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Boris Catz Obituary
Boris Catz, beloved physician, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on May 2, 2013. Dr. Catz was an endocrinologist and thyroid specialist and Clinical Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. He was a pioneer in the field of clinical endocrinology for more than 60 years and was widely recognized for his innovative treatments of myxedema coma and exophthalmos. Among his many accomplishments was his pioneering work with Samuel Perzik in the development of total thyroidectomy for the treatment of hyperthyroidism, cancer, multinodular goiter, and chronic thyroiditis not responsive to medical management. In addition, while collaborating with Franz Bauer, Dr. Catz was the first to recommend total thyroidectomy and treatment with radioactive iodine for exophthalmos and Graves' disease. He authored two editions of the book "Thyroid Case Studies" and contributed numerous articles on thyroidology to medical journals. In 1985, the Boris Catz Thyroid Lectureship was established in his honor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. It recognized Dr. Catz for his devotion to the care of patients, his role as an educator and model for training clinicians, and for his contributions as an original thinker, pioneer and leader in establishing novel therapies for diseases of the thyroid. The American Thyroid Association awarded him the Certificate of Distinguished Service in 2002. In addition to being Emeritus at Cedars-Sinai and the University of Southern California, he continued to maintain a private practice on a part-time basis until two weeks ago. He is predeceased by his wife, Rebecca Schecter. He is survived by his loving family: Judith, Dinah Titcher (Rob), Sarah, Robert,10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Services, Monday, May 6, 2013 at 2pm at Hillside Memorial Park Mortuary. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Boris Catz Thyroid Lectureship Fund, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., #2416, West Hollywood, CA 90048. (323) 866-2914
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Boris Catz
stephanie hopgood
March 15, 2026
He was my thyroid doctor when I was in my post-adolescent years and beyond. I was very fond of him.
Ray Caluori
August 8, 2025
He helped my wife tremendously, fixing he thyroid without surgery. He also helped my handicapped daughter, but said if she came to my clinic back in the 60's she would not be slow. We would have fixed that in the womb. Amazing and entertaining man!!
Susan Surface
April 28, 2020
I was always treated very special by the doctor and staff .We all waited a long time for him,a fun experience .If you got upset about the wait he would tell the nurse tell them find another doctor . But as we know once you met him you loved him .We miss you
Ralph Lipman
April 28, 2019
For each person, there are leaders and outstanding people that serve as role models for gender, benevolence, and intellectual behavior. I'm happy to say that, together with my father, Boris (my Cousin) filled that role. After my Dad's passing, Boris was there to offer quick insight when I really needed another highly trusted opinion! I will always miss Boris, and am happy for what I learned from him! I cherish the rest of his family that embody many of his fine qualities, and wish the best for them always and at this time of his memorial!
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Deborah Ray
December 7, 2016
Dr Borris Katz was my doctor since 1962 when I was 12 years old. I loved him and will truly miss him.
June 1, 2013
I am very sad to hear the news that Dr. Catz has passed away. He was an amazing man, who saved my life. I became of patient of Dr. Catz 30 years ago, and if it hadn't been for him, I don't think I would still be alive. He was an amazing doctor who helped me through the nightmare of my illness and healed me. He has treated numerous members of my family, and all three of my daughters. When I took my twin toddlers in to see him, they thought his cigar was his pacifier. We loved him very much, and will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Thank you Doctor Catz for everything you did for us, we will never forget you. Love Marguerite Robins, Bakersfield, CA.
Jennifer Winter
May 31, 2013
Dr. Catz removed my dad's thyroid 45 years ago, he then treated my mom and in turn cared for me. I have known him my entire life. I moved to Vegas 7 years ago and have yet to find a doctor who understands patients like Dr. Catz. I am coming home in a couple of weeks and decided to start making the drive because he was so worth it. I am so deeply saddened to learn that I missed the chance to see him again, not only to be treated, but to see him holding that cigar with that gruff exterior and a heart of gold. He's the only doctor I ever had who didn't just look at numbers. It's heartwarming to know he practiced til the end, just like I knew he would. I bet he has his cruise all booked too!
Tom Pettibone
May 31, 2013
My condolences to the Catz family. I'll never forget the man that helped me "Be well", or the image of him in his office with that cigar. I know without having known him, my life wouldn't be as good as it is now. Thank you Dr. Catz.
Yvonne McCoy
May 23, 2013
Dr. Catz accepted patients other doctors had given up on, or did not have time for. He treated the whole person, no matter the station of ones' life. Dr. Catz educated his patients, and explained how thyroid disease runs in families. After receiving his information, my sister promptly had her thyroid checked. It was discovered she had thyroid cancer. Indirectly, he saved her life.
Dr. Catz still lives on through the lives of those he treated and of those he shared his expertise with
...and in the hearts of many.
My gratitude & love for his "whole person."
Beverly Rono
May 23, 2013
Dr. Catz guided me through the right direction with hypothyroidism after Total Thyroidectomy. I shall miss having a Doctor who genuinely cared for each and every one of his patients. My sincerest condolences to Dr. Catz's family.
May 22, 2013
What an honor to have met Dr. Catz. We will miss him greatly.
