02/06/2014
Howard Sokolov, MD, will be forever remembered
It is with great sadness we share the news of the passing of Howard Sokolov, MD, on Tuesday, Feb. 4, following a long and challenging illness. Dr. Sokolov was a George T. Harding III, MD Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and beloved psychiatrist, teacher, mentor, and friend to so many.
Dr. Sokolov completed his undergraduate degree at Columbia University and his medical degree at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, followed by residency training at the University of Cincinnati and certification in psychoanalysis at the Cincinnati Psychoanalytic Institute.
An outstanding forensic psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and teacher, he was the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including Best Doctors in America, outstanding faculty and teacher awards in the Department of Psychiatry and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and the Ohio Forensic Award from the Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH). Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Sokolov served in many influential and important roles prior to being named as the George T. Harding III MD Chair, including Commissioner of Mental Health and Forensic Services, Assistant Medical Director for Forensic Services, and Acting Medical Director at ODMH, Director of the Netcare Forensic Psychiatry Center, and Medical Director of Harding Hospital.
Dr. Sokolov served as president of the Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Association from 1989-1990. And, continued to serve in a variety of positions to benefit organized psychiatry, including most recently as a vital and contributing member of the Government Relations Committee.
Dr. Sokolov was always willing to share his time, wisdom, advice and counsel. He earned the respect of an entire community, including several generations of clinicians whose lives and work were better for knowing him.
Our sincere condolences go out to his family, loved ones and to the many people whose lives he touched.