In memoriam: Louis L. Dubin, M.A., D.D.S., Ph.D. July 24, 1920 - July 29, 2002

American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis,  Apr 2003  by Goodman, Ashley A

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My mentor, friend, and colleague Louis Dubin, was born on July 24, 1920 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and died on July 29, 2002. Lou held doctorates in both dentistry and psychology. Originally, he set out to become a bacteriologist. After finishing his master's degree in the field, he went to dental school. In 1951 he became intrigued with and began his never-ending studies in clinical hypnosis. Always a perpetual student, he then completed his Ph.D. in psychology. While continuing his studies, he provided his knowledge and expertise to others through teaching. Lou shared his knowledge and intellect as a Clinical Professor at Temple University; as an Associate Clinical Professor at Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Psychiatry; and as an Attending in the Albert Einstein Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry.

Lou was also board certified in forensics. He made himself, his knowledge, and his skills available to assure that justice was done. His legal pursuits were a perfect fit for him because a good expert witness sees the job as one in which it is important to be a teacher. Lou always turned the courtroom into a lecture hall in which he usually had over fifteen students: the judge, attorneys on both sides, plaintiffs and defendants, and twelve jurors. He called on his knowledge and experience to supply relevant case material as a foundation for a fair and just case resolution. While on the stand, he also maintained his composure and professionalism under adverse questioning and provided relevant substantiation for his testimony.

Albert Einstein Medical Center created a yearly lecture series in Medicine, Hypnosis, and the Law in Lou's honor, the first of all their lecture series that was to honor a living professional. Lou passed on less than a month before the first lecture could take place, and the series will now be held in his memory.

Lou was one of the great teachers in the field of hypnosis and was actively involved in every aspect of professional hypnosis. He was Past President of the Greater Philadelphia Society of Hypnosis and our own ASCH. He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Hypnosis and a Fellow of both ASCH and SCEH. In addition to sharing through his lectures, he authored and co-authored numerous articles on clinical hypnosis. Most of them were penned in the study off the living room at home. Lou was forever writing and re-writing, and crumpled papers littering the floor was a commonplace scene. In addition to teaching others, he was passionate about directly helping people He saw patients and used hypnosis at his dental office (sometimes working past midnight), at the hospitals he was affiliated with, at prisons working with psychiatrists, and in his study at home. Retirement never truly materialized for Lou. He was already doing what he loved throughout his multidisciplined career. There was always too much left for him to share, for him to be idle. Lou was a true embodiment of a "Renaissance Man". Lou and his wife, Bette, were married for 53 years and had two children. John is an Emergency room M.D. and Jan blessed them with their eight grandchildren.

Lou Dubin was a colleague and friend to us for many years, but how does one find the syntax to do justice to such an individual? Language would be too restrictive (even were I a poet laureate) when it concerned expressing my admiration and respect for Lou. Despite Lou's frenetic pace, he always had time to help others. He made the time. It was as important to him to pass on his acquired knowledge and skills, as it was to quench his constant educational thirst. He was the consummate student and educator, and a tremendous individual. I can describe his accomplishments, but I can't adequately express the depth of the professional and personal gratitude that we all hold for him in our heads and hearts. On a personal note, it was to have been my privilege to co-teach another workshop with Lou. He had gone to great lengths to rearrange his busy schedule for that. Unfortunately it just wasn't destined to be. He was one of my mentors and idols. I will miss him greatly; we all will. In his honor, we can emulate his generosity and his commitment by sharing our knowledge with others, as he shared his. Passing on Lou's principles and philosophies can be our greatest tribute to his memory and legacy.

Ashley A. Goodman

San Diego, California

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