Article archive / April 1, 2012

Originally published: April 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 14, 15.

(Editors note: After Drs. Joseph Tramontana and Karen Slaton were elected board members of the New Orleans Society of Clinical Hypnosis (Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer, respectively), Dr. Tramontana mentioned to the publisher that New Orleans had one of the oldest hypnosis societies in the United States. She asked him if he would consider reporting on the history of hypnosis in New Orleans and he graciously agreed.)

The website for the NOSCH identifies itself as follows: “New Orleans Society of Clinical Hypnosis, formerly known as The Société du Magnétisme de la Nouvelle-Orléans.” As noted by Tomlinson and Perret (1974; 1975), in their paper titled “Mesmerism in New Orleans, 1845-1861,” the theories of Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815) provided a major area of psychological investigation during the first two-thirds of the Nineteenth Century. Mesmeric sleep, later called hypnotism, gained official medical sanction as a mode of investigation and treatment and gained respectability through the work of Jean-Martin Charcot. A Royal Commission of Inquiry appointed by King Louis XVI in 1784 included members of the Académie des Sciences and the Académie des Sciences. This commission was chaired by the first US Ambassador to France, Benjamin Franklin (thus it was referred to as the Franklin Commission). Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, a French physician who first proposed the use of a device to carry out death penalties, was also a member of this commission. As a side note, Dr. Guillotin did not actually invent the guillotine and was reportedly against the death penalty. The commission rejected Mesmer’s theories. Their conclusion, which seems highly likely, based on current theories, is that the main effects are the result of the power of suggestion. The long history of official opposition to mesmerism lasted until the 1870’s when Charcot introduced hypnotism at the Salpêtrière School in Paris. Charcot, known as the father of modern neurology, was interested in hysteria and hypnotism. His interest, developed at a time when the general public was fascinated in “animal magnetism” and “mesmerization” considered the ability to be hypnotized as a clinical feature of hysteria. For the members of the Salpêtrière School, susceptibility to hypnotism was synonymous with disease, i.e. hysteria, although they later recognized … that grand hypnotisme (in hysterics) should be differentiated from petit hypnotisme, which corresponded to “the hypnosis of ordinary people."

Despite the official rejection of mesmerism, there was an active interest in Europe during the first half of the 18th century, and several groups were organized in the United States. It is believed that individuals in New Orleans interested in Mesmerism met as an informal group in the late 1830’s. The group formalized its structure with the publication of a constitution in 1845. At their weekly meetings, communications reporting activities of other societies in Paris and elsewhere were read and discussed. One or the leaders of the Paris organization wrote in 1850 that “of all the institutions founded in the last few years outside of Paris for the propagation of mesmerism, the one which succeeded best is, without doubt, the Society of Magnetism in New Orleans.” The New Orleans group did not have its own journal, but its activities were reportedly described in the Journal of Magnetisme (Paris).

Gravitz and Gerton (1986) published an article titled “The Société du Magnétisme de la Nouvelle-Orléans: Its Place in the Early History of Hypnosis in America.” A part of their abstract to that paper reads as follows:

“The Société du Magnétisme de la Nouvelle-Orléans was the largest, most active, and most enduring American mesmeric (hypnotic) organization of its day. This important group was officially established in 1845 and was in existence until the time of the Civil War. Virtually nothing is known about this early hypnosis association because its transactions were published in a long-defunct Paris-based French-language periodical.”

The present author contacted the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) national office to get information regarding when NOSCH became an official component section to the national organization. The response was that at an interim meeting of ASCH in March, 1974, it was noted that, “The New Orleans Hypnosis Society applied for component section status – and was approved at the ASCH annual meeting, held in New Orleans, in November, 1974.”

So what happened between the demise of the Mesmerism Society during the Civil War and 1974?

I talked with Dr. Dabney Ewin, current president of NOSCH and former president of the (ASCH). He is a professor of general surgery at Tulane and also a professor in Tulane’s Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, where he teaches clinical hypnosis. Dr. Ewin has long been a leader and top faculty member of ASCH, as well as an author of scholarly books on hypnosis. Having received his MD from Tulane 61 years ago, he seemed like the “perfect historian.” Although he did not remember exact dates, Dr. Ewin remembers that in the early 1970’s, he and three colleagues met in his living room and decided to re-initiate the old organization under the original French name, “The Société du Magnétisme de la Nouvelle-Orléans.” At some point between that meeting and the 1974 annual convention in New Orleans, the group began to expand. When they had enough members, they changed the name to NOSCH and applied for and were granted component section status by ASCH, and they helped to host that New Orleans Convention.

