Dr. Ralph Slepian is a professor of anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medical College and an attending anesthesiologist in the Department of Anesthesiology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. He also serves as vice chair of professionalism for the Department of Anesthesiology and as faculty ombuds, providing leadership in fostering a culture of respect, accountability and ethical practice.

After graduating from Hofstra University, Slepian earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed his internship and residency in anesthesiology at New York Hospital–Cornell Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in cardiothoracic and pediatric anesthesiology at the same institution.

Clinically, Slepian specializes in the care of high-acuity and medically complex patients. His particular expertise includes management of the difficult airway and advanced intubation techniques, including fiberoptic intubation, as well as the care of patients with significant medical comorbidities. He also has extensive experience in cardiothoracic and pediatric cardiac anesthesia.

Slepian is a dedicated educator and mentor to medical students, residents and fellows and is widely recognized for his hands-on teaching of advanced airway management. His academic work includes participation in research related to difficult airway management, and he was invited by the American Society of Anesthesiologists task force to provide expert review and commentary on the ASA Difficult Airway Practice Guidelines prior to publication.

In addition to his clinical and educational work, Slepian has held numerous leadership roles during his tenure at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. He served as anesthesiology residency program director for 10 years and previously was director of cardiac anesthesiology and pediatric cardiac anesthesiology. He played a key role in establishing cardiac surgery and cardiac anesthesiology programs at NYP Queens and NYP Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.

Slepian also took a four-year hiatus from clinical medicine to serve as associate chief medical officer for NYP/Weill Cornell Medicine and NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. In his current leadership roles as vice chair of professionalism and faculty ombuds, he provides confidential guidance, promotes professional standards and supports faculty, trainees and staff in addressing workplace concerns, reinforcing a culture of trust, fairness and psychological safety across the department.