For Dr. Kevin Slavin, people are the why behind what he does. As our vice president and chief quality officer of children's services, and as associate professor at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, the work he does touches the hearts and lives of countless people. Dr. Slavin selflessly effects change not only in pediatric infectious disease, but the LGBTQIA+ community. When Dr. Slavin was growing up, his doctor recognized in him what he saw in his own son. “My pediatrician was a great role model who I trusted during my high school years. His son is gay, and he recognized what I was not allowed to say out loud,” he says. “That conversation was helpful to me—it helped me to feel a little better about what I was feeling.” At the end of his freshman year at the University of California, Berkeley Dr. Slavin came out to his parents. “It was difficult for my parents. It didn’t fit with their expectations of what they hoped and wanted for me,” he said. Still, Dr. Slavin continued his education and received his medical degree from UCLA. While completing his residency at the University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Slavin and his forever person, Bill Koumas, celebrated their domestic partnership commitment in San Francisco. Dr. Slavin decided Hackensack University Medical Center was the place he wanted to build his career as a pediatric infectious disease specialist. After moving to New Jersey, he and Bill tied the knot three more times—one domestic partnership and one civil union in New Jersey, and for the final time in New York, when marriage equality was signed into law. Dr. Slavin and Bill believed that their voices could make a difference. “I thought it was really important to speak out. You love who you love, and you should get the benefit of being married to that person...to legally have that person be at your side when you’re sick,” he says. “Everyone should have the same access to all the same benefits and rights. We should not marginalize people based on who they love or what they look like.” Last year, Dr. Slavin supported residents in their effort to improve inclusivity at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital with the introduction of pronoun buttons. He's proud of the work that’s being done. “In pediatrics, we are working hard to help people understand patients where they are, creating a safe space. Whether you’re transgender, gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, however you identify—our pronouns are visible, and our patients are treated with the utmost respect.” It's that mentality that continues to inspire him. “Whatever I’m doing, I believe it is important to leave behind something that’s better than it would have been if I hadn’t been there. That resonates very strongly with me. I want to continually grow and develop as a person. What I really value is effecting change in the bigger picture to make things better.” #PrideMonth has come to an end, but our gratitude for Dr. Slavin on our team continues year round.
Congratulations Kevin. Beautifully written article on you, your life and accomplishments! You always strive for excellence.
It has been Julie and my pleasure to be a part of your career and life events. All our best.
Dr. Slavin's commitment to inclusivity and making a difference is truly inspiring. His dedication to leaving a positive impact on the world is something we can all strive for. #Inspiration
Leader and hero
Great Services!!!
They are the best!! Love them!
Public Relations and Nonprofit Management Professional, Digital Marketing, Crisis Communications, Public Spokeswoman, Photographer, Writer. OPEN TO RELOCATION.
2wI adore this couple and have been lucky enough to call them my neighbors as well as friends. I salute their love story and bravery for as they began, the world was not as kind as it could have been. But progress requires the willingness to stand for what you believe in and its essential for change. Our evolution as a society has a long way to go but meanwhile, celebrating all love deeply matters. Love you, Kevin & Bill!