Affectionately known as Ron, Dr. Ronald Alan Katz passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 13, surrounded by his loving family. The cause of death was complications resulting from Parkinson's disease. He was 82. Ron was born July 13, 1942, the cherished son of the late Mildred and Walter Katz and the beloved brother of Gail Katz (Paul). He leaves behind his devoted wife of nearly 56 years, Jane Katz; his adoring daughters, Jennifer Berzok (Matt) and Hilary Katz; his treasured grandchildren, Benjamin and Alexandra Berzok and Emily Katz; and many dear nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends who held him in the highest regard.
Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Ron spent his formative years in Kansas City, Missouri, and Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science in 1964 and earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1969. Due to his academic excellence, he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
Ron's passion for medicine was deeply personal. His struggles with severe eczema during childhood inspired him to pursue a career as a physician, with dermatologists becoming his early heroes. This determination led him to groundbreaking research opportunities during medical school. Funded by a USPHS grant, Ron worked in Dr. John Sever's viral lab at the National Institutes of Health, contributing to studies on rubella vaccine development. Before his third year of medical school, He conducted research at the Rocky Mountain Lab in Montana, publishing a paper on pertussis that earned him recognition at the 1968 Alpha Omega Alpha Research Seminar.
During medical school, Ron met Jane Markin, the love of his life. Their connection was immediate and profound; by their third date, they knew they were destined to spend their lives together. The couple married on Dec. 26, 1968, beginning a partnership marked by unwavering love and mutual support. Ron completed a pediatric internship at Children's Hospital in Washington, D.C., where his and Jane's first daughter, Jennifer, was born. His medical journey then took him to Chicago, Illinois, where he received a Commission as a General Medical Officer in the United States Public Health Service and served at the Old Marine Hospital Clinic. There, he discovered dermatology as a clinical subspecialty of pediatrics -- a revelation that shaped his career trajectory. Ron pursued his dermatology residency at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, serving as chief resident from 1974 to 1975.
During this time, he and Jane welcomed their second daughter, Hilary. With their growing family in mind, Ron and Jane settled in the Washington, D.C., area. In Washington, Ron played an instrumental role in establishing a dermatology program at Washington Hospital Center alongside Dr. Thomas Nigra. Together, they built a program emphasizing rigorous training and compassionate care for patients with routine and complex dermatological conditions. Simultaneously, Ron established a thriving private practice where he became known for his patient-centered approach and dedication to generations of families who entrusted him with their care.
Beyond his clinical work, Ron was deeply committed to advancing the field of dermatology through teaching and research. He lectured widely and consulted for the dermatology branch at the NIH while continuing to challenge norms within the medical profession. In 1987, he authored an editorial in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology critiquing inappropriate relationships between medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. This editorial sparked essential conversations within the field. Ron's leadership extended to professional organizations. In 1991, he was elected President of the Washington, D.C. Dermatological Society and co-chaired the Atlantic Dermatological Conference, which the society hosted in 1992.
Despite his humility regarding accolades, Ron's achievements were widely recognized. He was listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, and Best Doctors in America. A proud member of the Cosmos Club -- a distinguished institution celebrating contributions to science, literature, the arts, and public service. Ron found joy in his professional accomplishments and personal passions. An avid photographer honored as Photographer of the Year in 1992-93 by a local photography group, Ron captured beauty through his lens with remarkable skill. He was also an enthusiastic runner who averaged 1,000 miles annually for over three decades and completed six marathons between 2000 and 2004. A voracious reader and collector of first-edition books, Ron's intellectual curiosity knew no bounds.
Above all else, Ron's life revolved around his family. His nearly 56-year marriage to Jane was a testament to enduring love and partnership. He took immense pride in his daughters' accomplishments and found boundless joy in being "Grandpa" to his grandchildren. The outpouring of support from friends and extended family during his illness underscored how deeply he touched many lives. Dr. Ronald Alan Katz lived a life of compassion, intellect, dedication to medicine, and love for those around him. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.