University of the Sciences’ Board of Trustees has named Paul Katz, MD, the University’s 25th president, Board Chairman Marvin Samson announced today. Dr. Katz, who has served as founding dean of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) since 2010, will begin his presidency at USciences on September 1, 2016.

“Over the course of more than 40 years in healthcare and higher education, Dr. Paul Katz has gained invaluable experience and has demonstrated skilled and visionary leadership, which will be a tremendous benefit to University of the Sciences,” said Samson. “His understanding of the rapidly changing arenas of both healthcare and higher education, and his belief and experience in interdisciplinary healthcare delivery, make him uniquely qualified to help shape USciences’ future.” 

Dr. Katz has been the chief architect, executive, and academic leader of CMSRU since 2010. He had ultimate oversight over development of the curriculum, recruitment of faculty, and development of all programs within the medical school. Opened in 2012, CMSRU was the first new MD-granting medical school in New Jersey in more than 40 years and arose from a partnership between The Cooper Health System and Rowan University. On May 9, 2016, CMSRU celebrated an important milestone with the graduation of its charter class. In June of this year, the program received full accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education for the maximum period permitted for a new school. Prior to his leadership role at CMSRU, Dr. Katz was the founding vice dean for faculty and clinical affairs and professor of medicine at The Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton, PA, where he was instrumental in launching the new medical school that enrolled its first class in 2009.

Dr. Katz has held a variety of other executive leadership positions within medical schools and health systems, including senior vice president and chief medical officer at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, chairman of medicine and physician-in-chief at Georgetown University Hospital, and chief operating officer at Georgetown University Medical Center. He held a faculty position at the University of Florida as an assistant professor of medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy. Earlier in his career, he worked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases as a clinical associate and medical officer.

“USciences has a long and proud history of preparing students to become leaders, innovators, and skilled practitioners in the sciences, the health professions, and related disciplines,” said Dr. Katz. “I am very excited to help build upon the great legacy of the school and its unique niche. I look forward to the tremendous opportunities that await us.”

Dr. Katz is board certified in internal medicine, allergy and immunology, and rheumatology and has published over 260 articles, chapters, and abstracts. Included among his sources of research funding are the NIH, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Arthritis Foundation, the American Foundation for AIDS Research, the American Cancer Society, and private industry. As a leader in his field, he has held numerous leadership roles with the American College of Rheumatology, including chairman of the government affairs committee and membership on the board of directors. Additionally, he has served on several editorial boards and as a reviewer for the NIH, the Food and Drug Administration, the Arthritis Foundation, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Dr. Katz received his medical degree from the Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed his training in Internal Medicine at the Shands Teaching Hospital at the University of Florida College of Medicine. He replaces alumna Dr. Kathleen R. Mayes who has been serving as interim president since July 2015.