A. L. Mestel
# A. L. Mestel

Ascher Lawrence Mestel (September 17, 1926 – June 6, 2022) was an American pediatric surgeon and artist who was based in Brooklyn, New York. He was one of the pioneers in the field of pediatric surgery and was widely published. Mestel was especially well known for the groundbreaking first successful separation of Ischiopagus Tripus conjoined twins.

## Biography

From 1944 to 1946, Mestel served in the United States Navy. After the Navy he graduated from New York University in 1947. He then attended SUNY Downstate Medical Center, where he was elected to the medical honor society Alpha Omega Alpha and graduated in 1952. He went on to complete his internship and residency in General Surgery at Beth El Hospital (1952–1957) and a fellowship in Pediatric Surgery in the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada (1957–1958). In addition, he obtained a Masters in Surgery at New York Medical College in 1958.

Mestel served as President of the Alumni, Medical Staff, and Medical Board at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, and served on its Board of Trustees. He also served as Chairman of the Alumni association and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Alumnae at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. In addition to his work in the United States, Mestel worked with Project HOPE (USA) in Jamaica.

In 1997, Mestel was awarded the Clarence and Mary Dennis Award for outstanding contributions and significant commitments to the SUNY Downstate Medical Center and to the Brooklyn community. In 1998, he was awarded the Alumni Service Award for providing exceptional service and leadership to the Alumni Association-College of Medicine of SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

Mestel was also an accomplished sculptor and stained glass artist. His art won numerous awards and has been seen on exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum, Staten Island Cultural Center, and Lever House. He was also active in the Jewish community, and served as Chairman of the Board and President of Flatbush Park Jewish Center in Brooklyn. After retiring from practice, he lived with his wife Beverly in Mill Basin, Brooklyn. Mestel died on June 6, 2022, at the age of 95.

