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Dr. Melissa Zimel is an orthopedic oncology surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating children and adults with bone or soft tissue tumors, as well as those with conditions caused by tumors. As an orthopedic oncologist, she evaluates and treats both benign and malignant tumors of the extremities, pelvis and trunk. For patients who need a cancerous bone tumor removed, she performs limb salvage surgery, which can involve joint reconstruction with custom implants. She also treats patients with metastatic bone cancer.

Zimel's research focuses on how to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal tumors who have had limbs either amputated or preserved and reconstructed using implants. Her studies include patients who have had one or multiple surgeries.

After earning her medical degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Zimel completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at Beaumont Health. She then completed a fellowship in orthopedic oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Zimel is a member of many professional organizations, including the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Orthopaedic Research Society, Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society, J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society and American Medical Association.

  • Education

    Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 2008

  • Residencies

    William Beaumont Hospital, Orthopedic Surgery, 2013

  • Fellowships

    Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Orthopedic Oncology, 2015

  • Board Certifications

    Orthopedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

  • Academic Title

    Associate Professor

Where I see patients (3)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    311 Ratings
    About our process
    Sep 26, 2024
    Great video visit. Dr. Zimel very professional and listened to my concerns. Would definitely refer her to others. Impressive.
    Sep 24, 2024
    Doctor Zimmel is very professional takes the time to explain everything to us and my child.She is very patient with my kid
    Sep 04, 2024
    I would give the highest possible rating I could. This care for my child went above and beyond.
    Aug 31, 2024
    Dr Zimel is always very thorough in all aspects of what we are discussing on a very professional level.
    Aug 30, 2024
    She is the best Dr.on Earth!!!!
    Aug 20, 2024
    Dr. Zimmel is a wonderful doctor! She is always concerned and wants to make sure all aspects of your health are taken care of.
    Aug 06, 2024
    Dr. Zimel has a wonderful way with me. She always smiles!
    Aug 02, 2024
    I honestly was not satisfied with my appointment. With the doctor being 15 minutes late for a 30 minute appointment that I had a hard stop for due to meetings on my end, I felt pressed for time. Partially as a result, I feel my conversation with the doctor was not effective. She discussed the option for surgery, but recommended that I not undergo surgery in the last visit, which made me feel like our conversation was going in circles. I feel she presents the options for treatment well (surgery or medicate for pain), but doesn't provide clear advice on what to do. Granted, my condition is unusual (to my understanding) and the length of natural recovery is unknown, as well as if surgery (removal of the tumor) could be successful if undertaken. Dr. Zimel is kind and I appreciate her efforts in helping me and maintaining a relationship, especially given the scope/importance of the conditions she treats, but I wish she would provide me with more direct advice on treatment and how she would weigh my options.
    Jun 16, 2024
    Excelente Dr
    May 21, 2024
    Excellent care and concern by all.
    May 07, 2024
    Good
    Apr 27, 2024
    Dr. Zimel is simply the best!!!
    Apr 14, 2024
    I would give Dr Zimel a 10 if that was an option
    Mar 29, 2024
    Dr Zimel and Dr Alicia Asteria are excellent doctors
    Mar 26, 2024
    Dr.Zinel is god send doctor
    Mar 24, 2024
    Kept me well informed
    Mar 09, 2024
    Very kind and friendly, she listens to her patients and explained to me everything In details.
    Mar 06, 2024
    Awesome
    Dec 19, 2023
    Dr Zimel and her team has always made us feel as their dearest family members, were extremely GRATEFUL
    Dec 12, 2023
    The whole experience was so professional with knowledgeable discussions on procedures, care and follow up with sincerity.
    Dec 07, 2023
    Best ever seen
    Dec 05, 2023
    Highly recommend
    Nov 28, 2023
    Dr Zimel is a "class A+" physician. She is caring, informing and always in touch with me.
    Oct 29, 2023
    I can't say enough good things about Dr. Zimel - she clearly communicated to me all of the information I needed, and provided realistic and reassuring information about likelihood of regaining mobility.
    Oct 28, 2023
    We were extremely satisfied with the way Dr. Zimel and the staff care for us We feel we were given the opportunity and time to express our concerns and opinions. WE LOVE Dr Melissa Nicole Zimel she is so, SO GREATGOD BLESS HER AND HER FAMILY, HER STAFF FOR EVER!!!
    Oct 01, 2023
    Dr Zimel is a world class surgeon. I would refer her to anyone in need, BUT hope not too many people have cancer/melanoma!!!!
    Sep 26, 2023
    Myself and my children have the greatest respect for Dr. Zimel. She is so easy to understand and very kind and friendly. But most importantly we respect her knowledge of my sarcoma situation. I feel I am in very good hands with Dr Zimel.
    Sep 26, 2023
    Great experience
    Sep 16, 2023
    Dr Zimel is professional with sincerity and knowledgable through recommendations and questions regarding those recommendations eith counsel
    Sep 12, 2023
    I appreciate the kindness and efficiency with which they treated me
    Sep 11, 2023
    Dr. Zimel is OUTSTANDING!
    Sep 04, 2023
    Dr. Zimel is excellent: caring and thorough.
    Sep 02, 2023
    Dr Zimel is the best!
    Aug 12, 2023
    Dr. Zimel one word OUTSTANDING! Extremely knowledgeable, fantastic listener and I feel like I couldn't be in better hands in dealing with my health issue! A true blessing!
    Aug 11, 2023
    Doctor has been totally empathetic, knowledgable and professional. One of the best wellness experiences to date and was made at ease with level of confidence from beginning to end of treatment
    Aug 05, 2023
    UCSF is top notch facility everything was explained in detail and wait time was very minimal.
    Aug 04, 2023
    Although it was already late and I was the last patient, Dr. Zimmel still explained everything so well.
    Jul 21, 2023
    Post check up after surgery.
    Jul 20, 2023
    Wonderful bedside manner and pleasantly engaging
    Jul 18, 2023
    Thank you De Melissa Zimel
    Jul 02, 2023
    She is a very confident Dr and we were reassured of all our concerns we would most definitely recommend her!
    Jun 30, 2023
    The best of the best in all regards!
    May 27, 2023
    Such a refreshing experience through conversation of treatment and follow up treatment and future strategy
    May 25, 2023
    Great experience
    May 23, 2023
    My care provider is very thorough, friendly, and explains things in a way that I understand. I appreciate her care and the team's careful approach in making major decisions about my health and keeping in mind my quality of life/well-being.
    May 16, 2023
    She was awesome!!
    May 06, 2023
    Dr. Zimel is the best!! We never feel rushed or that we are just another patient. She listens and makes sure that we feel that she has answered all of our questions.compassionate, caring and a terrific physician.
    Apr 28, 2023
    I dont think as a patient I received the care and respect that I expected.
    Apr 21, 2023
    You can't really relate to this level of care until you experience the care available in rural area where I live.
    Mar 03, 2023
    Pleasant surprise at the candid and thorough exchange of information regarding my health.
    Feb 02, 2023
    Dr. Zimel is fantastic. So caring, compassionate and an amazing listener.
    Dec 23, 2022
    Very good
    Dec 23, 2022
    Dr. Zimel is terrific!
    Nov 29, 2022
    Dr. Zimel is an excellent Doctor great bedsideManner. She's always asked about other health issues I'm dealing with. I have been seeing her for the last 5 years. A doctor appointment I always look forward to.
    Nov 25, 2022
    Dr. Zimel is great - very caring, understanding and great at answering any questions.

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