Leanne Katz Levin, PhD

Leanne Katz Levin, PhD, is a distinguished psychologist, educator, and healthcare leader currently serving as Director of Patient Care for the Medical Doctor Program at New York Medical College in Riverdale, New York, and as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine. Recognized as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence, Dr. Levin is widely respected for her contributions to patient-centered care, psychology, and medical education. Her work focuses on integrating psychological science into medical practice to improve outcomes for patients and healthcare systems alike.

Dr. Levin began her academic journey with studies in Medical Physiology and became licensed as a Clinical Psychologist in South Africa in 2002. She later earned a Ph.D. in the United States with concentrations in Health Psychology and Neuropsychology. Since 1995, her professional focus has centered on chronic illness management, supporting individuals living with chronic pain, cardiac, pulmonary, and neurological conditions, as well as their caregivers. Through psycho-educational programs and clinical work, she empowers patients to actively participate in their care while equipping caregivers with tools that reduce burnout and enhance quality of life.

A passionate educator and international lecturer, Dr. Levin has trained healthcare professionals worldwide and served as a consultant within the pharmaceutical industry. She previously led Training and Development for Janssen-Cilag Pharmaceuticals, advancing professional education initiatives in healthcare. Her commitment to advocacy also extends to trauma and domestic violence awareness; she contributed to the New York Mayor’s Office Commission to Combat Domestic Violence and authored a medical providers’ guide addressing culturally informed care for survivors of domestic violence.

In academia, Dr. Levin plays a vital role in shaping future healthcare professionals. She develops curricula that teach medical students how to deliver compassionate, effective care to individuals living with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities. In addition to her leadership at New York Medical College, she serves as core faculty in a doctoral clinical psychology program, teaching neuropsychology, health psychology, and psychological assessment. She also directs a research laboratory focused on chronic illness, including Long COVID and mental health, contributing extensively to scholarly research and academic publications.

Dr. Levin maintains active professional affiliations with the New York State Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the American Psychological Association, the International Association for the Study of Pain, and the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys spending time with her children, pets, travel, nature, music, and theater. Guided by the belief that meaningful healing begins when individuals feel heard and understood, Dr. Levin remains dedicated to advancing compassionate, evidence-based, patient-centered care that places the human experience at the heart of medicine.

• Studies in Medical Physiology
• Ph.D. in Health Psychology and Neuropsychology – United States
• Clinical Psychology Licensure – South Africa, 2002

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist (South Africa)
• PhD in Health Psychology & Neuropsychology

• Pinnacle Professional Member, Inner Circle of Excellence

• New York State Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (NYSACVPR) - Board Member
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)
• Health Professions Council of South Africa

• Commission to Combat Domestic Violence for the New York Mayor's Office
• Author, Medical Providers Guide to Managing the Care of Domestic Violence Patients within a Cultural Context

Dr. Levin has published 11 articles this year alone, with a focus on chronic illness and related topics. She runs a research lab that produces publications on chronic illness management and patient care. Her work spans multiple domains including chronic illness, child trauma, domestic violence, and death and dying.