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At the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, students benefit from academic and emotional support through the Societies program, a pivotal component of our Wellness program. Upon enrollment, students are randomly assigned to one of the ten Fort Lauderdale Campus societies or one of the seven Tampa Bay Regional Campus societies.
These Societies create small communities with approximately 25 students from each class. Each society is led by a faculty leader, two academic advisers, several faculty members, and dedicated students serving as peer mentors, providing academic guidance, emotional support, and a sense of community. Students actively participate in the same society throughout their four years of medical school, fostering a personalized experience on multiple levels.
Fort Lauderdale Societies: Anderson, Burns, Cohen, Klein, Lippman, Silvagni, Silverman, Terry, Turner, Zafonte
Tampa Bay Regional Societies: Blavo, Hanbury, Howell, Johnson, Patel, Sandhouse, Wallace
William G. Anderson, D.O.
William G. Anderson, D.O., the first African American president of the American Osteopathic
Association in 1994-95, has dedicated his professional life to enhancing, promoting,
and leading osteopathic medical education and the osteopathic professions. From his
days as a surgeon and leader of the Civil Rights Movement in Georgia alongside Reverend
Martin Luther King Jr., Anderson has focused not only on improving the health of individual
patients but also on enhancing the health of the broader society.
Anderson Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Cyril Blavo, D.O., M.S., M.P.H., T.M., FACOP
Cyril Blavo, D.O., M.S., M.P.H., T.M., FACOP, the assistant dean of preclinical education
at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Tampa Bay Regional
Campus, boasts over 30 years of service at NSU where he has held diverse leadership
roles and served as a professor of pediatrics and public health. Recognized for his
outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and service, Blavo has been honored
with seven Golden Apple awards for excellence in teaching. He has also received the
Arnold Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award, recognizing his exemplary compassion,
competence, and respect in delivering care.
Actively engaged in community service, Blavo is particularly passionate about global health. As the president and CEO of International Health Initiatives, Inc., he spearheads various humanitarian projects worldwide, spanning locations such as India, Nepal, Ghana, and Haiti. Born in Ghana and educated across Ghana, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Blavo takes pride in his tribal name, Mawushie, which translates to "God's hands," symbolizing his profound commitment to service and caring for others.
The Blavo Society, encapsulated by the Latin phrase "Ut Omnes Unum," meaning "That All May Be One," reflects Blavo's genuine spirit of unity and service.
Blavo Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Louisa Burns, D.O.
Louisa Burns, D.O., a trailblazer in osteopathic medicine, emerged as one of the early
women to achieve prominence in the field. After graduating from the Pacific College
of Osteopathy in 1903, she swiftly ascended to become a leading researcher in osteopathic
medicine. In 1906, Burns joined the faculty of Pacific College, where she imparted
knowledge on physiology and served as a clinician for the subsequent eight years.
As her career evolved, Burns held influential leadership positions within osteopathic organizations, including the A.T. Still Research Institute and the Louisa Burns Osteopathic Research Laboratory.
Burns Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Gary Cohen, D.O.
Gary Cohen, D.O., was a 1989 NSU KPCOM alumnus who graduated during the time when the college was Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine (SECOM). He devoted his life to the compassionate care of others as a respected physiatrist and community leader. He served with distinction at the Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where he ran the prosthetic clinic and specialized in electromyography, nerve conduction studies, and pain management. Board-certified in both allopathic and osteopathic medicine, Cohen embodied kindness, empathy, and a deep commitment to healing. A man of faith and conviction, he remained an engaged member of the Jewish community and a lifelong learner. Cohen tragically lost his life in the Surfside condominium collapse in 2021, alongside his brother, Brad Cohen. His contribution to medicine, along with his legacy of service, integrity, and compassion, will continue to inspire future generations.
Cohen Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D.
President Emeritus George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., served as the sixth president and
CEO of Nova Southeastern University, Florida's largest not-for-profit private university.
Assuming office in July 2011, he promptly realigned the university's mission, vision,
and established eight core values to guide its trajectory beyond 2020.
Before his presidency, Hanbury dedicated 12 years to NSU as executive vice president and chief operating officer. With a 30-year successful career as a city manager in Fort Lauderdale, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk, he brings extensive leadership experience.
