Quench the Fire 5k Race for Pain

In Memory of Lisa Victor, Ph.D.

11 years ago, I recruited Dr. Victor to join me in opening a private Pain Center in Santa Monica. Since then, she has been my partner and friend in almost all aspects of my professional life. She forced me to grow as a doctor and as a person-she did this because she forced herself to grow.

She approached her work and her patients with total dedication and enthusiasm. Her energy was infectious. Sometimes she was so enthused and effervescent that we would literally ask, "Are you taking those vitamins again?", since that was the only explanation for her boundless energy. It was not just energy; it was a joy in her work and in her life that was palpable to everyone.

It was her joy and humor allowed her to function with the intensity that she did. Some of you may understand my reference to a Star Trek show from the 70s-I think it was titled "The Empath." It was about a human-like, female alien that couldn't talk, but could touch someone who was in mental or physical pain, and relieve them of their pain. The price was that she now experienced the pain. On multiple occasions, I commented to Lisa that she was like the Empath. She felt her patients' pains, and she provided relief. But there was one big difference-unlike the alien empath, Dr. V could talk, and in fact she loved to do so. Her energy and intensity bubbled out into her speech-I can't imagine Lisa unable to speak!

I think it was her empathic connection with her patients that led Dr. V. to "poo poo" techniques that were not based on direct interaction with patients. She did not believe in psychological testing. She questioned what it would add to her ability to get to know her patient. The answer is that for many clinicians it might add, but not for Dr. V.

In reality, Lisa Victor was the therapist for all of us. We all consulted with her-not just about our patients, but about our own lives: professional and personal. Although she guided us all, she hated it when I occasionally referred to her as the Pain Center Den Mother--I don't think she liked the potential implication that she was any older than the rest of us.

Jewish philosophy teaches that we are all here for a twofold task or purpose:

to refine ourselves, to make ourselves into better people.
to participate in improving or fixing the world--this can be done in many ways.

Dr. V. was a star in both arenas. She constantly worked on herself. She even shared some of her personal, self-growth struggles with her patients. She did not shy away from sharing herself. She often asked me if she did "x" properly, did she handle something in the best way possible--she was always pushing herself to be the best, to do things right.

No one can deny that she improved the world. She reduced the suffering of hundreds of people. She added to the joy and humor of her patients, colleagues, friends and family. She had many thoughts, wisdoms, and messages that she imparted in her efforts to "improve the world." Two that I would like to mention are:

we really can choose to control ourselves
gratitude.

Regarding the first, she drilled into her patients and her colleagues: I cannot control my circumstances, but I can control my reactions. I often remind myself of this wisdom.

Regarding the second, I'm actually not sure how much she spoke about gratitude in therapy, but she lived it. When she spoke about the hard times in her life, she always commented that she was grateful for the experience, because she learned so much, and because she grew from the experience. She often expressed her gratitude to USC and to our Chair, Dr. Lumb, for providing such a wonderful professional environment-where she was paid to do what she loved. And she grateful to her patients for trusting her with their souls. She even thanked me on multiple occasions for being part of her life.

All of us, her friends, family, colleagues, and patients can still make Lisa happy by making her "world improvements" things that stick. If we incorporate Lisa's messages into our lives--that we do have control over ourselves, and that we have much to be grateful for, and we should express it--then Lisa's valuable legacy will be lasting.

I will start by expressing how grateful I am that Lisa was and is part of my life. She injected joy and humor into my life. She helped me be a better doctor and a better person. I will miss her.

Steven Richeimer, M.D.

Lisa Victor, Ph.D.

3/15/47 - 8/13/09

Lisa Victor, PhD, a highly regarded stress and pain management professional and clinical psychologist, the Director of Pain Management Psychology at the USC Pain Center at the Keck School of Medicine, and an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Anesthesiology and Psychiatry at the USC Medical School, died unexpectedly of natural causes at the age of 62.

She received her BA, MA, and PhD from UCLA where she served as undergraduate Student Body Vice President. Lisa was a frequent lecturer in her area of expertise and wrote numerous articles and chapters for books published in her field.

More importantly, she will be remembered by her family, friends, colleagues, and patients as one of the most giving and compassionate people in their lives. Lisa's positive influence and contagious zest for life will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her sister Dana, the Kassoy family, and the friends who loved her so dearly.

Contact Us