Dr. William C Van Ost

VAN OST
Dr. William C. ("Dr. Bill"), M.D., F.A.A.P., along with his wife Elaine, Co-Founded the Van Ost Institute For Family Living in Englewood in 1983.
He served as the Institute's Executive Medical Director until 1995 when he assumed an active role as Co-Founder / Consultant. He was certified as a specialist in the treatment of alcohol and other drug dependencies by The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). He was a Fellow of The American Academy Of Pediatrics and past president of its New Jersey Chapter.
After serving in the US Navy during WWII, he entered Union College in Schenectady, NY, from which he received a B.S. degree. Following receipt of his M.D. from Albany Medical College, he pursued his post-doctoral training as an Exchange Intern in Sheffield, England, and as a Pediatric Resident at The Albany (NY) Medical Center. In 1957, he moved to Englewood, NJ and entered the private practice of pediatrics. He recently retired from his positions as a Pediatric Attendant at The Englewood Hospital and Medical Center and as Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and served for some years as School Physician in both Englewood and Tenafly, NJ.
In 1986, "Dr. Bill" left his pediatric practice of 28 years to work full time at the Institute.
He and his wife, Elaine, became active in the field of chemical dependency because of both professional observations and personal involvement in this devastating illness. It became their mission in life to reach out and help others as they themselves were helped.
Dr. Bill authored many articles in professional journals as well as a chapter in the book "Alanon Faces Alcoholism," (Second Edition-1984) published by the Alanon Intergroup. He presented many lectures on the subject of addictive illnesses to both medical and lay audiences and made numerous appearances on TV and radio, including such major network programs as "Oprah" and "CBS NEWS." He and Elaine Co- Authored the book, "WARNING SIGNS," Published by Warner Communications in 1988 as a guide for parents of growing children and adolescents. The book alerts parents to the problems of dealing with their children before they use and what to do if they suspect or know that they are already using.
His weekly public service column, "Ask Dr. Bill," appeared in The Twin-Boro News and the Suburbanite for many years. The Q&A format addressed problems of alcohol and other drug addictions as they affect any member of the family, the public or the workplace. The columns were submitted at no charge to these community newspapers as a public service consistent with the Van Ost Institute's philosophy: "To break the intergenerational chain of addiction, treating families and individuals affected by chemical dependency."
Dr. Van Ost was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly where he served as an Elder. He was also a member of Englewood Field Club where he enjoyed ice dancing with his wife. An avid theater-goer, he was also a lover of good books.
He is survived by his wife Elaine and within their blended family by Micael (Victoria) Van Ost, Lynn Van Ost (Karen Manfre), Jane Van Ost Hanson, William Youmans (Susanna), James Youmans (Elizabeth), seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held January 14, 2012 at 11 AM at the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly (55 Magnolia Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670) followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to, The Presbyterian Church at Tenafly (55 Magnolia Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670), Albany Medical Center Foundation (43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208) or Union College (807 Union Street, Schnectady, NY 12308).