Many thanks to Gerald Siegel for his "reminiscence" of Robert West (The ASHA Leader, July 15, 2008).
I had the good fortune of studying with West during his last year at the University of Wisconsin and then working under his direction at Brooklyn College. Since diagnostic "tests" for speech/language disorders were not as yet readily available, West’s diagnostic acumen was especially valuable. His words and behaviors in examining children live with me still, as I supervise clinicians in a special education school. I marvel still at his incisiveness, and I find myself questioning some test results in favor of observation (à la West).
My good fortune continued as I was hired at Beth Israel and then Coler hospitals, where West was consultant.
In Madison, I might often be in the clinic after others had left. I recall clearly when one day West came back up the stairs to say to me, "Tell me about Brooklyn College..." (although he knew very well that my undergrad work was with Eisenson, at Queens!) "...tell me what it’s like there."
And he was a friendly guy. Having been entertained by the Wests in Madison several times, I decided to have a picnic at my home in Queens, where I still lived with my parents. After distributing invitations, I worried how my parents would get along with my "mentor." Of course, West and my father became great friends!
Thanks again to Gerald Siegel, for his reminiscences—and for mine.
Annette Zaner
Newark, New Jersey
azaner@nyc.rr.com