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Michel Slim Obituary
On January 12, 2013, Dr. Michel Slim of Rye, NY passed away at his daughter's home in New Jersey surrounded with love by his family after struggling for ten months fighting complications from a stroke. Dr. Slim was a dedicated surgeon and teacher, as well as a loving and gentle husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Norma; his daughters: Julie, Lina, and Nayla; and his 5 grandchildren.
Over a distinguished 52-year career as a professor and pediatric surgeon, Dr. Slim published extensively, trained thousands of residents, pioneered pediatric surgical methods, and initiated the formation of cardiac surgery teams in Lebanon and the Middle East. He always provided extraordinary care, displaying both surgical skill and deep compassion for his patients. Dr. Slim was an established pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon and professor of pediatric surgery at the American University Hospital Medical Center in Beirut, Lebanon from 1962-1986. After his move to the United States, Dr. Slim served at Westchester Medical Center as Chief of Pediatric Surgery and Director of pediatric trauma Service. He was one of the founders of Maria Fareri children's hospital in New York and performed the first surgical procedure there upon its opening. His career of excellence culminated in New York Medical College honoring Dr. Slim with the title of Professor Emeritus in Pediatric Surgery and Pediatrics. As a testament to his devotion to medicine, Dr. Slim continued to hold lectures and grand rounds with residents until he had his stroke.
Dr. Slim was an extraordinarily passionate and dedicated doctor who constantly sought to improve his knowledge and skills. Dr. Slim saw himself as a "student of life." As a surgeon, he saved thousands of lives and gave care to civilians, soldiers, the young and the old, regardless of their background or financial situation. He was a true humanitarian with passion and determination guided by the belief that we are all interconnected. Dr. Slim loved life and saw the humor and fun in any situation, always ready with a good-natured joke, and the first on the dance floor with the love of his life. Dr. Slim will be missed dearly, but the legacy he left behind will keep his memory alive.
Dr. Slim's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to those who cared for him so well after his stroke. They would also like to thank the many people around the world who have sent their prayers and best wishes. The Slim family will hold a memorial service for Dr. Slim at Resurrection Church, 910 Boston Post Rd, Rye NY 10580 on Saturday, February 2nd, at noon. In lieu of flowers, The Slim family requests that contributions be made "In memory of Dr. Michel Slim" to either Maria Fareri Children's Hospital through the Children's Hospital Foundation at https://foundation.westchestermedic
alcenter.com or the American University of Beirut. Kindly make checks payable to AUB, and send to Ms Sujatha Vempaty, Associate Director of Development, American University of Beirut, 2 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 8th Fl., New York, NY 10017.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michel Slim
Kitty Bateman
November 17, 2024
Dr. Slim did an extraordinary job operating on my 5 year old daughter, who had a large tumor growing between her uterus and bladder. He was absolutely phenomenal. The moment we met him, a moment fraught with panic and fear, I instantly trusted him and relaxed, knowing we were in the best of hands. His life was an instrument to give life to others. He has been in my thoughts and prayers ever since, filled with gratitude. My daughter turns 10 next year and is a vibrant, healthy adult. Rest in peace, Dr. Slim, and thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am so very grateful to have met you.
Chiara Melita
June 15, 2024
I was unaware that Dr Slim passed Away my condolences to his family. Strong Thank you to Dr Slim for saving my life when I entered this world. Much respect. I had a strong bond with him, and I remember him well I saw him till I was able to remember who he was. He saved my life. I will never forget him. He will be missed.
AMY HEIL-RANEK
August 12, 2022
I am so sorry to see that Dr. Slim had passed. I owe him so much! He saved my precious daughters life back in 1998. She had to be flown to Westchester and Dr. Slim performed a very rare surgery that took 12 hours to save her life! He is a true hero and an amazing, loving soul! God Bless you Dr. Slim! And thank you for giving me my daughter who is now 24 years old and thriving!
siwar khaled
November 5, 2013
I can't find words to describe my feelings,i searched for him for a long time just to thank him for what he done to me "i'm alive because of him" he saved my life at the age of 3 and now i'm 33 years old in a good health. He made me an operation at AUH medical center in June 1983, i was suffering from Ganglioneuroblaspoma in my neck. May his soul rest in peace, i will never forget him and i promise you Ms.Norma that i will always pray for him.
