Dr. Melvyn Joel Katzen

Melvyn Joel Katzen, MD passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at Baptist Hospital in Miami, following a brief illness. Dr. Katzen was born on June 27, 1935, in New York City. As a child he moved to Miami Beach where he grew up. He attended the University of Chicago and In 1956 he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Miami. He graduated from the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1960. He completed his radiology residencies at Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial.

When Dr. Katzen came to Charlotte County in 1969, his entrepreneurial spirit changed the medical landscape. He was instrumental in providing the latest diagnostic technology to physicians and patients in the area. These testing and treatment modalities had previously been available only in Miami or Tampa. Dr. Katzen’s list of �"Firsts” include: conceiving, building and managing the Oncology Center across from the hospital, installing the first linear accelerator between Tampa and Miami, designing and building the Medical Arts Building at 713 Marion Ave., introducing the first ultrasound, implanting the first pacemakers, starting the first PSA and prostate screenings, performing the first peripheral angioplasties, performing the first cardiac catheterization in 1970, the first low-dose mammography in 1972, and establishing the first nuclear medicine department in Charlotte County. Dr. Katzen started the x-ray tech school at Charlotte Regional Medical Center sponsored by the American College of Radiology. He built three new imaging centers as well as several other business ventures including banks, real estate and a chain of hotels.

He was the Chairman of Radiology from 1969 to 2002 at the Charlotte Regional Medical Center (now Bayfront Hospital in Punta Gorda). Dr. Katzen’s passion for knowledge and education influenced everyone around him. He was never too busy to stop and share his wisdom, experience and knowledge with anyone who asked and was a generous benefactor who contributed to the educations of many people who worked for him.

Dr. Katzen served on numerous medical boards, including the Board of Trustees at Medical Center Hospital. He was also involved in the financial community, serving on the boards of five banks and savings institutions. Mel was an avid pilot, serving as a Certified FAA Accident Investigator and as Senior FAA Aviation Medical Examiner. He enjoyed being on the water and was an accomplished boat captain.

Dr. Katzen will be deeply missed by his brothers, Dr. Barry (Judy) Katzen and Dr. Lawrence (Jane) Katzen and other family members. Mel will be especially missed by his loving wife, Dr. Elizabeth Triana Katzen and their 3 dachshunds.