Yale Bulletin and Calendar

June 28, 2002Volume 30, Number 32Four-Week Issue


Dr. Albert J. Solnit

Dr. Albert J. Solnit:
Pioneering child psychiatrist

Longtime faculty member Dr. Albert J. Solnit, Sterling Professor Emeritus and Senior Research Scientist at the School of Medicine's Child Study Center, died on June 21 as a result of an automobile accident. He was 82 years old.

A world-renowned pioneer in child psychiatry, Dr. Solnit spent 54 years at Yale and was director of the Child Study Center from 1966 to 1983. Solnit also served as commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services from 1991 through 2000.

"He was a professional father throughout my career," said Dr. John Schowalter, the Albert J. Solnit Professor of Child Psychiatry and professor of pediatrics and psychiatry. "Al Solnit helped put the Child Study Center into the community. As a mentor, he was always accessible and combined both a wise brain and a moral backbone."

One of the most distinguished scholars in his field, Dr. Solnit was particularly known for his work and writings in the field of child development, psychoanalysis and mental health. His work led him into many consulting positions and roles in education. He held many national posts, including the presidencies of the American Psychoanalytic Association, Association for Child Psychoanalysis, American Academy of Child Psychiatry and the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions.

In 1980, he was elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. An advocate for the health of children, he helped form the National Center for Clinical Infant Programs in Washington, D.C. and for 10 years chaired the advisory council to the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Children and Youth Services.

"Albert Solnit showed a deep affection and concern for children," said President Richard C. Levin. "His great contributions to the Yale Child Study Center on behalf of troubled and disadvantaged children will never be forgotten."

Dr. Solnit authored or edited more than 15 books and wrote more than 200 articles and book chapters. He was best known for his books on child custody and placement issues. Of the 20 editorial boards on which Dr. Solnit served, his most significant contribution was his 20 years as managing editor of "The Psychoanalytic Study of the Child," where his frequent collaborator was the late Anna Freud. The two psychiatrists and the late Joseph Goldstein, a Yale law professor, collaborated on an important series of books on family psychology and the law. One of those books, "Beyond the Best Interest of The Child," served as an influential guide for judges and attorneys in child custody and placement issues. Dr. Solnit also began a link with the Law School, which brought law students to the Child Study Center for part of their training. One of those students in the late 1960s was Senator Hillary Clinton.

Dr. Solnit brought the insights of child psychoanalysis to understanding children with developmental problems and their families, as well as new ways of providing early, effective intervention for children at risk. As Connecticut's commissioner of mental health, he continued this process of applying developmental principles to adults as well.

"Even though he was emeritus professor, he came in every day to the Child Study Center," said Schowalter. "He was here before 6:30 in the morning and would see a couple of patients and then go to his office in Hartford."

According to Alan Kazdin, director of the Yale Child Study Center, "Dr. Solnit was a monumental figure in child psychiatry whose impact was felt at the level of individual children as well as the children of many nations. He deeply touched those who were fortunate enough to have known him."

Born in Los Angeles, California, on
Aug. 26, 1919, Mr. Solnit earned three degrees from the University of California at Berkeley; an undergraduate degree in 1940; a master's in anatomy in 1942; and his medical degree in 1943.

Following a residency in pediatrics and communicable diseases in 1947 and 1948 at the University of California Division of the San Francisco Hospital, Dr. Solnit came to New Haven in 1948 as a resident in general psychiatry and was the first child psychiatry resident from 1950 to 1956. He was appointed instructor in psychiatry and pediatrics at the School of Medicine, and joined the staff of the Child Study Center in 1952. Dr. Solnit became a full professor in 1964 and was named Sterling Professor in 1970. He retired in 1990.

Dr. Solnit is survived by his wife, Martha; three sons: David,of Berkeley, California, Ben, of New Haven, and Aaron, of Bath, New Hampshire; his daughter, Ruth, of Seattle, Washington; his sister, June Solnit Sale, of Los Angeles, California; and seven grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Donald J. Cohen Professor Fund, Yale Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Rd., P.O. Box 207900, New Haven, CT 06520-7900.

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F&ES Dean Speth honored with Blue Planet Prize

Official accolades

Arjun Appadurai joins faculty as the Lanman Jr. Professor

W. Mark Saltzman to teach as Goizueta Foundation Professor

John Mayes II is appointed the director of Yale Procurement


MEDICAL SCHOOL NEWS

Yale SOM survey finds CEOs remain confident in auditors

YSN-affiliated practice offers care for women

Beinecke exhibit features photos of literary notables


OBITUARIES

The World in the City

Witt will coach women's ice hockey team this year

Yale now boasts eight certified HR professionals

Yale Books in Brief

Campus Notes


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