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sathya prasad
April 26, 2013
A guide and friend who will be dearly missed
Rafik Kashlan
April 17, 2013
Dr Slim taught me the art of surgery,in AUB,He Embedded in me the love and compassion to my career,how can I forget him ?.Allah yerhamo
Whitney McBride
February 2, 2013
I had the priviledge to work with Dr. Slim at the end of his career. Truly a master surgeon who dedicated his life to the care of children.
He was passionate about his work and loved the art of surgery.
He impacted my life greatly and I will always remeber him as a truly good and kind man.
with much love and affection
Samir Pandya
February 1, 2013
Words cannot begin to describe the impact Dr. Slim has had on my personal and professional life. Truly the kindest, warmest, compassionate and dedicated mentor and teacher that I have had.
Like many of the other residents, I fondly reminisce on the days I tested his patience with my inexperienced hands in the operating room. Even with that, his support for me never waivered. He became a mentor throughout my young career and helped me realize my dreams and passions. Like many of his colleagues I will never forget his everlasting willingness to help and teach.
I can only pray others can be mentored by someone even half as great as you. I will miss you dearly Dr. Slim.
Maha
January 29, 2013
Mike you will be missed as the uncle, the friend, the devoted and caring doctor that you have been to us all these years. You have been such an important part in our lives, caring about all the family members and their well-being. The medical world has lost you. Michel, you will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Norma, Julie, Lina and Nayla.
Dominick Lepore
January 28, 2013
I had the privilege of meeting, knowing and working with Dr.Slim in the mid 90's. I worked with him as the Medical Administrative liaison here @ the WMC. Such a kind man, always accomodating and available.....Michel was real. There was no masking his feelings etc. the epitomy of what a compassionate,competent physician should be. Missed yet never forgotten!!!
Edward Lebovics
January 27, 2013
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Michel Slim, a man I am honored to call a friend. Much can be said of his superior surgical skills, accomplishments as an educator and innovative research. Yet, his true greatness was his lofty character - his remarkable compassion, humility, loyalty and good cheer. Observing his dear wife Norma and his children during his illness, I learned that these are traits that Michel and Norma shared and successfully passed down to their children. Michel will be profoundly missed.
January 26, 2013
January 26, 2013
I had the privilege of working with Dr. Slim since the day he joined Westchester Medical Center until the day he reluctantly retired. We all loved him so much for his compassion, surgical skills, teaching and his jokes. What I most admired in him was his attention to every minute detail before he took the patient to surgery. we learnt so much every day from him. We missed him so much from the day he retired. Nimmy and I are very saddened to hear his demise. He was a great father and a great husband and a wonderful family man. Nimmy and I read all the writings from his patients and colleagues. He has touched countles number of lives. We will miss him very much.
S.Jayabose and Nimmy Jayabose
Benjamin Leong
January 26, 2013
I can still remember the first surgery we performed together when I was an intern 10 years ago. It was a central Line placement in the operating room. After surgery, he asked me if I know how to dictate the procedure. I replied "what is that? ". Five minute later, he gave me his handwritten operative report and told me to go ahead and dictate what I had written. Like a father who taught his children how to read he has taught me how to become a doctor.
I am remember Dr. Slim with this famous saying. Give a man a fish; you feed him for a day. Show him how to fish; and you will feed him for a lifetime. I will miss you Dr. Slim
Master Surgeon
Gustavo Stringel
January 25, 2013
There are no words to describe the surgeon, the man, his love and unwavering dedication to his family and to the profession he loved.
Dr. Michel Slim was a master surgeon, great mentor and best friend. He made a big difference in the lives of many children, not only in America and Lebanon but throughout the world with his publications and innovative surgical techniques.
I had the privilege and honor of working with and learning from him for the past 20 years. We shook hands across the operating room table in many occasions after successfully finishing a difficult and challenging case.
As the saying goes, they don't make them like him anymore. Michel Slim was the icon of a great generation of surgeons.
We miss you Michel.
January 23, 2013
I had the distinct privilege of being a student of Dr Slim at AUB in the 60s. He was great teacher, and I have held onto the notes from his lectures for the longest time. Rest in peace!
S.A.Hamway, MD, FACS,FICS. Dayton, OH
Randy Goldberg
January 23, 2013
It was my privilege to care for Dr Slim during his last few hospitalizations. I remember him from my medical school days as a man of great charm and charisma, qualities which remained his throughout the course of his later illness. He was a great spirit and immense physician whose loss will be felt throughout the WMC and NYMC communities.
ELAINE BROWN
January 23, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I worked in Dr. Slim's office many years ago and he was always very kind and compassionate.