If Dr. Ewin doesn’t know (which he doesn’t) about what happened, if anything, in the hypnosis field in New Orleans between the Civil War and the early ‘70’s, it is highly likely that there was no organized activity. When you think about the history of Mesmerism in the United States, however, where else would it be expected to more likely have become popular than New Orleans? After all, New Orleans was originally a French colony and has always been considered more European than other US cities. It was formerly referred to as “Sin City” when, from 1897 – 1917, the Storyville District flourished (prostitution, brothels, gambling, and speakeasies). Storyville was modeled after similar areas in Germany and in Dutch ports. The city was always thought to be a little “wicked,” and with its history of voodoo, just a little “mysterious.”

It is probably noteworthy that in my work with clients, as well as in my workshop presentations and writings, I spend a lot of time attempting to de-mystify hypnosis and present it as a behavioral technique – certainly not magic, and definitely not evil or “wicked.” Certain religious groups are against hypnosis because of their naïve thinking that hypnotic trance is akin to a “possession trance,” which is absolutely untrue. On the other hand, perhaps a little “mystery” is exciting. The response I often get, especially from my young clinical and athlete clients, after the first hypnotic session is: “That was amazing!”

References: Gravitz, M.A. & Gerton, M.I.(1986).The Société du Magnétisme de la Nouvelle-Orléans: Its place in the early history of hypnosis in America. International Journal of Psychosomatics, 33(4). 11-14. Tomlinson, W.K. & Perret, J.J (1974). Mesmerism in New Orleans, 1845-1861. Presented at the 17th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, New Orleans, 1974. Tomlinson, W.K. & Perret, J.J. (1975). Mesmerism in New Orleans, 1845-1861. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 18(1): 1-5.

Barthet, J. (1847) in J. Magnet (Paris)

Dr. Joseph Tramontana with volunteer at New Orleans Society of Clinical Hypnosis, doing a hypnosis demonstration for “Improving Peak Performance.”

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / April 1, 2012

Originally published: April 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 18.

Dr. Mark Muse, Louisiana medical psychologist and author of the upcoming text, Handbook of Clinical Psycho- pharmacology for Psychologists, now offers The Psychology Times as part of the numerous continuing education offerings on MensanaPublications.com.

MensanaPublications that supports scientist-practitioner approaches for all psychologists, explained Dr. Muse, who is also located in Rockville, Maryland. The training CE programs provide a variety of topics and resources for psychologists in the U.S. and Canada. According to Dr. Muse, the goal of the site is to provided training relevant to a variety of movements in psychology.

MensanaPublications offers one hour of Continuing Education credit for reading and passing a test on the content of the Times, falling under its “Presentations, Newsletters, and Reports” Section. The fee is $4.99. The site also offers one CE for the Carlat Psychiatry Report, for $14.99, along with numerous other CE offerings in reports, books, and even dissertations.

For more information go to http://www.mensanapublications.com

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / April 1, 2012

Originally published: April 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 1, 16.

In a letter dated March 20, 2012, a group of Medicaid psychologists wrote to DHH Medicaid Director, Don Gregory, alerting him to concerns about the role of psychologists in the new Medicaid program. DHH had asked to hear more from psychologists about their concerns after some individuals had contacted officials regarding both quality of care and reimbursement issues.

An unidentified source provided the letter and told the Times that with the change to Magellan, not only are quality of care issues involved but reimbursement rates for therapy had been cut by 25 percent, and by 42 percent for psychological assessment.

In the March 20 letter by 25 psychologists, nine major issues were outlined. These were: “Doctoral-level psychologists provide a depth and breadth of services that cannot be provided for by Masters level clinicians

“Psychologists are the only behavioral health providers who are trained and qualified to conduct psychological evaluations independently “Psychological evaluations are often required to provide particular diagnoses, to differentially diagnose, and to assist in determining a proper course of treatment “Limiting or denying psychological testing compromises psychologists' standard of care

“Psychological services will no longer be available or accessible to many clients (who are not already within the systems involved in the Coordinated System of Care – CSoC) “Current reimbursement rates with the Magellan contract make it financially unfeasible to continue providing the same level of care

“The significant reduction in the fee for psychological testing, as well as the level of difficulty in getting approval for testing, would indicate that psychological testing is being discouraged by Magellan. This lowers overall quality of care and may end up costing the state more due to misdiagnosis and imprecise application of care

“The Magellan fee schedule was given to psychologists two weeks prior to the transition, which did not provide psychologists sufficient time to prepare for the gross reduction in reimbursement

“The ‘Making Medicaid Better’ website indicated that reimbursement rates would remain unchanged for a year after the transition.”

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / April 1, 2012

Originally published: April 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 1, 3.

