UJA-Federation Honors Dr. Irwin R. Merkatz

On November 19, 2012, more than 100 guests gathered at Einstein's Price Center/Block Pavilion to celebrate the achievements of Dr. Irwin R. Merkatz, at a reception hosted by the UJA-Federation of New York in conjunction with Einstein and Montefiore Medical Center. The evening included a keynote speech given by William Rapfogel, chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty.

Dr. Merkatz was selected to receive this honor, bestowed annually by the UJA-Federation, in recognition of his leadership within the field of women's health. In addition to leading and shaping his department at Einstein and Montefiore, Dr. Merkatz set up a network of women's healthcare programs and facilities throughout the Bronx and southern Westchester, enabling women of all socio-demographic backgrounds to access quality care. Dr. Merkatz also helped to lead the regionalization of prenatal services within the United States, ensuring that mothers and babies receive necessary care, regardless of their location. His work to provide all woman access to quality healthcare also extends beyond our nation's borders to include international efforts to combat maternal mortality, particularly in Africa.

Dr. Merkatz is professor and chair of obstetrics & gynecology and women's health (OB-GYN), as well as co-director of the division of maternal & fetal medicine. He also holds the Chella and Moise Safra Chair in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health and he has the distinction of being the longest-serving department chair at the College of Medicine as well as being the longest serving chair in his field within the United States.