Editorial: Elias Ghanem’s life one of compassion

Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2001 | 8:39 a.m.

Elias Ghanem lived the American Dream.

Ghanem, who died Monday, immigrated to this nation from Lebanon in 1963. While he attended Duke University's medical school, he had to scrimp on eating and sometimes had to sleep in his car to make ends meet. In 1971 he made his way to Las Vegas and became one of the valley's most prominent physicians. Ghanem was known as the "physician to the stars" for treating well-known patients, but Ghanem also quietly provided care for patients who didn't have any money, either. He treated the homeless with the same dignity that he treated celebrities.

Ghanem also received as much recognition, sometimes more, for his role as a boxing regulator. Boxing fans everywhere knew of Ghanem's devotion to the sport from his work as chairman of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The sport's image has been tarnished for decades, but Nevada's strict oversight has ensured that fights in this state are held to the highest standards, and Ghanem was a big reason for Nevada's success. For instance, Ghanem presided over the hearing that led to a record $3 million fine and revocation of Mike Tyson's license after the boxer bit off part of Evander Holyfield's ear. As he did with his patients, Ghanem also looked out for the safety of boxers, implementing mandatory blood testing for highly communicable diseases, including AIDS and hepatitis.

Throughout his life, Ghanem's compassion for others marked his achievements -- whether it was in medicine, in boxing or in the many friendships he made with Nevadans. He will be deeply missed.