In Memoriam: Elaine Crovitz, 1936-2024

Elaine Crovitz, associate professor emertia in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University, passed away on February 29. She was 87 years old.

Dr. Crovitz first joined the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University in 1975. In addition to her teaching appointment, she saw patients at the Duke University Medical Center and the Durham Veteran’s Administration Health System. She also taught psychology courses at North Carolina Central University. She retired from Duke University as a tenured associate professor in 1998 and then served as a substitute teacher in Orange County, North Carolina.

Outside of her position with Duke University, Dr. Crovitz served as a site visitor for the American Psychological Association. In the 1970s, she counseled patients and conducted early research on transgender operations. Following the aftermath of 9/11, Dr. Crovitz spent several months working for the American Red Cross in Manhattan where she provided psychological support to essential workers. She is the author of two books: Courage Knows No Sex (Christopher Publishing House, 1978) and Premedicated Murder (Xlibris, 2000).

Dr. Crovitz graduated from Brooklyn College with her bachelor’s degree at the age of 19. She went on to earn her master’s degree and Ph.D. in psychology from Duke University.