This Chair is established as Touro Law begins developing a curricular program in Health Law and Policy. Currently, the law school is in the process of creating new collaborative initiatives with New York Medical College, also a part of the Touro College and University System.

“This is an exciting time for Touro and I am grateful to the Kermit Gitenstein Foundation for their generosity in supporting the establishment of this innovative Visiting Chair that will synergize relationships between our Law Center and Medical College,” said Dr. Alan Kadish, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Touro College and University System. “It will enhance the expertise of our students and faculty and create many opportunities for collaboration as they address a wide spectrum of issues that increasingly impact law and medicine.”

Beginning in the Spring of 2014, the Kermit Gitenstein Visiting Chair in Health Law and Policy will bring a visiting professor to Touro Law for one semester each academic year to teach courses at the law school, lecture and participate in faculty and student life at the school.

“We are deeply grateful for this generous gift. It will enable us to attract world renowned scholars in Health Law and Policy to enrich the offerings for our students as we are expanding our curriculum in this area,” said Dean Patricia Salkin. “I am especially thankful to Steven Schlesinger, partner at Jaspan Schlesinger and head of the Foundation. Steve has been a good friend to Touro Law and we are grateful for his support.”

Dr. Edward C. Halperin, Chancellor at New York Medical College, founded in 1860 and now affiliated with the Touro College and University system, stated, "The rapid evolution of biomedical science challenges the law. How will our laws and public policies adapt to new knowledge and new social demands in genetics, personalized medicine, electronic medical records, beginning-of-life and end-of-life care, health care delivery, insurance, and health sciences education? The Gitenstein Visiting Chair will contribute to the essential dialogue that must take place between medicine and the law regarding issues of this type."

Touro Law Board of Governors member Steven Schlesinger, head of the Kermit Gitenstein Foundation stated, “I am pleased to provide these funds to Touro Law. I believe strongly this contribution will make a great impact for the school’s Health Law program and will benefit both Touro Law graduates and the legal community at large. I look forward to working with Touro for many years to come.”