Retired Sanibel physician LeClair Bissell,
an internationally known and much-published expert on addiction,
died August. 20. She was 80. An outspoken champion of women's rights, the Democratic Party and more, Bissell's
professional recognition included the American Society of Addiction Medicine Award in 2000 and the Elizabeth
Blackwell Award for outstanding contributions to the cause of women and medicine in 1997. Last year, she was
honored by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women for her life's work.
Steve Mullins, a fellow physician and internist who became friends with her years ago on Sanibel, said he's heard
from dozens of doctors worldwide who learned of her death "with real sorrow and shock," Mullins wrote in an
e-mail. "She was an internationally known leader in this field. She was a pioneer for the humane management of
alcoholism and drug addiction... (and) was deeply loved by many medical personnel whom she helped overcome
addictions over the years," Mullins wrote. "No one could have been more honest, straightforward, and sincere
than LeClair."
Darla Letourneau of Sanibel is one of many friends who'll miss Bissell. "She had the most eclectic set of passions
imaginable," she said. "It was such an eye opener to see someone with so many layers of interests and
experiences."
died August. 20. She was 80. An outspoken champion of women's rights, the Democratic Party and more, Bissell's
professional recognition included the American Society of Addiction Medicine Award in 2000 and the Elizabeth
Blackwell Award for outstanding contributions to the cause of women and medicine in 1997. Last year, she was
honored by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women for her life's work.
Steve Mullins, a fellow physician and internist who became friends with her years ago on Sanibel, said he's heard
from dozens of doctors worldwide who learned of her death "with real sorrow and shock," Mullins wrote in an
e-mail. "She was an internationally known leader in this field. She was a pioneer for the humane management of
alcoholism and drug addiction... (and) was deeply loved by many medical personnel whom she helped overcome
addictions over the years," Mullins wrote. "No one could have been more honest, straightforward, and sincere
than LeClair."
Darla Letourneau of Sanibel is one of many friends who'll miss Bissell. "She had the most eclectic set of passions
imaginable," she said. "It was such an eye opener to see someone with so many layers of interests and
experiences."
By AMY BENNETT WILLIAMS • awilliams@news-press.com • August 27, 2008
For the complete article go to:
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008808270408
LeClair Bissell with an injured pelican bound for
CROW,
a wildlife rehabilitation clinic on Sanibel. (special to news-press.com)