Dr. S. Frederick Slafsky

S. Frederick Slafsky, a retired general surgeon who practiced in Providence for 38 years, died Jan. 8 at Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence. One of the first surgical appointees to the Brown University Medical School, he was a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery from 1986-2002 and was named Surgeon Emeritus when he retired in 2004. He was a compassionate physician and a dedicated and committed teacher who built strong bonds with his patients, students and professional colleagues whom he valued and respected. A native of Gloucester, MA, where he spent summers working on the docks, he retained a love for the ocean and fishing throughout his life. He graduated from Cornell University in 1954 and Cornell University Medical College in 1958. He served the first two years of his surgical residency at Boston City Hospital from 1958-60 and continued his training at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York, where he was chief resident in 1963. He was chief surgical resident at Boston Floating Hospital from 1963-64 and a research fellow and instructor of surgery at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, where he worked in the animal laboratories of pioneering transplant surgeon and future Nobel Prize winner Dr. Joseph E. Murray from 1964-65. Committed to quality care throughout his career, Dr. Slafsky joined The Miriam Hospital in 1965 and was the first director of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. He served on many hospital committees, the board of directors of the RI State Review Organization and participated on multiple levels in the development of Lifespan. He had clinical appointments at Roger Williams Medical Center, Women's and Infants Hospital and the VA Medical Center. He was president of the board of Moshassuck Medical Center. He leaves his wife Joan Temkin Slafsky, his sons John (Amy Rosenberg) of Palo Alto, CA and Ted (Diane Prescott) of Vienna, VA and four grandchildren, Rachel, Adam, Ethan, and Jessie. The funeral service will be held at Temple Emanu-El on Monday, January 11 at 11am, with burial at Swan Point Cemetery. Gifts in his memory may be made to The Miriam Hospital, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence and WaterFire Providence at 101 Regent Avenue, Providence RI 02908. Shiva will be held at his late residence; Monday from 7-9 pm and Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm.