23
COM Outlook . Fall 2012
MELNICK MEMORIES
Looking Back…at Osteopathic Principles and Practice
By Arnold Melnick, D.O., M.Sc., FACOP
Founding Dean of Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-COM)
Unfortunately, Dr. McCormick, because of
the heavy demands of his private practice, had
to withdraw after the first year, so we began a
national search. After interviewing several of
the leading OPP specialists in the country, we
employed a nationally known instructor to head
the department—
Thomas F. Schooley, D.O.
He
brought years of teaching and practice experi-
ence to the job. However, for some unexplained
reason, he only stayed a year or so, and we were
back to square one.
Again, we conducted a national search, but
this time the pickings were slim and we could not
find a satisfactory match for the post.
At this point, Morton Terry, D.O., the college’s
founder, came up with one of his unbelievable,
but eventually correct ideas (he had a lot of
them, including hiring me as a dean without any
experience in administration or in a dean’s of-
fice). He turned to me and said, “Let’s hire Art.”
That was Dr. Snyder, another successful local
practitioner. When we were both in Philadelphia,
I had helped train Dr. Snyder in pediatrics, and he
became certified, so I knew him well.
However, he had played only a very small
role in OPP the previous year. “But...but...but,”
I sputtered. “Art is a great guy and a dear friend
of mine. He has a great record in practice both
in general practice and in pediatrics.” Catching
my breath, I added, “But even though he used
manipulation in his practice, he has had no teach-
ing experience, either in planning or in standing
in front of a classroom.” Mort’s reply was a firm,
“
He can do it.”
And do it he did. Thanks to intensive study,
consultation with experts, and unlimited
amounts of time devoted to preparation, Art
quickly raised his knowledge and ability to a
point where he was the right person for the
right job. He guided the department, did much
of the teaching, trained several OPP fellows,
and was loved by the students. He brought
with him the ability to maintain order and
behavior without alienating the students. His
compassionate teaching style and numerous
accomplishments were recognized in 2003
when he received the NSU-COM Alumni As-
sociation’s Living Tribute Award.
Outside of school and academics, he was
known for his marvelous wooden sculptures (he
did several hundred of them), his athletic prow-
ess (like 100 one-arm push-ups every morning)
and for his calm, even-tempered disposition. All
of Art’s talents added up to make him an out-
standing department head, particularly for OPP.
Art was named professor emeritus in 1999 and
retired in 2006.
Our Department of Osteopathic Principles
and Practice has come a long way and has always
been a department we look upon with pride.
Osteopathic principles
and practice (OPP), from
the outset, have been an
important part of NSU-
COM—both in emphasis
and in teaching. Also,
it was an important
consideration in planning
the original curriculum
of our school.
In the teaching area,
we were fortunate in
enlisting
James J.
McCormick, Jr., D.O.
,
a
young local physician
whose practice was
heavy in osteopathic
manipulative treatment,
to start the department
and to begin planning
for the four years. He,
in turn, enlisted the
assistance of several
local D.O.s who were
very adept in their field:
Frank Barrone, D.O.,
Donald Farrow, D.O.,
Raymond Rossa, D.O.,
and
Arthur Snyder, D.O.
This group taught OPP
during the first year.
OPP AT NSU-COM
Osteopathic principles and practice remain a
hallmark of the training students receive at
NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.
