16
COM Outlook . Spring 2015
and Biosciences College of Osteo-
pathic Medicine. “To serve as dean
both here and in Kansas City, I
have had to sacrifice participating
in other aspects of academia I’ve
always enjoyed such as patient care,
research, and teaching.
“I chose to become a dean when
the opportunity presented itself in
1992 because I knew my administra-
tive skills were stronger than most
other osteopathic physicians,” he
added. “Although my other skills
were quite good, I knew there were
many other good, or better, academic
physicians out there. So I chose to do
what I excelled in so I could make a
greater contribution, which I feel I
have done in many different ways.
But I believe I have reached a point in
my life where it’s time to pursue new
challenges, relearn some things I used
to be proficient in, and get back to be-
ing part of the implementation of aca-
demic aspects rather than serving in a
development and leadership role.”
During his fruitful stint as
dean, Dr. Silvagni helped oversee
a sustained period of growth and
achievement that even he couldn’t
have foreseen when he first arrived
on campus to become the college’s
fourth dean. Perhaps that’s what in-
evitably motivated him to relinquish
the leadership reigns at this juncture
in his career—he’s already done so
much. “I just came to the conclusion
that it’s time for someone else to
take the tiller and for me to man the
sails,” he explained.
Assessing Key
Accomplishments
When Dr. Silvagni was asked to
name some of the most notewor-
thy accomplishments that occurred
during his NSU-COM deanship, one
immediately jumped to the top of his
list—the quality of the college’s edu-
cation. “While we have always been
a good school, I think that through
the diversity we incorporated, the
breadth of academic programming
we established, and the unique facul-
ty and staff members we hired, these
factors have elevated us to an even
higher level of academic excellence.
We are now recognized as one of the
top medical schools in the country,
which is a fact that can be measured
by the numerous opportunities that
are being afforded our graduates
and faculty members.”
Research is another growth area
of which Dr. Silvagni is justifiably
proud. “When I arrived here in 1998,
there was only minimal research
activity taking place,” he stated.
“Through the efforts of our staff
and faculty members, and thanks to
the cooperation of the administra-
A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT AND SERVICE:
During the 2015 Florida Osteopathic Medical
Association (FOMA) Convention in February, Dr. Silvagni was named an honorary lifetime member
of the organization. Presenting Dr. Silvagni with his lifetime membership certificate are Stephen
Winn, FOMA executive director (left), and Jorge D. Luna, D.O., FACOFP, 2014-15 FOMA president.
COLLEGIALITY AND COMEDY:
Dr. Silvagni shares a jovial moment with Dr. Elaine Wallace at his
appreciation reception held January 26 in the Chancellor’s Dining Room.
