During his tenure, the hospital introduced a wide array of essential services and programs. Dr. Slatkoff was at the helm when, in 1969 alone, the JGH inaugurated the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, opened the Institute for Community and Family Psychiatry, established the JGH Foundation, and was granted teaching affiliation with McGill University.

Dr. Slatkoff, a native Montrealer, earned degrees in arts and medicine from McGill University and began to practice at the Montreal General Hospital in 1934. During World War II, he became Assistant Superintendent (Medical) at the Montreal General and held that position until 1950, when he accepted an invitation to work at New York’s Maimonides Hospital.

Three years later, Allan Bronfman, the founding President of the JGH, sought to enhance the stature of the hospital by creating the position of Medical Director and he convinced Dr. Slatkoff to fill the post. In this capacity, Dr. Slatkoff was responsible for coordinating the hospital’s medical affairs (including the activities of interns and residents), appointing staff, arranging for the continuing education of attending staff, and generally supervising the departments.

In 1968, he succeeded Samuel S. Cohen as Executive Director. After his retirement in 1975, Dr. Slatkoff continued to serve the hospital in an advisory capacity. He also remained active in such organizations as the Canadian Human Rights Foundation and the Senior Citizens’ Forum.