Hanbury has received numerous accolades, including the 2017 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Laureate, City of Fort Lauderdale Walk of Fame inductee, 2015 Sun Sentinel Excalibur Award winner, and the 2014 South Florida Business Journal Ultimate CEO honoree. Actively involved in civic activities, he serves on various boards, including the Broward Workshop Executive Committee and the Sunshine State Conference.
Hanbury Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
James T. Howell, M.D., M.P.H.
James T. Howell, M.D., M.P.H., the assistant dean of professional relations and a
professor of public health at Nova Southeastern University's College of Osteopathic
Medicine, earned his M.D. degree from New York Medical College. He served as a captain
in the U.S. Army Medical Services Corps, holding the position of chief of the Preventative
Medical Division at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Following a preventive medicine residency
in Palm Beach County, Florida, Howell obtained a master's degree from the Harvard
School of Public Health and completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government
certificate program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.
In his career, Howell held several senior health positions in Florida, notably serving as the inaugural secretary of the Florida Department of Health. Joining the Nova Southeastern University's College of Osteopathic Medicine faculty in 1999, he embarked on a second career as a medical educator. In this capacity, he engages with future physicians, acts as a faculty adviser to clubs and societies, and contributes to the college's global health initiatives and students' political advocacy efforts.
Howell Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Kenneth E. Johnson, D.O., FACOOG, and Michelle Johnson, D.O.
Kenneth E. Johnson, D.O., FACOOG, and Michelle Johnson, D.O., are proud alumni of
Nova Southeastern University. Michelle Johnson began her medical journey at NSU's
College of Osteopathic Medicine, later transferring to the Chicago College of Osteopathic
Medicine, where she graduated with honors in 1996. Following graduation, she completed
her family practice training at Palmetto General Hospital. Kenneth Johnson graduated
from the College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1991. He pursued further specialization
in OB/GYN, completing his training at Columbus Medical Center, affiliated with Northwestern
University's medical school in Chicago, Illinois.
Throughout their careers, they both have remained committed to shaping the future of osteopathic medicine. In addition to their clinical practice, they have dedicated their time to training aspiring physicians and contributing to medical research to enhance healthcare standards for all.
Johnson Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Robert Klein, D.O.
Robert Klein, D.O., who passed away in 2004, graduated from the NSU College of Osteopathic
Medicine with the highest honors in 1991. He served as a highly esteemed faculty member
in the Department of Family Medicine for over a decade, leaving an indelible mark
on his colleagues and students. His acute intellect propelled him to achieve the top
position in the nation on levels I, II, and III of the COMLEX board exams, showcasing
his exceptional command of medical knowledge.
Beyond his scholarly achievements, Klein is fondly remembered for his kindness, gentleness, brilliance, and unwavering dedication. He was not only a respected physician but also a cherished friend and son.
Klein Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Fred Lippman, Ed.D.
Fred Lippman, Ed.D., has made significant contributions to the osteopathic medical
profession and the broader healthcare landscape. Throughout his extensive and distinguished
career, he served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives for 20 years
(1978-1998), and he earned the title of the "father" of Florida's Area Health Education
Center (AHEC) Program. Due to his dedicated efforts, Nova Southeastern University's
College of Osteopathic Medicine's AHEC Program was founded in 1985, becoming the state's
inaugural AHEC.
Lippman Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Kiran C. Patel, M.D.
Dr. Kiran C. Patel, M.D., earned his medical degree in Ahmedabad, India, and practiced
in Zambia before relocating to the United States with his wife, Pallavi Patel, M.D.,
on Thanksgiving Day in 1976. He then attended New York's Columbia University, where
he earned a specialization in cardiology. After moving to the Tampa Bay, Florida,
area in 1982, Dr. Patel became recognized as a distinguished cardiologist, but he
had a further mission—to make healthcare efficient, affordable, and accessible. In
2017, Dr. Patel and his wife committed $200 million to NSU, enabling the university
to enhance and expand its osteopathic medicine and healthcare sciences programs. The
financial commitment included a $50-million gift and an additional $150-million real
estate and facility investment that led to the creation of the new Tampa Bay Regional
Campus in Clearwater. Additionally, Dr. Patel is chair of the Patel Foundation for
Global Understanding, a nonprofit organization that develops and funds several health,
education, arts, and culture programs.
