Dr. Katz will officially end his time at CMRSU on August 6 with his interim replacement stepping in on August 7.
Dr. Paul Katz, dean of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University is leaving to take the position of university presidents at University of Science in Pennsylvania. (Photo provided)CAMDEN -- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University's founding dean, Dr. Paul Katz, is headed across the river to Philadelphia where he will take on a new role as the president of the University of the Sciences.
Coming in as the founding dean of the first ever four-year allopathic medical school in South Jersey -- which welcomed its first class in 2009 -- Katz was responsible for more than just the students.
He shepherded the school through a rigorous accreditation process, oversaw completion of the medical school's location in Camden, built a faculty and staff, and expanded the relationship between the two institutions.
After the school got situated, Katz began his work helping the students grow as leaders, doctors, and members of a larger community.
"[Katz] has led the creation of an innovative medical curriculum and opportunities for students to become active in the Camden community which will contribute to their role as physicians many years after they graduate," said Ali Houshmand, president of Rowan University, in a press release.
Katz's time at the medical school will end on Aug. 6, a few months after CMSRU graduated its pioneer class. Dr. Annette Reboli will take on the role as the interim dean of the school effective on Aug. 7.
Dr. Annette Reboli has been named as the interim dean of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, effective on August 7. (Photo submitted)Reboli is no stranger to the school. As vice-dean, she has been overseeing the Liaison Committee on Medical Education accreditation process, undergraduate and graduate medical education, faculty affairs and faculty development as well as creating clinical affiliations for the medical school since its beginnings.
Prior to coming to CMSRU, she served as the head of the Division of Infectious Diseases and the deputy chief for administration of the Department of Medicine at Cooper University Hospital, where she also served as the hospital epidemiologist.
According to Rowan University spokesman Joe Cardona, the school will start a national search for a permanent replacement for Katz in the early fall. The process should take around six months to complete.
While Katz will be missed as a member of the Rowan University community, Houshmand said he is certain Katz will bring great success to the University of the Sciences, just as he had to CMSRU.
Caitlyn Stulpin may be reached at cstulpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitstulpin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.