BSc Paris 1937; MRCS LRCP Lond 1942; FFCM 1978; MRCGP 1957.
Salem was born in Manchester on 16 November 1920. He gained his medical education in Paris and London and held junior hospital appointments in London. Salem served in the RAMC and in was appointed registrar to Crumpsall Hospital. Salem was later medical officer to the Manchester Regional Health Authority before being appointed area medical officer to Trafford Area Health Authority. Salem also worked as a general practitioner in Cheshire.