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Dr. Melissa Zimel is an orthopedic 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

  • Academic Title

    Assistant Professor

Where I see patients (3)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    305 Ratings
    About our process
    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
    Great experience
    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 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. Zimel 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
    Dr. Zimel is terrific!
    Dec 23, 2022
    Very good
    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.
    Nov 06, 2022
    Dr Melissa Zimel is very friendly and professional. She patiently listened my questions and answered and one by one .
    Oct 25, 2022
    I have not heard from a test the doctor wa going to request for me.
    Oct 14, 2022
    I had a very good meeting with Dr Zimel
    Oct 07, 2022
    Exemplary service
    Oct 02, 2022
    This was an excellent experience for me
    Sep 04, 2022
    I continue to be impressed with everyone in this practice!
    Aug 25, 2022
    Dr Zimel always inform me about my condition
    Aug 09, 2022
    Great
    Jul 26, 2022
    Dr. Zimel is great had all my info at her fingertips and knew my case in detail.
    Jun 03, 2022
    She Ordered x-ray for glute. In retrospect I also wondered if an x-ray or mri follow up on shoulder after time has passed might be appropriate to confirm there are no changes and it is benign she didn't mention if that is a recommended option.
    Apr 14, 2022
    Very happy with working with this team & Dr. Zimel in particular
    Mar 30, 2022
    The provider is very caring and very friendly.
    Mar 04, 2022
    Dr. Zimel is easy to talk with she's very personable and professional. I feel she has a clear handle on my condition and her approach for it feels very comfortable to me.
    Feb 20, 2022
    I love Dr Zimel she is amazing

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