As an undergraduate student in the mid-1980s, medicine piqued Steven Katzman’s attention the summer he volunteered at both Botsford Hospital, Farmington Hills, and Sinai Hospital in Detroit. His father, Arnold Katzman, who worked at Sinai Hospital, supported his interest. During medical school, Botsford’s national reputation as the best osteopathic clinical training center and its warm, friendly and smaller environment attracted him to serve clinical rotations here.

Almost 30 years later, Steven Katzman, D.O., FACOI, was selected 2017 Internist of the Year Award by the American College of Osteopathic Internists. This award is given to a physician who has made major contributions to osteopathic internal medicine as demonstrated by clinical excellence and who has received awards in clinical excellence from a hospital or state health care organization or the community.

Board certified in both internal medicine and hospice/palliative care, Dr. Katzman has led the Botsford Medical Staff as vice president and president. He has served as president of the Oakland County Osteopathic Medical Association and has been a board member for years. He is an associate clinical professor on the faculty of Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he has served as the COGMET Internal Medicine Board Review planner and lecturer.

Along with serving patients at Progressive Health Care, PC, with four offices in Metro Detroit, and Beaumont Hospital in Farmington Hills and Royal Oak, he also lectures nationally, mostly on diabetes. He proudly represents Beaumont Health, noting its strong reputation throughout the country. Dr. Katzman is a diabetes researcher and is involved in clinical trials.

Dr. Katzman said, “My most noteworthy contribution is training residents, interns and students at Beaumont Hospital, Farmington Hills in both inpatient and ambulatory settings.”

Dr. Katzman credits David Susser, D.O., his practice partner Armen Korkigian, D.O., and the late Charles Tenner, D.O., with influencing his role in medicine and attitude toward patients. He is grateful to his wife and family for allowing him to put in the long hours to be a physician leader in the medical community, locally and nationally.

His advice for physicians just starting their careers: “Work hard and treat everyone respectfully, including nurses and hospital staff. And, read something medical every day to keep current. Finally, get involved in teaching.”

The Katzman family’s profession continues into another generation: his son, a third-year medical student, will begin clinical rotations at Beaumont, Farmington Hills in July.

Thank you, Dr. Katzman, for your commitment to medicine. You continue to make a difference.