By Shoshanah Marcus, News Editor
On April 8, 2021, The Katz School of Science and Health announced the launch of a master’s program in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies.
The announcement described some of the details of the program. The Katz School explained that that students can complete the master’s studies in 28 months and that the program “will feature comprehensive clinical rotations in behavioral health, emergency medicine, family medicine, general surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, primary care and women’s health.”
The Katz School also emphasised the important role of physician assistants and stated that “as medical professionals, physician assistants diagnose disease, develop and implement treatment plans, perform surgical procedures, prescribe medications and often serve as a patient’s principal health care provider.” Paul Russo, vice provost at Yeshiva University and dean of the Katz School, stated in the press release that “Physician assistants have been heroes serving on the front lines during the COVID crisis.” Russo continued to explain that “PAs graduating from the Katz School will bring that same commitment to improving patient care and ensuring access to high-quality health care in every medical and surgical setting nationwide.”
This new program comes after the recent passing of Dr. Mordecai D. Katz, after whom the Katz School was named. In an email sent to the YU community on March 22, 2021, Dr. Katz was remembered for his service “as a Trustee of Yeshiva University for over twenty five years, most recently as its co-vice chairman [together with his wife Dr. Monique C. Katz]. He also served as a member of the Boards of Overseers for the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration as well as the Chair of the Board of Overseers of the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies.”
The Katzes played a crucial role in the development of The Katz School of Science and Health. The email sent to the YU community continued to explain that “The family’s most recent major gift launched the Katz School, which created new portals of entry into Yeshiva University for students of our community. The Katzes also endowed the Mordecai D. Katz and Dr. Monique C. Katz Deanship of Undergraduate Faculty of Arts and Sciences, currently held by Dr. Karen Bacon, a position of enduring impact on developing tomorrow’s leaders.”
Pre-PA advisor Mr. Jeffrey Mollin shared his excitement with the YU Observer stating, “Physician assistant is the second most popular field, next to nursing, in my areas of advisement (OT, PT, nursing and PA) and this is a great opportunity for our students. The occupational therapy doctoral program at Katz is off to a strong start in its first year and I expect the PA program to have a similarly successful launch in fall 2021.”