Michael Katz Receives Emeritus Status

Michael Katz, PharmD, clinical professor of Pharmacy Practice and Science, has had a profound impact on generations of Arizona pharmacists during his 46 years with the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy. As clinical professor emeritus, he will continue his legacy in the academic community as a leader and mentor for residency and international programs.

Katz’s story with the University of Arizona began shortly after he graduated from the University of Kentucky with his Doctor of Pharmacy and completed 3 years of residency at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Before that, he had earned a Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, and completed a rural health program in New Mexico. Throughout his educational journey, he was influenced by professors and mentors to pursue education in a clinical setting.

“My Residency Program Director, Dr. Paul Parker, was very focused on training clinical educators and practitioners,” Katz shared. “When I finished my residency in 1979, schools were just starting to think about developing PharmD programs, so the job market for clinical faculty was very good.”

At the time Katz was preparing to enter the world of academia, Dean Jack Cole of the Coit College of Pharmacy had already begun to conceptualize the program that was to become the Doctor of Pharmacy path. Drawn to the idea of young faculty working together to develop clinical training programs, Katz joined the college in 1979 as an adjunct assistant professor. By the 1989-1990 academic year, the college began to phase out the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree in favor of the PharmD.

But Katz’s dedication to driving innovation and growth didn’t stop there. In 2004 he became the lead faculty member developing and cultivating the International Program with the college, opening opportunities to international students and providing support to PharmD candidates looking for practice experience outside of the United States. His efforts, along with the support of the Dean and Dr. John Murphy, put the college on the map for international opportunities and education.

“Few pharmacy schools offer students as many international opportunities as we do,” Katz said, “including an array of international rotations and a summer study abroad program.”  Successful graduates of the Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice Graduate Certificate Program go on to complete residencies in Arizona and across the United States, as well as contribute to research and new knowledge in scholarly publications.

Even now, Katz continues to serve as the Director of International Programs, and lists it as one of his most meaningful contributions to the field of pharmacy education. The program has supported students from all over the world, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Spain and Costa Rica. “These interactions with our students and faculty have not only impacted on their own professional lives but collectively has helped improve pharmacy practice and education in those countries,” he added.

In addition to his leadership in the International Program, Katz also serves as the Director of Residency Programs. Collectively, he has provided academic and advisory support for countless students earning their PharmD, cementing himself not only in the history of the college, but also the advancement of clinical practice education in the international community.

Beyond the classroom, Katz has left a profound mark on the field of pharmacy research, contributing to over 407 published writings in the form of books, scientific journals, online courses, and more than 500 papers presented at state and local professional meetings since 1980. He has received numerous honors, awards, and fellowships from universities and professional organizations, including his recent honor by receiving the Paul F. Parker Award from the University of Kentucky, and has been the nominee and winner of the College of Pharmacy Educator of the Year multiple times. He has consistently served on college and departmental committees since 1981, often in leadership roles, including his position on the College of Pharmacy Curriculum and Admissions Committees, and his tenures with the Western States Residency Conference Board of Directors, ACPE International Commission, ASHP Residency Accreditation, and the US-Thai and US-ASEAN Pharmacy Consortia Boards of Directors, all into the present day. To date, he has held offices and positions on over 130 committees and task forces within the university and with other institutions.

Katz’s commitment to research and education initiatives has helped shape the curriculum and academic growth of the college. He has fostered a supportive student environment, advocating for the needs of the pharmacists of tomorrow, and dedicating his career to improving the way clinical educators and practitioners are trained.

“It is difficult to summarize my 46 years at the college,” Katz reflected, “but what has kept me here for all those years is the people. I have had the good fortune to work with great faculty members who wanted only the best for our students and patients.  I have also had the good fortune to work with thousands of students and residents whose intelligence, enthusiasm and motivation inspires us as faculty members.”