Harvey Slater, MD, 77, son of the late Joseph and Della (Zionts) Slater of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania passed away on February 5, 2018 in San Jose, CA. 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 text book and speaking invitations to conferences worldwide. He also trained burn surgeons from all over the world. He treated more than 20,000 patients over his 50 year career and was honored multiple times and was the recipient of numerous academic awards and recognition.
Dr. Slater was a longtime and active member of B'nai Israel Synagogue in Pittsburgh. With his speaking ability, scholarship and knowledge of history, he was often 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. During his retirement, he pursued his long time 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 of San Jose and grandchildren Zachary, Molly and Naava; Adam Slater of Toronto, Canada and grand-daughters Julia and Audrey; David Slater and wife Heidi of Reno, Nevada and grandson Max.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 9 at 10 am at Congregation Sinai, 1532 Willowbrae Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to Congregation Sinai.