A bill supported by the Louisiana Psychological Association to allow psychologists and nurse practitioners to commit children who are a danger to self or others was heard in the House Health & Welfare Committee last week, March 28, 2012. Dr. Phillip Griffin testified in favor of the measure, representing the Louisiana Psychological Association.

The bill is authored by Representative Thomas Willmont and would amend the Children’s Code Articles regarding emergency certificate admission. The proposed law “adds authorization for a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner or psychologist to execute an emergency certificate” after examination and finding that a person is a danger to self or others. According to testimony, the law already allows for adults, but the Children’s Code is silent on this issue, explained LPA attorney Kevin Hayes.

LPA President Dr. Phillip Griffin spoke regarding the need for qualified practitioners to give the best opportunity for the most accurate diagnosis when the determination must be made as to whether a child is a danger to self or others.

He said, “The ability– the authority–to commit a patient is also the authority to not commit a patient. It is a very serious clinical endeavor.” He described his work with physicians and pediatricians and remarked that most do not want to get involved with this issue.

Discussion including matters of the child carrying a lifetime diagnosis, and Dr. Griffin explained that no child or adult could be admitted to a hospital without a diagnosis. He explained that the diagnosis being made by the right person is better for the public and the individual.

The Louisiana Consumer Health Coalition and the Louisiana State Nurses Association noted they were in favor of the bill.

Dr. James Taylor, Jr., from the Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians, spoke in opposition, pointing out that commitment is “The second most powerful authority the government gives someone.” And he said, “Committing and admitting someone are not the same thing.”

He noted that there is always an emergency room physician available and they are well qualified. Additionally, he stated, “There are approximately 50 some odd medical psychiatrists licensed under the board of medical examiners, which is the body …” He then corrected himself saying “medical psychologists” but did not to explain this point any further.

Questions were asked about the qualifications of nurse practitioners.

The bill passed favorably out of the Committee.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / April 1, 2012

Originally published: April 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 1, 17, 18.

The Convention and Annual meeting of the Louisiana Psychological Association will be held this month in Baton Rouge, from April 19 to 21, at the Renaissance Hotel. Featured speakers include Dr. Bryan Carter, Dr. Suzanne Chabaud, Dr. Dan Egli and topics of child/adolescent therapy, adult children of hoarders, and psycho- pharmacology. LPA will host its Annual Convention at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge in April from the 19th to the 21st.

Featured speakers include Suzanne Chabaud, PhD, A&E television expert on Hoarders, from New Orleans. She is Director of the OCD Institute of Greater New Orleans. She will present a three-hour presentation on Thursday morning called “Out of the Hoard.” The program points out that “Hoarding Disorder is made real through the voices of hundreds of adult-children of hoarders who participated in extensive research about their lives in hoarded homes. Results reveal effects of hoarding on every aspect of family life and children’s development, effects that endure. As adults, these children are challenged by integrating into a world without hoarding. … Increased collaborative research, education, outreach, and intervention on behalf of millions of children suffering in hoarded homes is needed to address the long neglected public concern of hoarding and the children it affects.”

The conference also features speaker Dr. Bryan Carter, PhD, who is Professor of Child, Adolescent & Family Psychiatry at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He is Project Director for CHIRP (Children’s Health & Illness Program; a manualized treatment for children with chronic painful and fatiguing illnesses), and Project Director for Coping Cart and Mini-Coper (a mobile multi-media unit for facilitating coping and adherence in medically hospitalized children and children with chronic health conditions). He will present on Friday morning, the “ABCs of CBT for Kids.”

Dan Egli, PhD, a third featured speaker and popular presenter at LPA, will offer a full day of trainig on Friday. The program notes that Dr. Egli is “currently focused on psychopharmacology education & consultation, primarily providing pharmacologic insights to physicians, agencies,” and speaking as an expert in the practical application of psychotropics. Dr. Egli published, presented, and was instrumental in guiding the American Psychological Association process regarding prescriptive privilege.

Also on Friday, and for the first time, the Convention Committee will offer the “1st Annual Symposium for Students and Early Career Psychologists: Students, Get to Know Professional Psychologists in Louisiana and What They Really Do.”

Among a host of presentations, other presenters include Tony Young, PhD, who will present “DSM-5 Personality Disorders: The Identity Crisis,” on Thursday morning.

Also, Cameron Melville, PhD, will present “ Applied Behavior Analysis: Not Your Grandmother’s Behavior Modification,” on Thursday afternoon.

“A Mindfulness & Meditation Workshop” will be presented by Thay Dao Quang, MEd, John W. Pickering, PhD, & David T. Weibel, PhD, on Saturday morning.

For more information and registration contact LPA at 225-766-0112 or online at www.louisianapsychologist.org.

