COM Outlook Summer/Fall 2019

38 | DR. KIRAN C. PATEL COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM) is always seeking ways to provide essential educational programs for interested applicants. The latest addition to the college’s academic mix is an on-site postbaccalaureate certificate program, based at the Tampa Bay Regional Campus, which will accept its inaugural cohort of about 50 students in the fall of 2019. The two-semester program is geared toward KPCOM applicants who meet the minimum- required Medical College Admission Test score, but were not admitted into the D.O. program because they had lower GPAs than students who were accepted. The program, which will bolster the students’ knowledge in anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, physiology, immunol- ogy, and microbiology, will also offer a course focusing on study skills. “This program will provide students with an oppor- tunity to enhance their skills and knowledge in preparation for an education in osteopathic medicine,” said Phyllis J. Filker, D.M.D., M.P.H., associate dean of undergraduate, graduate, and community education. “The program will consist of core medical sciences courses taught by outstanding and credentialed scientists and clinicians.” Students achieving a 3.6 average will automatically matriculate into the D.O. program. Those students obtaining a 3.3–3.5 average will be granted an inter- view into the program. o CLOSING Notes On May 30, the KPCOM bid a fond farewell to Anthony J. Silvagni, D.O., Pharm.D., M.S., FACOFP dist. , FCPP, dean emeritus and director of interna- tional medicine, at a retirement reception honoring his 21 years of service to the college. “I have never been in any position for 21 years, so it’s hard for me to believe this much time has gone by,” said Silvagni, who served as KPCOM dean from July 1998 through January 2015. “I stayed because of the energy and innovation the faculty and staff members always brought to the program, as well as the drive to develop new knowledge for the improvement of patient care.” During his fruitful tenure, Silvagni helped oversee a sustained period of growth and achievement even he couldn’t have foreseen when he became the college’s fourth dean. “When I was dean, it felt like I had a new job every week due to everything that was happening in regard to building the school and creating new programs,” he added. “The greatest reward was watching various faculty members get recognized in the literature and through their professional organizations. I would not trade my time at NSU for anything I’ve ever done professionally in my life.” o Anthony J. Silvagni Bids Adieu to NSU To honor Anthony J. Silvagni’s iconic mustache, the college presented him with a clever sculpture to celebrate his years of service. Pictured, from left, are Silvagni; Elaine M. Wallace, D.O., M.S. 4 , KPCOM dean; and Dianna Silvagni, J.D., Silvagni’s wife. Postbaccalaureate Program Established at Tampa Bay Regional Campus CLOSING NOTES