court, and I wanted to be able to fight for people's justice." But her future career ideas changed with the help of her mother and an unexpected source, "My mum was like, 'Oh, are you sure you want to be a lawyer? Maybe a doctor is better; doctors save lives…so for Karma, it's probably better to be a doctor.'" While watching the psychological thriller 'Silence of the Lambs', she discovered the intriguing overlap of psychiatry and law through the infamous character Hannibal Lecter, who she discovered was a forensic psychiatrist. For a young Robyn Ho, this revelation was the initial spark of interest in the incredibly nuanced world of forensic psychiatry, a field that would eventually become her lifelong passion.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Ho has dedicated herself to unraveling the intricate relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior. Focusing on the diverse narratives she encounters daily, she emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual's experience: "Every day I hear different stories; everyone's lives are different." Dr. Ho believes in a comprehensive approach to psychiatric treatment, stressing that healing extends beyond medication alone: "You can have the same illness, but how we get (a patient) better is not just about the medication, but about treating the patient as a whole." This holistic perspective lies at the heart of her advocacy, where she works tirelessly to dispel misconceptions surrounding psychiatric disorders. Central to her mission is the promotion of understanding that mental illness is fundamentally a biological condition. However, for some individuals, there may also be significant psychological dimensions: "For mental illness, it is a biological illness as much as for some people it's also a psychological issue."

Dr. Ho's contributions have extended beyond clinical practice into significant research. Her work in validating internationally recognized violence risk assessment tools like the HCR-20 and START for use in Chinese populations has been instrumental in advancing forensic psychiatry in Asia. She pioneered the introduction of structured professional judgment (SPJ) violent risk assessment tools in Hong Kong, enhancing the field's ability to assess and manage risk in diverse cultural contexts. "These are more objective testing that we didn't have in Hong Kong in the past," she explains, "I think it is better if we can have objective testing to be able to tell the judges how risky the patient is still." Her efforts to validate these tools for the Chinese population have filled a critical gap by providing impartial evaluations for judicial decisions and set a benchmark for forensic psychiatry practices across Asia. Through rigorous studies, Dr. Ho has ensured that evidence-based assessments are utilized to safeguard both patient care and public safety, "Objective testing allows us to assess risks more accurately, if the risks are minimized for a period of time [the patient] may be able to go back into the community and we have to understand that they were unwell at the time when they were violent" underscoring the importance of objective methodologies in a field often clouded by subjective interpretations.

As an expert witness in court trials, Dr. Ho faces the challenge of presenting unbiased psychiatric evaluations that objectively inform judicial decisions: "Our job is to tell the court what we believe is the truth… it's about objective assessment…it's not for me to put my personal feelings into the case." Her responsibility is to provide impartial evaluations that uphold justice while navigating the intricate nexus between psychiatry and the legal system. Her commitment to this duty ensures that the accused and victims receive fair consideration, guided by rigorous psychiatric analysis rather than emotional conjecture.

Another area in which Dr. Ho sheds light on forensic psychiatry is through her books, "Forensic psychiatry over this side of the world is not popularized, people don't really know about it… I want to educate the people about what is real about this" Motivated by a desire to demystify forensic psychiatry for the general public, her books have resonated unexpectedly with teenagers, earning accolades and influencing young minds, "I'm quite surprised" she reflects, "that was not my target audience…but I'm very happy teenagers are reading about it because they are the ones that will be future leaders and they should be having an open mind about psychiatry and mental illness” Through her writings, Dr. Ho strives to continue fostering deeper understanding, amongst the general public, that transcends sensationalism, empowering readers to grasp the complexities inherent in psychiatric disorders and their societal implications.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ho envisions leveraging her expertise to effect meaningful change in mental health care and the criminal justice system, both locally and internationally. Her efforts have already gone beyond Hong Kong, resonating in neighboring regions like Taiwan, where she aims to catalyze advancements in forensic psychiatric practices. "I think that's the thing that I feel I would like to promote still is that you might be a mentally ill offender, but it doesn't mean that everyone who has a mental illness will be offenders," she shares, advocating for a more compassionate and informed approach towards people with mental illnesses. Her ultimate goal remains steadfast: to dismantle stereotypes, advocate for fairness, and enhance the integration of mental health considerations within legal frameworks.

For young readers contemplating a path similar to Dr. Ho's, her advice is straightforward: pursue what you love with little concern for status. As she wisely puts it, "Having a title is not the most important thing in the world... I'm able to help the people I want to help... I think that's the most important... I'm doing what I love." This perspective underscores the value of passion and purpose over societal recognition, emphasizing the fulfillment of making a meaningful impact and staying true to personal passions.

Dr. Robyn Ho's commitment to spreading understanding and awareness of the interplay between justice and mental health and her pioneering contributions that continue to shape the landscape of psychiatric practice in Asia and beyond are truly inspirational. Through her research, expert testimony, literary works, and mentorship, Dr. Ho epitomizes the incredible power of merging medical expertise with societal impact, leaving an indelible mark on her profession and the communities she serves. Her unwavering dedication to advancing forensic psychiatry has not only enriched the field scientifically. Still, it has also fostered a deeper understanding of mental health within the realms of law and justice. Continuing to lead by example and ignite inspiration in future generations, Dr. Ho's work remains a shining symbol of hope and enlightenment in pursuing a kinder and fairer society.