Dr. Suzanne Chabaud (L) is a featured speaker at this year’s LPA Annual Convention and Meeting April 19-21 in BR. LPA President Dr. Phillip Griffin with Dr. Dan Egli at the 2011 Convention. Dr. Egli is a popular presenter at the conference.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / April 1, 2012

Originally published: April 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 2.

“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” – Nelson Mandela In a lucky turn of events my major professor at LSU, Don Glad, sent me to Art Riopelle to discuss options for my thesis research. Dr. Riopelle talked with me a while and we discovered together that I wanted to live in Pensacola for the summer (so I could be near my future husband), but also to complete a thesis research project and hopefully develop some solid research skills.

From the perspective of a new, green doctoral student, Dr. Art Riopelle seemed to know just about everyone and everything, knowledge he was readily willing to apply to my problem. To help me with my two conditions, Art immediately conjured a perfect solution and sent me off to speak with his friend and colleague, Dr. Fred Guidry.

Dr. Guidry headed up a section of aerospace research at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola and had made a career of investigating spatial orientation, vestibular function, and the effects of motion on the inner ear. In other words, he spun all sorts of people and animals around until they were dizzy and then tried to make sure pilots didn’t overcorrect and hurt themselves.

Dr. Guidry had one of the coolest laboratories, something right out of Star Wars. The lab had been put together during the ramp-up to space exploration, and so for me it was perfect. Art had spun monkeys around, Fred spun astronauts, and I had the honor of spinning Naval Air Cadets. It was a wonderful project on the “Anti- somatogyral illusion.” And as in all things, I didn’t know exactly how lucky I had been until much later. (The only drawback was that Fred discovered I had “… the nystagmus of a rhesus monkey,” which Art found quite funny, and which meant that whenever there was a new pilot study I was first in line.)

In this April issue of the Times I have had the great honor of chronicling aspects of Dr. Arthur Riopelle’s career. In this process I have found myself wondering about what characteristics made it possible for him to become a truly great psychologist, to contribute so much and for so long, and helping so many, including orphaned baby gorillas, and gaining the lasting respect of students, friends, and colleagues.

Dr. Art Riopelle was magical at putting ideas and people and goals together so that everyone benefitted, applying his intelligence and creativity and wisdom. He held fast to what psychology means, both the science and the integrity in its application, reflected in Tom Stigall’s comment, “He had the perspective of psychology as a discipline, in the broadest sense.”

Art seemed to have a true understanding of the relative importance of things, in our discipline and also in life. Maybe more simply, Dr. Arthur Riopelle had a good head and a good heart.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / April 1, 2012

Originally published: April 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 3.

The bill that could address the psychology board’s Sunset problems, SB 87, has been assigned to the Senate Health & Welfare Committee. It does not appear on the calendar which includes hearings for early April.

According to the bill’s digest, SB 87 “provides for the general re-creation of DHH and its statutory entities effective June 30, 2012, for a four-year period, in accordance with the ‘Sunset’ law.” It “Supersedes the provisions of the ‘Sunset’ law which sets out the procedures for review and re-creation and which require a separate bill to re-create each statutory entity within the department along with additional provisions.” It “Makes July 1, 2017, the new termination date and provides that such termination would begin July 1, 2016, unless the department is again re- created.”

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / April 1, 2012

Originally published: April 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 4.

Senate Bill 185 proposes to establish the licensure of behavioral analysts and place the practice of Applied Behavior Analysts under the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. The bill has been assigned to Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs.

SB 185 creates a “Licensed Behavior Analyst Committee” that would review and recommend action on applications for licensure or re-licensure and education, training, professional codes, and other matters. The committee would consist of two certified and licensed behavior analysts and one licensed psychologist. The behavior analyst members of the committee would be appointed by the Louisiana Association for Behavior Analysis.

At their council meeting on March 3, the LPA officers voted to support the regulation of Applied Behavior Analysts by the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.

Requirements for the license would include a PhD or masters degree and supervisory experience in applied behavior analysis, including a national exam and a jurisprudence exam. The practice of applied behavior analysis will exclude psychological testing, neuropsychology, and diagnosis of mental disorders, among other subjects.

Petitions are open on the internet for both those supporting and those opposing the bill. On March 16, the psychology board’s Executive Director sent a memo to psychologists asking for support and clarifying issues The memo noted that the bill would result in more efficient reimbursement from third party payers fand also benefit Applied Behavior Analysts by establishing the title and practice. In the memo the author also described how the bill would increase the numbers of behavior analysts by attracting more people to the field. The authors of the LSBEP memo asked psychologists to support the bill and sign the on-line petition.

