Tami Bach-Slonis, MD, PhD ’87

Tami Bach-Slonis was a very active and accomplished student at Paul VI. She was a member of the National Honor Society and numerous interdisciplinary academic clubs. She participated in the jazz and marching bands, the drama club, and the talent show, and she was a cheerleader. Finally, she was elected homecoming queen and was salutatorian of the class of 1987.

 

Tami married her high school sweetheart Jamie Slonis, who also graduated in the class of 1987.  Jamie said, “I have known Tami since were in the sixth grade together, and for as long as I can remember, she has always wanted to be a physician.”  Tami said, “even before I had an interest in the sciences, I wanted to be a physician.  It seemed natural for me to want to comfort people and to make an impact on the lives of others. I wanted to use the knowledge that I acquired to develop life-saving skills and to introduce my own techniques and ideas into the medical community to make a difference, even if in just one person’s life.”

 

Her medical accomplishments are numerous. After finishing an MD-PhD program at Thomas Jefferson University, Tami went on to complete a successful fellowship program at the Hospital of the University of the Pennsylvania. While at HUP, she excelled not only in patient care but also in research, publishing many articles and presenting at national meetings. On finishing her fellowship, Tami joined Dr. Carl J. Minniti Sr. and Dr. Carl J. Minniti Jr. at The Minniti Center for Medical Oncology and Hematology, based in Mickleton. She is board certified in hematology and medical oncology, and her practice services the new Inspira Network in Woodbury, Elmer, and Vineland. In addition to entering private practice, Tami was also asked to serve as the interim director of Penn’s Comprehensive Hemophilia Program. She is also a clinical assistant professor at Penn and directs a transition clinic for Penn Hemophilia, which she started in Woodbury Heights.

 

Although her medical qualifications are impressive, what sets Tami apart is her ability to connect with her patients. She has a wonderful bedside manner and is always willing to spend extra time with her patients. Tami has been recognized by Philadelphia, South Jersey Magazine, and SJ Magazine as a “Top Doc” in her field. She has also been selected as a “Reader’s Choice” Top Doc on numerous occasions.

 

Tami’s career path was inspired by a number of factors, including significant family support, the encouragement of close friends, and the advice of professional mentors. She noted, “I’ve learned that my success is hugely dependent on my family’s support. Going through the countless steps of medical and graduate training never could have been possible without the people who shaped who I am. My mother and grandparents provided me with a faith-filled upbringing, encouragement to strive for my best, and the means to pursue my goals. My father, stepmother, and brother provided positive reinforcement, enthusiastic encouragement, and lots of fun memories. My husband’s family treats me as their own and offers genuine love and kindness, and my children provide innocent smiles, hugs and kisses, and shouts of “Mommy, I love you!” Most especially, my husband has provided unconditional love, encouragement, and perseverance through ridiculous training and work schedules, as well as gourmet food on the table, for 20 years of marriage.” 

 

Tami also has fond remembrances of her friends and mentors who inspired her at Paul VI. She recalls, “Sister Marianne McCann helped me to focus my thoughts and express them on paper. The writing skills that I learned in my senior year have helped me to formulate many an essay, from my entrance application to medical school to scientific grant applications and publications in peer-reviewed journal articles, to heartfelt words of encouragement or sorrow to grieving families, even my own.”

 

Tami offers today’s students the following advice: “Be true to who you are and the values that you were taught long before you venture into the world of new discovery.”

 

In addition to her outstanding work as a physician, Tami is active in the community. She serves on the Board of Directors at Our Lady of Hope Regional School in Blackwood, she is a member of the Cancer Committee at Inspira Hospital, and she participates in activities through the American Cancer Society.

 

Tami and her husband Jamie have two daughters, Natalya Rose (8) and Katarina Lily (6).