This is a response to a previous posting that contained a comment related to the death of a faculty member at SOMA. Earlier this year SOMA did suffer the tragic loss of a talented faculty member. This loss has greatly affected both students and faculty at the school. As is the case many of us grieve and respond to the death of a colleague and friend in various ways. This death occurred relatively close to the beginning of a course they had developed and taught each year. Anyone who knew this individual would understand how passionate this person was about the clinical material they presented in the course they directed.
These matters are very sensitive and people handle these situations in various ways. While we cannot speak to the reactions that prompted this particular post, we would like to correct some erroneous statements that were contained within it. There was a statement that the faculty member in question committed suicide. We do not believe there has ever been an official statement from authorities that claimed this death was a result of suicide. Secondly, the posting stated that recordings were used and that this was done in disregard to the student's feelings. At the beginning of the course the current course director indicated to students that as a tribute to the legacy of the deceased colleague material from her area of specialty would be used. Only one recording was used from this individual in the conduct of this course. This was perhaps a means of closure from one colleague who had to step in and pick up where another was not able, and to recognize her contribution in bringing life to the course originally, to the material she was most passionate about.
While not everyone may have chosen to take the same course of action in recognition of a colleague or friend, no one should interpret this as being done in disregard to the feelings of others. We would ask that all of us who lost this friend, mentor and valued colleague remember her contributions to the education of all of our students.
SOMA Administration