According to the memo, the online petitions to support or oppose the bill are: http://www.change.org/petitio ns/vote-to-support-la-sb-185.

The petition to oppose is: http://www.change.org/petitio ns/the-la-state-senate-vote- to-oppose-sb-185

As of publication only 74 had signed the petition to support but about 1,500 had signed to oppose.

Above: The psychology board members at the LPA Annual Convention in 2011. The board members will be available at the upcoming LPA Convention on Thursday, April 19 at 5:00 pm, to be held at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge. Board members will discuss activities of the board during the past year. (L to R: Kelly Parker, Jaime Monic, Drs. Rita Culross, Lee Matthews, and Tony Young.)

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / April 1, 2012

Originally published: April 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 4.

Dr. Charles Robertson, Assistant Professor of Psychology at McNeese State University, and licensed psychologist practicing clinical and neuropsychology in Lake Charles, passed away on March 9, 2012.

He was affiliated with the Louisiana Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Louisiana Department of Mental Health, and served as supervisor for the McNeese Autism Program among other contributions. An obituary is to follow.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / April 1, 2012

Originally published: April 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 5.

In a press release on January 26, Governor Jindal announced Dr. Aaron Armelie’s reappointment to the HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C Commission. Dr. Armelie, of New Orleans, is a health science specialist at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System, said the announcement.

Dr. Armelie will be reappointed as the representative from the Louisiana Psychological Association, as required by the statute.

The HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C Commission serves as an advisory body to the governor and the Department of Health and Hospitals on AIDS, HIV and Hepatitis C related matters.

The commission is responsible for coordinating forums on AIDS, HIV and Hepatitis C related matters among state agencies, local government, and other nongovernmental groups. The commission researches and reviews all state regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures relative to the prevention, treatment and care of HIV infection, AIDS, and Hepatitis C and, when appropriate, makes recommendations to the governor, the secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals, and the legislature.

Dr. Aaron Armelie, presented “Ethical Issues: HIV/AIDS Mental Health Services” at last year’s LPA Convention. Dr. Armelie was recently reappointed by the Governor to the HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C Commission.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / April 1, 2012

Originally published: April 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 6.

From the Minut es: Selected Items From LSBEP Minutes, February 3, 2012

Oral Examination Committee: The Board discussed updates to the case vignettes, the updates are assigned to the following members: Zimmerman- Clinical, Counseling and Industrial/Organizational; Young – Clinical; Culross- Developmental and School; Matthews-Ethics; and Courtney- Clinical Neuropsychology. Liaison to Professional Organizations and Boards: Ms. Parker presented information to the Board regarding the ASPPB 27th Midyear Meeting in New Orleans, April 12-15, 2012. Ms. Parker reported that the entire board was invited to attend the ASPPB Open Board of Directors Meeting on April 12, 2012. Title 37 Revisions: The Board discussed the revisions and moved to keep working on the items.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / April 1, 2012

Originally published: April 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 6.

Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychologists (LAMP) will hold its spring workshop April 19 to 21, at the Marriott Hotel in Baton Rouge, according to sources.

The Times asked the current LAMP president, Dr. Cathy Castille, for information regarding speakers and presentations. Dr. Castille emailed back saying, “LAMP has no interest in having anything published by you.”

Additional attempts to get information about the speakers and presentations were unsuccessful. The Times asked Dr. Darla Burnett, recent candidate for the psychology board appointment, who referred the publisher back to the LAMP president. The publisher explained to Burnett that Castille had declined. A second request to Burnett for information was ignored.

The Times asked two other LAMP members for the information, who lead in LPA, but was again told to contact LAMP officials. The publisher’s further attempts for information were ignored.

Undisclosed sources noted to the Times that the agenda for LAMP activities is confidential and restricted to dues paying members.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / April 1, 2012

Originally published: April 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 7.

As a follow-up to your telephone conversation with Janet Pippin, I would like to share my thoughts on supervision issues facing psychologists supervised by Medical Psychologists in Louisiana.

Since most licensing laws in the United States require psychological interns and post-doctoral residents to be supervised by licensed psychologists, it is unclear how psychology licensing boards will recognize supervision hours provided by Medical Psychologists if they are only licensed by the medical board. As the Louisiana law states, the Medical Psychologist is still considered a psychologist. However, when the licensure information for a Medical Psychologist serving as a supervisor of a psychology intern or resident is provided to another state, psychology licensing boards in those other states are going to be faced with a dilemma in that the license will be issued by a medical board, not a psychology board. Therefore the supervisor is not under the authority of a psychology licensing board.

