Harvey Slater, MD
SLATER: Harvey Slater, MD, 77, son of the late Joseph and Della (Zionts) Slater of Pittsburgh, passed away February 5, 2018, in San Jose, Calif. A longtime resident of Pittsburgh, he attended Peabody High School and graduated from University of Pittsburgh. He married his high school sweetheart Beverly Botnik and then completed his medical degree at Thomas Jefferson University Medical School in 1965 and his surgical internship at Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh. Following his internship, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as surgeon to a combat engineer battalion in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor under fire. Following his service in the U.S. Army, he completed his surgical residency at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh and began working in the burn center and as assistant to the chief of surgery. During his tenure as a burn and general surgeon, he introduced many changes to the Burn Center, improving the quality of care and use of innovative technologies. He pioneered the use of anesthesia during dressing changes and introduced innovations in the use of grafts and dressings along with nutritional support for the burned patient. His innovations and practice generated 60 published papers in medical, surgical and burn journals, a chapter in a textbook and speaking invitations to conferences worldwide. He also trained burn surgeons from all over the world who came to West Penn Hospital to train under him. He treated more than 20,000 patients over his 50-year career and was honored multiple times by West Penn Hospital. During the course of his career, he was the recipient of numerous academic awards and recognition. Dr. Slater was a longtime and active member of B’nai Israel Congregation in Pittsburgh. With his speaking ability, scholarship and knowledge of history, he was periodically called upon to lead discussions and events. He and his wife Beverly (pre-deceased) had three children. Upon his retirement, they moved to San Jose to be close to their daughter and son-in law, Susan and Steve Ellenberg of San Jose, Calif. During his retirement, he pursued his longtime hobbies of amateur radio, golf and swimming, and remained keenly involved in current affairs, history, politics, religion and the Free Masons. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the Surgical Burn community. He is survived by his children, Susan Slater Ellenberg and husband Steve Ellenberg and grandchildren Zachary, Molly and Naava; Adam Slater of Toronto, Canada and granddaughters Julia and Audrey; David Slater and wife Heidi of Reno, Nev. and grandson Max. Funeral services were held at Congregation Sinai, 1532 Willowbrae Avenue. The family would appreciate contributions to Congregation Sinai. Dr. Slater is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Drs. Robert and Marian Slater of Bryn Maw and brother and sister-in-law Joel and Kathy Slater of Kent, Ohio; Cousin Dr. Martin Slater and wife Cecily of Derwood, Md.; Nieces and nephews Drs. Janet Slater Belitsky and husband Marc Belitsky of Bryn Mawr, Pa.; Joshua Slater and wife Heather Marcus Slater of Philadelphia, Ben Slater of Havertown, Pa.; Matthew Slater of Kent, Ohio; Dr. Sarah Slater Lang and husband Jeffrey of Macedonia, Ohio; and Melissa Katz Faro and husband Dr. Albert Faro of Gaithersburg, Md.
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