Page 33 - COM Outlook - Spring 2013

33 COM Outlook . Spring 2013
the United States. We plan to present the results of the study
to the osteopathic community so OMM treatment protocols
specific to people in underdeveloped countries can be devel-
oped and implemented by future medical outreach teams.
My experience in Peru taught me that while there are
real cultural differences in regards to health, all people
share a similar desire to be well. This insight into human
nature will undoubtedly affect the way I practice medicine.
As a physician, I will have the privilege and responsibility
of helping people improve their health. Whether it is by
giving them a toothbrush, improving their physical ap-
pearance, or relieving them of chronic pain, it is all for the
purpose of helping them live dignified lives.
Silvagnis Enjoy Medical
Outreach Experience
By Debra R. Gibbs, B.A., Medical Communications Coordinator
When Dr.
Anthony
J. Silvagni,
NSU-COM’s
longtime dean,
participated
in the medical
outreach trip to
Peru with OMS-
II Brittany Gray
and others, he
witnessed the students’ “rapid growth in confidence and
maturity, increased responsibility, and independence.” In
addition to working alongside the students and other par-
ticipants, the dean met with community leaders to discuss
NSU-COM’s commitment to patient care.
His wife, Dianna L. Silvagni, J.D., clinical assistant pro-
fessor of medical education, totally enjoyed taking part
in her first official medical outreach endeavor. “I wasn’t
quite sure what to expect on this trip as a nonmedical
person,” she said. Knowing that a pediatrician was on
the trip, she “came prepared with markers, paper, and
stickers” and spent the week organizing supplies for the
physicians and students, watching children when parents
were busy in examination rooms, and offering tooth-
brushes and toothpaste, along with some highly desired
Disney character stickers. The children beamed as they
picked out markers and stickers, making “those smiles
worth the trip,” Mrs. Silvagni said.
During one of the lunch breaks, the Silvagnis gave an
art observation lecture to the participants. “It was very
interesting to see the students go directly from the lecture
to see patients. The responses were very positive. The stu-
dents were able to see almost immediately how you could
apply the art principles, observation skills, and patient
care,” she said. “It was very exciting for me to witness
that response. The students and other participants in the
medical outreach trip have been asked to participate in a
program at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art during the
WARI exhibit, which is pre-Inca Peruvian artworks, to talk
about that art observation experience,” she added.
Mrs. Silvagni remarked on the dedication exhibited
by everyone at the clinic, especially that shown by Las
Damas Salesianas, or The Salesian Ladies Association, a
civil, nonprofit, humanitarian, and evangelical group of
Catholic women that focuses its efforts in the service of
poor people—especially women and children. The work
of two doctors, Roger Reckis, D.D.S., who joined the
group from out of state, and Dr. Schillinger, a dermatolo-
gist who has participated in medical outreach trips in the
past, was also a highlight of the effort.
Despite suffering a leg injury during his time in Peru,
Dr. Silvagni had nothing but fond memories of the out-
reach experience. “The students are so compassionate and
demonstrate a global concern for health care,” he said.
“The 80-hour community service requirement we estab-
lished was not created as a mandate, but as a means to
give recognition and credit to students for the extensive
generosity and commitment they share.”