Dr. Michael Katz The Michael Katz, M.D. Award was presented to a first-year, second-year and third-year medical resident of AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center during a recent graduation dinner. The awards, made possible by Rochelle Katz, wife of Dr. Katz, and the Katz family, will be given for the next 10 years to three selected medical residents at each year's graduation.

Dr. Katz, who passed away January 18, was an outstanding and philanthropic member of the Atlantic County area and served the community for several years in many capacities, including the positions of Chairman and Chief Attending Physician of the Department of Internal Medicine, Chairman and Chief Attending Physician of the Division of Cardiology, and Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Katz, who addressed those attending the dinner and graduation ceremonies, told those in attendance that since her husband received such pleasure over the years teaching the medical residents at the Medical Center, she wanted to do something that would be meaningful to him and that would honor those whom he taught.

"I conferred with Dr. Salam, Dr. Bressler, and Dr. McKnight, all of whom participated in discussions of an appropriate remembrance," she said. "After consulting with them, the specific title of this award - The Michael Katz, MD Award for Kindness and Compassion to Patients and Fellow Residents - was decided upon, as it was felt that this best exemplified the essence of Michael."The medical residents were selected "In Recognition of Their Compassion, Kindness, Integrity and Commitment to the Sensitivity to their Patients and Peers."

"The body is healed by medical knowledge - 'the science of medicine,' but the soul is healed with the humanistic qualities which are incorporated in 'the art of medicine," Mrs. Katz told those in attendance. "A smile, a touch, a caring look, a word of encouragement, impart as much to healing as any treatment. In addition, Michael had a special feeling toward the residents that went beyond teaching cardiology.

"I congratulate all of you on your graduation, and I hope that in some way, as you care for patients throughout your career, you will remember the qualities that were attributed to your teacher, Dr. Michael Katz," she said.

The medical residents were selected "In Recognition of Their Compassion, Kindness, Integrity and Commitment to the Sensitivity to their Patients and Peers." A statement issued by AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, said that "Now, through the generosity of his beloved wife and family, he will be remembered and honored through the presentation of the Michael Katz, M.D. Award."