Faisal Aziz
January 22, 2013
What can I say about the man, who taught me how to hold the scalpel. How can I forget that moment, when I felt my hands trembling while putting a stitch on diaphragm, as I was afraid not to accidentally injure the heart and he said "Go ahead, there is nothing that you can injure that I can't fix".
May your soul rest in peace, Dr. Slim. You were a gift of God!
Lina Shatara
January 22, 2013
I had the honor of assisting Dr. Slim with his trips overseas to visit family and to attend his many medical conferences that he was invited to as an honored speaker and a teacher. His kind, gentle, and warm spirit always shined through the phone reciever. I always loved the tone of Mrs. Slim's (Mom's) voice as she always called him "Dad" when she asked him a question pertaining to his choice to the trip. It is apparent that Dr. Slim lived a full, happy, and a successful life, filled with lots of love from his wonderful loving family and friends. May God rest his soul in peace and give comfort to the whole family.
Camelia Lawrence
January 22, 2013
Dr. Slim legacy will live on through the countless surgical talents he nurtured. May he rest in peace.
Don Risucci
January 22, 2013
I was asked to speak to my son's third grade class on Career Day. I mentioned that I worked with surgeons at Westchester Medical Center and this very cute little girl raised her hand and asked me if I knew Dr. Slim. I said yes, and I like him very much. She told me that she had an operation when she was very little and Dr Slim gave her a big hug before she left the hospital. I was happy to tell Dr Slim about this and he was very happy to hear it but a little disappointed when he asked me her name and I didn't know. I'm sure he would have remembered her as I believe he remembered every patient he ever took care of. I was extremely fortunate to work with him on some research and learn a lot from him. What a great life and what a loss for all of us. My deepest sympathies to the Slim family - Don Risucci PhD
Billy and Lisa McEntire
January 22, 2013
Dr.Slim was a wonderful man who always had a smile on his face. He will surely be missed by those who new and loved him.
Brian Whang
January 22, 2013
His passion, charisma, integrity, and intellectual prowess made him the ultimate role model for me and other generations of surgical trainees. He will be missed dearly!
Barbara Ghent
January 21, 2013
Dr. Slim was a wonderful, compassionate amazing man. I am forever grateful to him for saving my daughter's life. She was brought to WMC and she was dying. He performed countless surgeries and eleven years later, she is still with me. He was kind and patient throughout our time there and even cried with me. I will NEVER forget what a wonderful man and doctor he was.
Bedford Brown
January 21, 2013
Our grandson, Shelton Kimmons Jr., was operated on by Dr. Slim, about 20 years ago, at Westchester Medical Center. I can still see Shelton in the arms of Dr. Slim, just prior to his surgery. Our condolences g out to the family and friends of Dr. Slim.
Souheil Itayem
January 21, 2013
Mike we will surely miss your big heart, your smile, your devotion & the great help you offered us when we stayed, upon your insistance, at your place in 2005.You & Norma gave us all the needed moral as well as medical support.
You will always be remembered by all of us.
May your soul rest in peace.
Souheil, Mimi & Kamel.
January 21, 2013
I was so so sad to hear of His passing. He was an amazing surgeon. He performed surgery on two of my children and saved my daughters beautiful singing voice when she swallowed a penny at 13 months old. He was just fantastic! My daughter is now 24 years old and loves to sing. She has sang in theater productions and in the jazz ensemble while attending SUNY New Paltz. I will never forget her sweet little voice singing to me " the rainbow connection" Thank you Dr Slim for all the lives you have touched! You will be missed! Kathleen Gilbert-Howe (Carmel, NY)
Lisa and Morgen Seim
January 20, 2013
Your name (Dr. Slim) has been mentioned many times over the years as I told my daughter over and over how she owes her life to the surgical talent and skill of Dr. Slim. We were hoping to meet up again to show him how my daughter Morgen overcame all obstacles as he said she would. Our hearts were broken this week when we read the obituary. We still have the tiny silver frame you sent us- you will remain in our hearts forever.
Sincerely, Lisa and Morgen Seim
Dr. Ala Sharara
January 20, 2013
Dr. Slim taught me in medical school more than 25 years ago and left a lasting impression on me. He was a consumate teacher, dextrous surgeon, and a great patient advocate. I got to know him even more many years later, as the father-in-law of one of my best friends. His jovial nature, paternal love and pleasant demeanor was enjoyed by all who got to know him. May he rest in peace!
