For Love of Adopted Country: Doctor Joins Reserves

"As a naturalized citizen, I believe it is my responsibility to support this country in any way possible," says Cupertino resident Ronit Ben-Abraham Katz, M.D., a clinical associate professor at Stanford University School of Medicine. 

To that end, Katz joined the California State Military Reserve (CSMR) in 2010, to assist the all-volunteer ready force supporting both Army and Air National Guard troops.

The CSMR assumes emergency responsibilities when called out by the governor to assist the National Guard in their civil support mission. And it regularly trains National Guard soldiers in areas such as Combat Lifesaver skills that include evaluating basic casualties, controlling bleeding and managing chest injuries.

Katz, who emigrated from Israel in 1982, received her commission as a lieutenant colonel when she joined the CSMR. As a senior medical officer she conducts physical exams, treats injuries and provides training and teaching to both the reservists as well as the guard members.

Katz is board certified in preventive medicine, occupational medicine and environmental medicine.

Last year Katz participated in Global Medic 2010, a five-day exercise training of over 3,000 Medics in a battlefield setting, synchronizing tactical and clinical operations, combined with integrated support from joint service and coalition forces. 

“We practiced the skills and procedures that will be needed in any emergency," she says.

Katz entered Tel Aviv University at age 15 with a plan to become a doctor.

"My mentor was Professor Ephraim Katzir, the fourth president of Israel, who was a biophysicist," she says.

Professor Katzir urged her to emigrate to the United States where she had a fellowship doing cancer research at Tufts University School of Medicine before joining the faculty at Harvard University's School of Public Health.

At Harvard, Katz met her husband, Robert, a business executive, and the two moved to California. 

While raising three sons, Katz has continued working in a variety of medical fields including lead treating medical doctor at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. She and her children became friends with the late Edward Teller, a theoretical physicist, who is often called "the father of the hydrogen bomb."

"We had a special bond with Dr. Teller. On numerous occasions our family was invited to his house, and my sons would play math games and piano with him," Katz recalls.

At the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, she received the Certificate of Excellence for outstanding performance in support of the Health Services department. The American Medical Association awarded her “The Excellence in Medicine and Leadership Award.”

In addition to other awards, Katz received Stanford University's School of Medicine Excellent Teacher Award for her Practice of Medicine course.

Katz splits her work between Stanford University Medical Center and the Palo Alto Veterans Administration. At Stanford she is a clinical associate professor who treats patients and teaches the young doctors and medical students.

”I love working with residents and young medical students. You can really influence their development, particularly the importance of an outstanding bedside manner. You need to be dedicated to the profession and serve people,” Katz tells her students.

”Through my work at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, which serves more than 85,000 enrolled veterans, I see how much help is needed for those who have served our country. They have served to guarantee our freedoms, and it is our responsibility as citizens to help them in return," Katz says.