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Leanne Katz-Levin PhD, Clinical Psychologist

New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York

Dr. LeanneKatz-LevinPhD

I am a clinical psychologist and a medical educator. Since 1995 I have worked with people living with chronic pain and with cardiac, pulmonary and neurological conditions, and with the families who care for them.

Get in touch About my work
Dr. Leanne Katz-Levin

About

One question has shaped the whole of my career: what it takes for a person living with chronic illness to feel heard.

I took a degree in medical physiology before I came to psychology. I was licensed as a clinical psychologist in South Africa in 2002, and I went on to complete my PhD in the United States with concentrations in health psychology and neuropsychology.

Since 1995 I have specialised in chronic illness management. That means chronic pain, cardiac and pulmonary conditions and neurological conditions, and it means the people caring for those patients, who are so often left out of the conversation. I run psychoeducational programs for patients and families, including families affected by dementia, so that people can take an active part in their own healthcare rather than having it done to them.

Of everything I have done, the work I am proudest of is the care itself. I try to meet every person with passion, compassion and respect.

Dr. Katz-Levin standing in a university teaching atrium

01

Where I teach

I am Director of Patient Care for the School of Medicine at New York Medical College and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine. I am also core faculty on a doctoral clinical psychology program, teaching neuropsychology, health psychology and psychological assessment.

02

What I research

I direct a research laboratory on physical and mental health, with particular attention to chronic illnesses and Long COVID. The work has produced a number of scholarly publications, and its point is always to change what happens in the room with a patient.

03

What I build

I develop curricula that prepare medical students to give inclusive, patient centred care to people living with disabilities, both visible and non visible. I have taught healthcare professionals nationally and internationally.

In my own words

“Meaningful healing begins when individuals feel heard, understood, and valued.”

Work

Where the days actually go

Dr. Katz-Levin listening to a family caregiver in a consultation room
Caregiver supportThe person caring for a patient carries a load of their own, and it is rarely asked about.
Dr. Katz-Levin in a small group teaching session with medical students
Small group teachingNeuropsychology, health psychology and psychological assessment.
Dr. Katz-Levin at the front of a medical school lecture room
Medical educationCurricula for students who will treat people with visible and non visible disabilities.
Dr. Katz-Levin reviewing findings with a researcher in her laboratory
The laboratoryPhysical and mental health, with a focus on chronic illness and Long COVID.
Dr. Katz-Levin presenting to a room of healthcare professionals
Teaching cliniciansI have taught healthcare professionals nationally and internationally.
Dr. Katz-Levin talking with a participant in a cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation gym
Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitationI serve on the board of the New York State Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Dr. Katz-Levin walking across campus with a doctoral student
SupervisionDoctoral students in clinical psychology, and the conversations that happen between rooms.
Dr. Katz-Levin writing at a desk in a library reading room
WritingScholarly publications, a book chapter on caregiver wellbeing, and a guide written for medical providers.

Practice

Areas I work in

  • Chronic illness management
  • Chronic pain
  • Cardiac care
  • Pulmonary care
  • Neurological concerns
  • Psychiatric concerns
  • Caregiver support
  • Dementia care
  • Aging brain education
  • Psychological assessment
  • Psychoeducation
  • Trauma informed care
  • Child abuse and trauma
  • Domestic violence
  • Death and dying

Trauma informed care runs through much of this, with particular attention to child, adult and elder abuse.

Writing and public service

Work that outlives the appointment

Caring for the caregiver

I wrote the chapter “Caring for the Caregiver of Those Living with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Minimizing Burden and Optimizing Well-Being” for Understanding Autism: Perspectives, Assessment, Interventions, and the Journey Towards Inclusion.

A guide for medical providers

As a member of the Commission to Combat Domestic Violence for the New York Mayor's Office, I contributed to the Medical Providers' Guide to Managing the Care of Domestic Violence Patients Within a Cultural Context.

Industry education

I have consulted to the pharmaceutical industry, and I previously led Training and Development for Janssen-Cilag Pharmaceuticals, where the work was clinical education and patient outcomes.

Research publications

My laboratory's work on chronic illness and Long COVID has produced a number of peer reviewed publications.

Dr. Katz-Levin at her office window early in the morning
Dr. Katz-Levin at the open door of a consultation room

Memberships

Where I serve

  • New York State Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Board of Directors
  • American Psychological Association
  • International Association for the Study of Pain
  • Health Professions Council of South Africa

Contact

Get in touch

For teaching, speaking, consultation or research collaboration, I would like to hear what you are working on.

New York Medical College
Valhalla, New York

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