The Nevada Cancer Institute has dedicated its board room to the memory of Dr. Elias Ghanem, who died of cancer in August 2001 after being diagnosed in 1998.
"Dr. Ghanem epitomized caring and compassion," said Heather H. Murren, chief executive office of the NVCI. "He was a friend to all and helped to map the blueprint that is helping to reduce the burden of cancer in Nevada."
Ghanem's wife, Jody, announced the family was providing the NVCI with a $250,000 gift in memory of her husband.
The late physician's son, Elias Ghanem II, said, "Our father stood for compassion and caring. But he also stood for hard work and dedication."
A native of Haifa, Israel, Ghanem was a graduate of Duke University School of Medicine and interned at the University of Southern California. He arrived in Las Vegas in 1971 as an emergency room physician at Sunrise Hospital.
He opened 24-hour clinics to meet the changing healthcare needs of Las Vegas. Ghanem became the "physician to the stars" and attended to Elvis Presley, Liberace, Bill Cosby, Ann-Margret and Wayne Newton. He also provided pro bono care for employees during a long-standing labor dispute, including the delivery of 100 babies.
As a longtime member of the Nevada Athletic Commission, he helped enhance the reputation of professional boxing.
Ghanem was honored with the University of Nevada Distinguished Nevadan Award and the Victor Award for his contributions to sports. He also was named Man of the Year by the National Jewish Hospital and American Jewish Committee.
In addition, the Elias F. Ghanem scholarship at the University of Nevada School of Medicine helps advance the profession by helping physician and nursing students in Nevada.
The NVCI is the official cancer institute for the state of Nevada, dedicated to research, early detection, prevention and high quality patient care with a focus on a future without cancer. Its 142,000-square-foot facility opened in the Summerlin area in September 2005.
"We couldn't be prouder to have Elias' memory sustained through this presence at the institute," Jody Ghanem said.
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