The net effect for the interns or residents receiving such supervision is a situation where they cannot be assured that a psychology licensing board will accept those hours of supervised experience to qualify them for licensure. Some boards may be open to recognizing Medical Psychologists as the licensed psychologists they are in Louisiana. But I am concerned that any number of boards may not recognize psychologists licensed by a medical board as licensed psychologists regardless of the law in Louisiana.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / April 1, 2012

Originally published: April 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 8, 9, 10, 11.

Dr. Arthur J. Riopelle blended his love of experimental psychology with his natural gift for excellence into a career of profound contributions spanning over 60 years.

Represented by more than 150 articles, books and book chapters, Dr. Riopelle achieved international respect for his work in learning, primate behavior, and nutrition. As director of the Psychology Division of the US Army Medical Research Laboratory, he helped to send monkeys safely into space and pave the way for human space exploration. He was at the crest of a wave of behavioral science and primatology through the 60s and 70s, including serving as the first Director of the Delta Regional Primate Center in Covington, Louisiana. His work with National Geographic Society Committee for Research and Exploration brought him into contact with the first-ever discovered albino gorilla, and cast him into the international media spotlight.

When the Regional Primate Center shifted away from behavioral science, Art moved to LSU Psychology in 1972 and put his mind to research about nutrition, findings that still have implications today. At LSU he brought his far- reaching, philosophical perspective and scientific rigor to a generation of doctoral students who were fortunate enough to cross his path. He was awarded the university’s highest honor of Boyd Professor, for outstanding contributions in research, teaching, and creative achievements.

From his very first publication in 1948 for Psychometrika to his last in 2005, and one of single authorship in 2003, “Functional anatomy of the null hypothesis and of tests of it,” his efforts and publications on behalf of psychological science spanned nearly six decades. At the same time, he was involved in his community as a licensed psychologist, a dedicated family man, an amateur violinist, a published photographer, and a supporter of the arts.

At times a career with spectacular attention, Art Riopelle was at his core a philosopher-scientist. A man of strong confidence, he remained unencumbered by hubris or false sentiment. Those who knew him understood him as a sincere, respectful individual with deep and unshakeable integrity, who loved what he did, and brought his kindness and brilliance to colleagues, friends and students.

Baton Rouge clinical psychologist Dr. Susan Jensen served with Art on the Louisiana Board of Examiners. “He was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever met,” she told the Times, “the most genteel human being.” Sue’s tenure on the board overlapped with Art’s and she also knew him from LSU where she directed student health services. “He had that wonderful combination,” she said, “of being an outstanding scientist, and a truly fine gentleman. He was also an artist, with an artist’s sensibilities. I considered it a great privilege to serve on the board with him.”

He was major professor to Dr. Renee Favret, who commented on his great “generosity in time and guidance” to his students. “This is difficult for me,” she said, “because words are inadequate to express the respect I have for Dr. Arthur Riopelle as a researcher, mentor and as a man. He was working on a study of nutrition in undeveloped countries under a World Health Organization grant when I worked with him as a research assistant. LSU was very fortunate to have had a professor of his abilities, knowledge and self- discipline, who also cared so much for his students.”

Dr. Tom Stigall also served with Art on the psychology board. “He was a man of integrity who brought a fair, balanced presence to the board,” said Tom. “He had the perspective of psychology as a discipline, in the broadest sense.” Tom knew Art from the community and had overlapping terms on the psychology board. “He was a very gracious man, a special person.”

Ernest Delaune, his business manager at the Delta Primate Center told the Times, “He was one of the best, a truly good guy.” Authur J. Riopelle’s career began after his service in the U.S. Army. At the end of the War, he returned to his native Wisconsin and then earned his PhD in experimental psychology from University of Wisconsin. He took an academic position at Emory University and for the next seven years he would prove himself to be an insightful scientist and prolific researcher. He published a wealth and variety of research including, “The distribution of scotopic sensitivity in human vision,” in Am. J. of Psychology, “Discrimination reversal to a sign,” in J. of Experimental Psychology, “Rewards, preferences and learning sets,” in Psychological Reports. He served on the Panel on Air Force Training for NAS-NRC (National Academy of Science– National Research Council) Committee on Aviation Psychology. He was named Director of the Psychology Division for the U.S. Army Medical Research Laboratory (USAMRL) in 1957, where he continued to produce a wealth of studies in experimental and comparative areas. He served on the Primate Research Study Section of the National Advisory Committee (NAC) from 1959 to 1963.

