COM Outlook Spring 2020

22 | DR. KIRAN C. PATEL COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE In the early morning hours of November 24, the osteopathic profession and NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM) lost a beloved leader when Howard Neer, D.O., FACOFP, passed away at the age of 90. During a career overflowing with accomplishment, Neer spent nearly seven decades furthering the cause of osteopathic medicine both statewide and nationally. After graduating in 1954 from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Neer became an impactful leader and was named president of the Broward County Osteopathic Medical Association in 1960. Two years later, he helped found Doctors General Hospital in Plantation, Florida. When the hospital was sold in 1986, a significant portion of the proceeds was used to establish Doctors Hospital Foundation, with funds earmarked to benefit future generations of osteopathic physicians. During the ensuing years, the foundation donated approximately $10 million to the KPCOM to fund all aspects related to osteopathic student education. Neer enjoyed helping students realize their potential so much, he joined the KPCOM team in 1992. During his time as an NSU admin- istrator, he served as associate dean of clinical affairs, followed by asso- ciate dean of alumni affairs, and finally as executive associate dean for professional affairs for the entire Health Professions Division. o HOWARD NEER Howard Neer (left) and Anthony J. Silvagni, D.O., Pharm.D., M.S., FACOFP dist. , FCPP, KPCOM dean emeritus, at NSU’s 2014 commencement ceremony AWARD HIGHLIGHTS 1986 Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Distinguished Service Award 1997 Florida Osteopathic Association Physician of the Year Award 2001 American Osteopathic Foundation Horizon Award 2001 Florida Society of the American College of Family Physicians Lifetime Achievement Award 2007 Florida Osteopathic Medical Association Lifetime Achievement Award 2007 NSU Health Professions Division Distinguished Service Award 2016 Broward County Osteopathic Medical Association Lifetime Achievement Award HONORING A LEADER AND BENEFACTOR Neer with daughter Cindy Burkey (left) and wife Gloria Neer (center) receives the 2007 NSU HPD Distinguished Service Award from Frederick Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D., HPD chancellor/special projects (left), and Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D., NSU chancellor.