Doorbar

Jamaica's psychology arena has lost a great mother in Dr. Ruth Doorbar.

The clinical psychologist, who migrated from the United States to Jamaica about 34 years ago, died on Monday at home in Linstead, St. Catherine.

Dr. Doorbar was 84 years old.

Although the cause of death was unclear yesterday, it is said that Dr. Doorbar recently had hip replacement surgery.

Dr. Doorbar spent 20 years as a clinical psychologist in New York before she came to Jamaica in 1973.

For more than two decades she worked as a mental health consultant with the Ministry of Health. She also operated a private practice at Oxford Medical Centre on Old Hope Road, St. Andrew.

Dr. Charles Carr, who took over Dr. Doorbar's practice when she retired last July, described her as one of the nicest persons and psychologists one could ever have known.

"She was a very good psychologist, able to listen to people really well. She did an excellent job of diagnosis, was very competent and knew what she was doing," said Dr. Carr.

Academic journals

Dr. Doorbar contributed to academic journals and was the host of a radio programme.

Her published work includes, 'The First 300 Sex Offenders', 'Sexual Behaviour in Males', with Ralph Brancale and Albert Ellis, and a paper and book, Sexual Behaviour in Females.

Dr. Doorbar was also a recognised concert pianist, having studied at the JuilliardSchool of Music in New York.