In 1959 he was named Director of the Yerkes Laboratories of Primate Biology at Emory University, and produced many works, including “Observational learning in the rhesus monkey,” in the J. of Comparative Physiological Psychology,” “Stimulus and reward displays in discrimination learning,” with Harry Harlow, in J. of Genetic Psychology, and “Complex Behavior,” a chapter in Principles of Comparative Psychology,

In 1960 Art served on the NIH Study Group on Primate Research in the Congo and in 1962 he was chosen as the first Director of the Delta Regional Primate Research Center in Covington, Louisiana, now called the Tulane National Primate Research Center.

Art led the development of the Delta Center for almost a decade, helping to direct the work at almost every level. Ernie Delaune, business manager for the start-up of the Center told the Times, “Dr. Riopelle was heavily involved with the architects in the design of the campus. He did a superb job as usual,” said Ernie. During these years, Art Riopelle’s involvement in the national and international science community was dramatic. He served on the NAS-NRC Fellowship Committee for five years and as Chairman of the United States–Japan Conference on Primate Research. He served on the Executive Committee on Laboratory Animal Resources and from 1961 to 1963 he served on the National Research Council (NRC) Sub- Committee for the Biological Effects of Atomic Radiation.

He was Chairman of the Sub- Committee on Primate Standards, Institute for Laboratory Animal Research, and from 1967 to 1971 he served in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Conference on New World Primates Wild Animal Propagation Trust. He was Secretary for the Western Hemisphere, International Primatological Society.

In 1966-67 he was part of the field studies of gorillas in Rio Muni, West Africa, through National Geographic Society’s Committee for Research and Exploration.

His work included “Growth and behavioral changes in chimpanzees,” “Behavior of chimpanzees of differing ages,” and “Temporal factors in pattern discrimination by monkeys.” He contributed book chapters to Research with Primates in 1963 and Behavior of Nonhuman Primates, with H. Harlow, in 1965. Art authored Comparative Psychology, with W. A. Mason, in 1964, and Animal Problem Solving in 1967. He would eventually write the expert articles for Encyclopedia Americana, Academic American Encyclopedia, Wiley Encyclopedia of Psychology, and Grolier Encyclopedia, for topics from, “Animal Intelligence,” “Tool Using,” and “Instinct,” to “The Chimpanzee,” and “The Gorilla.”

He served as Assistant Editor for Animal Behavior, as Consulting Editor for the Journal of Genetic Psychology, and later as Executive Editor for the Journal of Psychology and as Associate Editor for Genetic, Social, and General Psychology Monographs.

In a confluence of events he was placed in the international spotlight when the plight of a snow-white baby gorilla captured the attention of the world.

When a baby albino gorilla was found clinging to its dead mother in the province of Rio Muni in Equatorial Guinea, Professor Sabater Pi called Dr. Riopelle, who had been a collaborator with Sabater in the National Geographic field studies of gorillas in Rio Muni, West Africa. Riopelle informed the National Geographic Society and they sent him and Paul Zahl to study the baby.

In March 1967 Riopelle and Zahl authored the National Geographic Magazine article, “Snowflake, the world’s first white gorilla” the most reprinted story in National Geographic’s history. The name stuck and the gorilla became internationally famous. And a few years later Riopelle authored “Growing up with Snowflake,” for National Geographic Magazine, in a 1970 issue.

Ernest Delaune explained that Riopelle had taken photographs of Snowflake for one of the articles, “ … with his treasured Bronica large format camera,” Ernie said. “This appeared to be the crowning achievement of his career. He would beam any time those photos were mentioned.” In 1972 Dr. Riopelle made a decision to leave the Primate Center, which was shifting from behavioral science to infectious disease research, and join the graduate psychology faculty at LSU. He brought his research focus on nutrition producing a flood of studies, including “Acceptance and palatability of foods by protein-deprived monkeys,” with Nancy Hillman, in Psychological Reports, “Maternal protein deprivation and toxemia of pregnancy,” in Am. J. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Discrimination by rhesus monkeys to diets containing supplemental amino acids,” in Perceptual Motor Skills, “Prenatal manganese deprivation and early behavior of primates,” in J. of Orthomolecular Psychiatry, and “Protein deprivation in primates: XIII. Growth of infants born of deprived mothers,” with Renee Favret, in Human Biology, and “Protein deprivation in primates: VIII. Early behavior of progeny,” with Penny Hale and C.W. Hill, in Developmental Psych- obiology. And in 1977 he was named Boyd Professor, the highest distinction of the university.

He was loved and cherished by his students, who found him a wealth of wisdom and perspective. “He had a wonderful sense of humor. His jokes are legend,” noted Dr. Renee Favret. Dr. Alicia Pellegrin attributes her career path to his course in the neurology of behavior. “I never had grandparents, but I’d want a grandfather just like him,” she said.

