Louis A. Gamino
Scott & White Psychologist
Receives National Award
L
ouis A. Gamino, PhD, ABPP
received the Clinical Practice
Award from the Association for
Death Education and Counseling
(ADEC) in May, during the national
organization’s annual conference in
Montreal. An interdisciplinary association
that includes members of medical and
mental health specialties, ADEC
recognizes individuals whose clinical work
and research further the study of
bereavement, death and dying. The
Clinical Practice Award is given to one
honoree each year, based on criteria that
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THE CATALYST Winter 09
include excellence as demonstrated by
honors, awards and reputation, as well as
contributions to the field and continued
growth in one’s area of clinical practice.
Dr. Gamino was recognized for his
work in treating individuals who are
coping with grief and for his research into
risk factors that complicate bereavement.
He is a Scott & White Healthcare senior
staff psychologist; and associate professor
of psychiatry and behavioral science at
Texas A&M Health Science Center
College of Medicine.
“Why are some people able to manage
grief? If those principles could be
discovered, then perhaps I could employ
them in my own practice with grievers
who are struggling,” says Dr. Gamino.
The loss in 1997 of his newborn son,
Anthony, influences his work specifically
with bereaved parents. It is his
identification with their loss, combined
with a high level of training—Dr. Gamino
is board certified in his field—that sets
him apart from his colleagues, says
Gordon Thornton, PhD, professor
emeritus of psychology, Indiana University
of Pennsylvania. He, along with other
ADEC members, nominated Dr. Gamino
for the award.
Dr. Gamino also directs the Scott &
White Biennial Bereavement Conference,
at which professionals in the grief
community present the latest research
to advance understanding in this area
of psychology. ■