Spencer R. Katz, MD, PhD

I’m a resident physician specializing in pediatrics and medical genetics and genomics. As a resident physician in the combined Pediatrics and Medical Genetics residency program, I have special training in both treating children and conditions that run in families or are present at birth and affect deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), genes and chromosomes. In my view, the human genetics medical specialty aims to provide as specific a diagnosis as possible and aid families in getting the care and monitoring they need to maximize their child's potential for health and well-being.

Genetics has been a consistent interest of mine since middle school life sciences classes, where I learned about DNA, the building blocks of all living things. As I have progressed through my training, I have learned more about these concepts and witnessed exciting advances in our understanding of DNA, genetic testing and technologies to treat genetic disorders. As I interacted with these advances in research labs, college and medical school, I realized that helping develop further advances, particularly those that would allow us to better care for patients, is a niche where I want to contribute to humanity.

I completed my MD (2023) and PhD (2021) in Biomedical Sciences in the Keith Cheng Lab at the Penn State College of Medicine Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). My dissertation project involved both genetics and 3D imaging, using zebrafish as animal models. Before my medical and graduate training, I researched biocontainment of genomically-recoded bacteria in the Farren Isaacs Lab at Yale University, contributing to the safety of these new bio-engineering tools. Through my academic achievements, I have been inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha honor societies.

As a physician-scientist, I not only see patients but also perform biomedical research to better understand and treat people in the future. I’m particularly interested in the development of genome editing technology, which will not only provide tools for research but eventually translate to gene therapies, transforming the practice of medicine. As genetic engineering technologies are made safer and more readily available to patients, I plan to navigate the technical and ethical challenges of bringing the potential of gene therapy to reality throughout my career.

Outside the hospital and the lab, I enjoy ballroom dancing, going to museums, writing letters and fine arts, including painting, drawing and photography.