Nestor Hounkpatin
January 20, 2013
I have heard stories and read books about Legends, but Dr Michael Slim was a living, great but humble legend I was blessed to have the opportunity of knowing and serving. And I know he will continue to live on through the many lives he had saved, touched, transformed, and inspired.
Leon Stockton MD
January 20, 2013
I was very sad to hear of Dr. Slim's passing. I was a surgery resident at Westchester Medical Center from 7/1/97-6/30/03. During that time Dr. Slim was a teacher, mentor and friend not only to me but to many of us residents. Although he ws tough, he was a very compassionate and caring man. He supported me and I am grateful to have known him. The world has lost a fine doctor, I have many memories of him during my residency. Even after I had graduated Dr. Slim took time to send my wife and I a very nice gift upon the birth of our daughter. Rest in peace Dr. Slim. I will always love and respect you and am thankful you were part of my surgical education.
Sincerely,
Leon E. Stockton MD
Goldsboro, NC
Dr. Jason Boardman
January 20, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. I am also sorry for the future generation of surgeons who will never get he opportunity to work such a gifted surgeon.
Pat Calvano (Lightfoot), RN
January 20, 2013
As a novice RN when I first met and worked with Dr. Slim he exemplified to me what a pediatric surgeon was and to this day should be. I remember him for his brutal honesty and dry humor as well as his compassion and skill . I will always smile remembering him and his words. To this day I still tell stories about him in the hospital I work at today. Its been an honor to know and work with him. This world has been graced with his presence.
January 20, 2013
I had the honor to meet Dr Slim many years ago when I was a nurse on the pediatric floor at Westchester Medical Center. He was a talented surgeon and amazing teacher. He did surgery on my 2 year daughter as well. Rest in Peace Dr Slim. You will be missed
John Hudson
January 20, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Slim performed surgery on my 27 month old son who had cancer. I will never forget him. He was a caring and passionate man that we all should be like may he rest in peace!
Teresa Kasman RN MSN ED
January 19, 2013
Dr Slim was one the kindest man I ever knew . His patients and the nursing staff adore him. I was fortunate to with him in the MFCH and care for him as patient. Even in his time of saddest time due to his unhealthy state he knew who I was and gave me a big hug and kiss. RIP Dr Slim my sincere condolences to his lovely family
Kathie And Brenda Goodrow
January 19, 2013
Rest in Peace Dr Slim ! I remember you as a loving caring man ! You did surgery on my daughter and then a few years later did emergency life saving surgery on my infant grandson . You will truly be missed ! My sympathies to your family ! You are all in our prayers !
Alyson Smith
January 19, 2013
I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Slim during my pediatric residency. He was a wonderful doctor who cared about his patients. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
January 19, 2013
What An honor to have worked with Dr Slim for many years.My prayers to his family. Again an honor.
Kathleen Pritz RN MFCH
Charlanne Osoba
January 19, 2013
My sincere and deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Slim. He was a kind, loving and compassionate surgeon who sincerely cared about the children, the families, and the staff. It was a pleasure and an honor to have known and worked with him in pediatrics at Westchester Medical Center.
Charlanne Osoba, RN (St. Augustine, Florida)
Raja Sabbagha
January 19, 2013
On behalf of the Sabbagha family in Vancouver, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Tante Norma, Julie, Lina, & Nayla for your loss. We will miss Amo Michel!!!
Costi, Samia, Amal, Raja & family
Eileen Mullin
January 19, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Slim performed surgery on my 18 month old son who had cancer(Neuroblastoma). He saved his life and I will never forget him. He was a caring and passionate man and may he rest in peace!
Emily Ramirez, RN
January 19, 2013
I adored Dr. Slim and had a deep respect for his talent and compassion both as a surgeon and a human being. May he RIP.
Yvonne Heyrich
January 19, 2013
With deepest sympathy and thoughts reach out to the family during this time It was a sincere pleasure to care for Dr. Slim and to have felt like a part of the family during his time of need. Dr. Slim will always be remembered and will carry a very special place in my heart.
Jumana Sayegh
January 19, 2013
It was a pleasure and a privilege to have worked with Dr. Slim. My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Slim and the family.
Elicia Briggs
January 18, 2013
Norma, our thoughts and prayers are with you your family. Dr Slim was a wonderful person and a joy to work with. Love Elicia, Tom and girls
January 18, 2013
Arlene Leiter, Rye, NY
I will always cherish our memories and friendship over these last 12 years.
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