by Veena Vimalananda, M.D.
[November 1995; Vol. 22 No. 5]
William J. Rodavitch, M.D. was born in a coal mining town in Pennsylvania. An only child, clearly a source of great joy and pride to his parents. Bill completed his undergraduate education at Villanova and studied medicine at the University of St. Louis Medical College. He then went to Vietnam, an experience of which he spoke with much emotion. Upon returning to the U.S., he did his residency at the Sheppard & Enoch Pratt Hospital and stayed there for just over 26 years. He passed away on June 11, 1995 after a long illness.
During his years at Sheppard Pratt, Bill made many friends, cared for many adolescents, and was loved and respected by patients, families, and colleagues. Anything that Bill cared about, he cared about deeply and passionately. Bill loved to travel, studying the places for weeks in advance. Before he planted anything (and Bill was an avid gardener) he knew all about the plant and the best spot to plant it. His father’s family is from Lithuania—Bill read extensively about Lithuania and had tapes in Lithuanian that he tried to understand. Bill earned a Bronze Star in Vietnam and Mary Ann, his wife, tells me she has over 600 wonderful slides from his years there. All of this he shared enthusiastically with family and friends. Every individual that he worked with cherishes memories of Bill and his many interests.
Bill read voraciously and the subjects of his interest were many. He studied religions, not only from books but from actually attending worship in different faiths. He was very excited as he learned how to use the computer. He studied different cultures and searched for the meaning and purpose of life for at least the 15 years that I knew him.
As managed care appeared on the scene, Bill was ready to adapt and continue to provide excellent care for all of his patients. Bill was in charge of the Adolescent Short Term Unit since its opening in 1980. He formed strong, gentle, caring relationships with every individual with whom he worked. Patients from years ago remember his sensitivity and commitment to their health and well being. All of this he executed with earnestness and a wonderful sense of humor.
Above all, Bill loved his family. He is survived by his mother, wife Mary Ann, daughter Anne, and son-in-law Tim. It is a tribute to Bill’s relationships that his colleagues were able to “watch” his daughter grow and get married through his loving eyes. Bill will continue to live in the hearts and memories of everyone whose lives he touched. Adolescent psychiatric care at Sheppard Pratt is today richer, gentler, more caring, and respectful of patients because of Bill.
A memorial tree has been planted in Bill’s honor on the grounds of Sheppard Pratt Hospital. We will all miss him.