Adam and Brenda Brown
May 22, 2013
Dr. Catz,
Thank you for all the years of loving care. You are a special man and healer who has touched so many lives. You will be greatly missed and will be in prayers. My prayers for peace to your family
Mary and Ron Michelson
May 20, 2013
Such a wise and kind man! How blessed my husband and I feel to have been able to know and benefit from his immense knowledge and "heart". He will always be "one of a kind" and we will cherish his memory forever. To have known him was truly a privilege.
Sandra Wiggins
May 16, 2013
Our condolences to Dr. Catz family. He has been our doctor for over 20 years and saved my life when I was mis diagnosed. He then became my daughters doctor and my mother and my granddaughter! He was a genius in healing the whole body and truly compassionate to all of us. He was one of a kind and will be truly missed.
May 14, 2013
You will be missed. Thank you for your proper diagnosis and for healing me when so many Doctors couldn't. You were truly gifted and really cared! RIP.
Lucia Naidoo
May 14, 2013
Dear Dr. Catz you were so special and unique. There will be no one like you. You took care of me for over 26 years and no one will take your place in my heart...My heart goes out to his family and friends!
Susan Surface
May 13, 2013
Dr Carz was a special Dr. In my heart he freed me of lots of pain I will be dedicated to him
Jeffrey & Gretchen Garrett
May 9, 2013
Thank you for your help and friendship all these many years. Have a cigar for us.
May 9, 2013
Dr. Catz,
I know you are in heaven with a cigar. Thank you for everything.
May 9, 2013
I'm so so sad. Dr. Catz was not only a gifted physician but the living person I most admired. I went to many doctors and was very ill and he was the one who healed me. Dr. Catz, you will be sorely missed. You helped so many people. We have lost a great man.
Cherilee Ezell
May 8, 2013
Dr. Catz was such a great blessing to me. He helped me when no other could. He always told me that I would "be well". It is with thanks to him that I am. He was an exceptional doctor and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Barbara & Bruce Scollin
May 8, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family members of Dr. Catz as well as Lettie. We will truly miss Dr. Catz' wisdom, compassion, and love of life.
Katie Ladner
May 7, 2013
Dr. Catz was such an incredible man. My mother and I were patients for over 25 years. It was always a joy to see him for our annuals and we would know he would have his cigar in his mouth with a smile. He was a doctor that truly cared. We will miss him dearly. Our hearts go out to his family.
Matthew Sperling
May 7, 2013
I began seeing Dr. Catz as a child and continued to be a patient for more than 40 years, including my last annual visit with him just a few weeks ago. Each visit was always a pleasure, and they would invariably end with him saying “Enjoy” … as in “Enjoy life!”
To say that it was a privilege to have known him is quite an understatement. I considered him a member of the family and a fatherly figure. His expertise in diseases of the thyroid, as well as his advice and thoughts on life in general, helped change my life for the better.
Helen and I send our thoughts and prayers to Dr. Catz's extended family. He will be truly missed.
Shalom, Dr. Catz – I hope you are enjoying a good cigar right now.
Elizabeth Oved
May 7, 2013
Dr. Boris Catz was truly an exceptional man and physician. My heart hurts in hearing about the passing of Dr. Catz. I will miss him very much and send my condolences to his family. I will remember him forever.
violette mclarney
May 7, 2013
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Ralph Lipman
May 6, 2013
To the entire family,
I join you in mourning Boris' passing.
He inspired me and was dear to me. He will always have a cherished place in my thoughts.
At this time, may you find comfort from your memories of him.
Love, Ralph
Natalina Davis
May 6, 2013
So deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Catz. He was a healer, professional, and above all truly caring. He changed the lives of so many people where there was thought to be no hope. In his honor I do hope his legacy of caring of the "whole patient" is carried on by another professional. We will truly miss this dear man.
May 6, 2013
Dr. Samuel J Porter and Judith Porter send their condolences to the Catz family. We had the privilege of knowing Boris for over 40 years.
May 6, 2013
To the family and staff of Dr. Catz,
Please accept my deep condolences for your loss. As you are well aware he was an excellent diagnostician and a true healer. His passion for helping people live healthy productive lives continued until the very end and for that we are grateful! May you all live long and remember him. May his memory be eternal.
Sincerely,
Mary Leopold
Donna Ross
May 5, 2013
Dear Family of Dr. Catz,
Dr. Catz diagnosed and treated four generations of family members, including myself with incredible conviction. With passion, he helped us to find a healthy understanding and balance in our lives with thyroid disorders and we are all forever indebted for his care. Dr. Catz holds a very special place in our hearts and we will miss him deeply, as a physician and an amazingly talented and caring person.
My family and I wish to express our sincerest condolences and wish you peace.
May 5, 2013
Dear Family of Dr. Catz, dear Judy":
You know how much I loved and admired your Dad. what a caring Human being and the best physician ever. He hel-ed me and my family and friends so much. I met im in 175 as a Nuclear medicine Sales Person and he became a true mentor.
I will miss him so much and the incredibel converstions we had.
God bless him and you all.
Please stay in touch.
Rosemarie Essl
[email protected]
May 4, 2013
Dear family of Boris:
I wish to convey to you my sincerest condolences on the passing of Boris. Like Boris, I have been active in the field of thyroid hormones, and like Boris, I grew up in South America, so that we had a lot of common interests. Boris was an excellent physician, and he had strong opinions.
My sincerest condolences
Walter Wolf, PhD
[email protected]
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