Honouring a lifetime of connection to USask

A long-time donor to student bursaries, he and spouse Carolyn have now established a legacy gift through a life insurance policy to help students pursuing family medicine or psychiatry—two fields facing growing shortages. His vision is to foster the next generation of doctors who believe, as he does, in the power of compassionate, collaborative care.

“I hope that the student beneficiaries will carry forward a respect for both family medicine and psychiatry. The collaboration between those fields is critical and can really make a difference for those individuals who are suffering from the challenges of mental illness and addictions,” said Keegan.

Keegan developed that deep appreciation for the connection between family medicine and psychiatry during his training at USask as a medical student. Mentorship from Dr. Griff McKerracher, then Head of Psychiatry, shaped his belief that collaboration between the two fields is essential.

He experienced collaborative care during his family practice in Estevan, Sask., when he enjoyed regular visits from psychiatrists from Weyburn, Sask., modelling McKerracher’s vision for best practice.

Throughout his career, Dr. Keegan championed collaborative models, travelling to rural communities to provide psychiatric consultations, support family physicians, and mentor trainees.  His international sabbaticals at the Universities of Washington and Melbourne further strengthened his commitment to team-based care delivered through trusted family practices.  

Today, Keegan reflects on his time at USask with affection and appreciation.

“I’m so glad I pursued the idea of giving back to a university which I've been involved with for more than 62 of my 86 years,” said Keegan, adding that his roles at USask included student, resident in psychiatry, faculty member, department head, member of the Retirees Association, and professor emeritus.

“I’ve always been proud of our university because it offers so many educational opportunities across a broad range of colleges and schools,” he said. “Within our province and city, it has advanced Indigenous education and developed a rich venue for sports and culture with Merlis Belsher Place. And beyond our province and internationally, it offers unique learning environments with VIDO, the Global Institute for Food Security, the Global Institute for Water Security, and the Canadian Light Source.”

“It feels good knowing that I too can make an impact by helping the next generations of doctors in this province.”