Dr. Betty Carmack has had a long standing professional interest
in the Human Animal Bond, such as Animal Assisted Therapy and
Healing Benefits of Companion Animals. She has authored numerous
articles on the subject of the Human-Animal Bond and has been a
guest on many radio and television programs concerning pet loss.
Since 1982, Dr. Carmack has led the monthly Pet Loss Support Group
at the San Francisco SPCA. She is the author of a book,
Grieving the Death of a Pet, which was published by
Augsburg Publishing Co. in 2003. Additionally, she has a private
practice in which she works with those grieving the death of an
animal companion. She also maintains her clinical practice through
her work at an acute psychiatric hospital in San Francisco.
Honors and Awards
Distinguished Teaching Award, 1988-99, ex-aqueo, University of
San Francisco Faculty Association
Michael McCulloch Memorial Award, 1988, For Outstanding
Contributions Toward Furthering the Understanding of the
Interacting between People and Companion Animals, Delta Society
Utilization of Research in Nursing Practice Award, "A Program to
Develop Skills in Animal-Assistive Therapy-Community
Collaboration", Sigma Theta Tau, 1997
Humanitarian Award, 2001, San Francisco SPCA CLAW
Faculty of the Year, Class of 1986, University of San Francisco
School of Nursing
Mentor Epitome, 2001, Beta Gamma Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau
International
Teaching Areas of Expertise
Department of Community Mental Health Nursing, Mental Health and
Community Nursing
Clinical Interests of Expertise and Interest
End-of-Life Care/Death and Dying; Grief and Bereavement;
Psychiatric/Mental Health
Previous Administrative Appointments
Chair, Dept. of Community/Mental Health Nursing; Curriculum
Committee; Peer Review Committee, Administrative Council.