He continued his contributions in several areas. He served on the NRC Panel of Manganese, Committee on Biological Effects of Pollution, and on the Psychopharmacology Research Committee. In the late 70s he was Chairman, Sub-committee on Man, Lunar Receiving Laboratory Study and American Institute of Biological Sciences – National Aeronautics and Space Administration (AIBS– NASA).

His professional and community involvement was extensive. He was a licensed psychologist and served a term on the state licensing board. He was a member of American Psychological Association, American Psychological Society, and the Southeastern Psychological Society. He was also a member of the American Physiological Society, the International Primatological Society, and the Southern Society for Philosophy and Psychology. And he was a Fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

In the last years he stayed involved in theoretical issues in the field. He coauthored “On confidence intervals for within-subjects designs,” with Dr. Dave Blouin, LSU Experimental Statistics, in Psychological Methods, 2005. He also co-authored a number of publications with his son Dr. James Riopelle, a physician at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.

He authored “Functional anatomy of the null hypothesis and of tests of it,” in the J. of General Psychology in 2003, which followed “Are effect sizes and confidence levels problems for or solutions to the null hypothesis test?” He coauthored “The difference between t and z and the difference it makes,” at age 84. “He was a Renaissance man of enormous integrity and passion, selfless in many ways,” said his daughter, psychologist Dr. Jean Riopelle Guez. “He held science to a very high level.”

Dr. Arthur Riopelle passed away on February 11, 2012 at Jean’s home in Houston. He was 91.

[The Times wishes to thank Ms. Ashley Parada, National Geographic Image Department, for her gracious help with the Dr. Riopelle’s photo of Snowflake, and also National Geographic Society for permission to reproduce the image. The Times also appreciates those helping with this tribute, Mr. Ernest Delaune, and especially family members Dr. James Riopelle and Dr. Jean Riopelle Guez.]

Dr. Art Riopelle, with rhesus monkey. Dr. Riopelle was the first Director of the Delta Regional Primate Center, now the Tulane National Primate Center. Dr. Art Riopelle and Snowflake in a clipping from the State-Times in Baton Rouge. Dr. Art Riopelle, Boyd Professor. (Courtesy Dr. Jean Riopelle Guez.) Not too long ago: Dr. Riopelle at one of his favorite places on earth, Navarre Beach. (Courtesy Dr. Jean Riopelle Guez.)

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / March 1, 2012

Originally published: March 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 7. Source pages: 1, 5.

The Medical Psychology Advisory Committee (MPAC) a group that makes recommendations to the state medical board regarding the practice of medical psychology, met on February 23, 2012 at the Neuromedical Center in Baton Rouge. Dr. Jim Quillin, President, Dr. Warren Lowe, and Dr. Glenn Ally attended, as well as Dr. Robert Marier, Executive Director of the state medical board.

At this meeting the group discussed the “Health Professional Monitoring Program.” This program, based in R.S. 37:1281.2, involves or will involve the “identification, monitoring, assistance, and procurement of treatment of medical psychologists, physicians assistants and podiatrists suffering from substance abuse, chemical dependency, psychiatric conditions …” and other conditions that could interfere with their ability to practice safely. Discussion materials included that R.S. 37:1287 shall be equally applicable to corporations and organizations where a person is serving as director or other positions, if involved in an agreement with the board.

The group also informally discussed matters in the upcoming legislative session having to do with counselors’ proposed changes in Act 320 and what it might mean to

medical psychology and psychology.

Minutes from the August 18, 2011 meeting included the topic of supervision of psychology trainees which is related to the psychology board Opinion #012. “The LSBEP, after further review and discussions, have reversed their previous opinion and have issued an opinion that Medical Psychologist can provide supervision to those seeking psychology licensure.” Also, the group discussed the LPC emergency rule.

At the January 24, 2011 MPAC meeting, the group also discussed supervision of psychology trainees, according to the minutes. They noted, “negotiations will continue

with LSBEP regarding this matter.”

Also discussed at this January 2011 meeting was the LPC scope of practice. “The Committee discussed the issue regarding LPCs attempting to expand their scope of practice. Potential suggestions for resolution to this issue were considered. Dual licensure or a tiered licensure was considered as a possible solution, but it was emphasized that this should not be the only option. Negotiations with the Committee appointed by the Senate Resolution continue. Dr. Marier is a member of that Senate appointed Committee.”

The group also reviewed the LPC posting about child custody evaluations, noting concern.

Dr. Jim Quillin (R) at the February 23 meeting of the Medical Psychology Advisory Committee meeting in Baton Rouge. (Dr. Warren Lowe, foreground.)

Dr. Robert Marier, Executive Director of the state medical board, explains the “Health Monitoring Program” to members of the Medical Psychology Advisory Committee.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.