“My recent diagnosis with breast cancer started a chapter in my life that no one wants to face alone. Myra and Katz Patient Advocate was part of ensuring the chapter had a happy ending.”
Meet Myra Katz , PA-C, BCPA
Katz Patient Advocate was founded by Myra Katz, a Physician Assistant with a keen interest and experience in oncology who recognizes the need for guidance for both patients and their loved ones through-out their journey. Myra has had a great deal of experience in oncology and understands how difficult this time can be. Oftentimes, patients are blindsided by their diagnosis, and are fearful and confused at how to best proceed. Add in well-meaning friends, family and the need to “fix it now” and the process becomes that much more difficult.
Alliance of Professional Certified Patient Advocates Member
Ambassador Gilchrist Services
Business Opportunity Network Member
Board Certified Patient Advocate
Certified Oncology Patient Navigator
National Patient Advocate Foundation Member
Myra's Patient Advocate Credo
“I felt the frustrations of my patients and their loved ones, as often times, there wasn’t enough time for care providers to answer all of their questions or ensure that everything will be okay. Patients with cancer (along with their families) are emotionally invested, and often times unable to proceed in a logical pattern - this is where I come in. Since I am not emotionally invested, I can help guide your care in a more meaningful manner and will make your journey easier. Information is everywhere, and frequently we are overloaded with well-meaning friends and family, commercials and don’t know where to start. Take a step back and let Myra help guide you and set priorities. Frequently a cancer diagnosis is an emotional emergency more so than physical emergency, and with the experience she has, she will guide you and help you make educated decisions.
While I was working as a PA in a cancer center, my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Maneuvering the system was very difficult, even for an experienced medical professional. I had to advocate to the insurance companies to approve and cover certain tests which were vital to an accurate diagnosis, for appropriate treatment and to be able to make the best decisions for his immediate and long-term care. I was fortunate to be able to attend most of his medical appointments and I knew the questions to ask. As a direct result of this diligence and my many years of experience, I recognized that all patients deserve and benefit from having an effective advocate. For this reason, and I made the decision to leave direct patient care and embark on a mission to bring this kind of Advocacy to patients and their families."
Why Choose Katz Patient Advocate
We all think that we can do this alone, and nobody wants to spend the money for an advocate, however, it is a money saver in the long run. The reality is that, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” As your advocate, we will ask the questions, discuss your office visits before you go, (will accompany you if you wish), and always have a goal in mind for the visit, so you don’t leave unsatisfied or confused.
Myra brings over thirty years of experience in direct patient care to this practice. She is compassionate, gentle, and a great listener. In addition to many years of experience in oncology, She is an ambassador for our local hospice, a volunteer at the facility at in patients homes, a death doula, and has run bereavement programs for family members. She understand this process and can be with you as much or as little as you wish.
Myra Katz was fortunate to have worked with an incredibly compassionate oncologist who taught her, “Beware the oncologist who runs on time.” This is not to say it is okay to be late, but sometimes visits require more time, and he was great about realizing who needed it and when. And, the most amazing thing happened, patients “got it” and understood that if they ever needed the time, they would get it. He also spent an inordinate amount of time explaining over and over again, as oftentimes when in the middle of a health crisis, we don’t always hear everything. He is the exception, and as your advocate, we will do the same for you.