Patel Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Mark Sandhouse, D.O., M.S.
Mark Sandhouse, D.O., M.S., a distinguished alumnus of NSU's College of Osteopathic
Medicine and the inaugural OPP Fellow, has dedicated his professional life to advancing
the understanding and application of osteopathic principles in medical practice. Serving
on the College of Osteopathic Medicine faculty, Sandhouse has collaborated with the
National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and the Educational Council on Osteopathic
Principles. His efforts have focused on standardizing osteopathic terminology and
curriculum content at a national level, ensuring alignment between national board
examinations and the standardized curriculum, and upholding the integrity and validity
of these examinations.
Continuing his commitment to advancing osteopathic medicine, Sandhouse serves as a clinical role model for students, residents, and fellows, further reinforcing the principles of osteopathic medicine in the medical community.
Sandhouse Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Bradley I. Silverman, D.O.
Bradley I. Silverman, D.O., who passed away in 1999, was a beloved member of NSU's
College of Osteopathic Medicine's charter graduating class in 1985. During his career,
he became passionately involved in the breast cancer field. He became chief of surgery
and then chief of staff elect at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center. In 1998, Silverman
made a significant contribution to the medical field by pioneering a new procedure
called sentinel node dissection that helped make breast cancer surgical procedures
significantly less invasive.
Silverman Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Anthony J. Silvagni, D.O., Pharm.D.
Since becoming dean of NSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1998, Anthony J. Silvagni,
D.O., Pharm.D., has implemented numerous innovative ideas that have triggered growth
and accomplishments. His commitment to providing students with the most comprehensive
educational experience possible has helped implement several enhancements, including
an increased emphasis on local and international missions, the establishment of an
OSCE curriculum that uses standardized patients in medical student/resident training,
and a dramatic increase in faculty/student-driven research.
Silvagni Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Morton Terry, D.O.
When Morton Terry, D.O., passed away on January 11, 2004, he left behind an extraordinary
professional legacy that will continue to live on through the six colleges and numerous
programs that comprise NSU's Health Professions Division. Throughout his legendary
life, Terry masterminded several bricks-and-mortar successes, including Osteopathic
General Hospital, Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine (SECOM), Southeastern
University of the Health Sciences, and the historic merging of Southeastern University
of the Health Sciences with Nova University in 1994.
Terry Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
James Turner, D.O.
James Turner, D.O., who graduated from Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine
(SECOM)—the precursor to Nova Southeastern University's College of Osteopathic Medicine
in 1988, has spent the past two decades establishing an illustrious career dedicated
to community, state, and national level service. Turner served as director of emergency
medicine at the Charleston Area Medical Center and as an emergency physician at New
Century Emergency Physicians of West Virginia, Inc. Other points of distinction for
Turner encompass numerous publications, lectures, and accolades that include the NSU
College of Osteopathic Medicine's Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award in 1999.
Turner Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Elaine M. Wallace, D.O., Ed.S., M.S., M.S., M.S., M.S.
Elaine M. Wallace, D.O., Ed.S., M.S., M.S., M.S., M.S, serves as the fifth dean of
NSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been a lifelong leader in medical education.
Her career achievements include developing new techniques in osteopathic manipulative
medicine, particularly the development of torque unwinding. Additionally, she played
a pivotal role in establishing one of the first standardized patient programs in the
United States. She introduced a spirituality curriculum into osteopathic education
and developed leading medical outreach programs. Wallace's life work embodies the
osteopathic attention to mind, body, and spirit.
Wallace Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Ross Zafonte, D.O.
Although it has been over two decades since Ross Zafonte, D.O., graduated from the
inaugural Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine (SECOM) class in 1985, he has
never lost touch with the institution that provided him with this entrée into the
osteopathic profession. He became the first alumnus to participate in NSU’s College
of Osteopathic Medicine’s academic societies by making a significant contribution
to a worthy cause.
Zafonte serves as a chairperson of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, and the chief of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Massachusetts General Hospital. Zafonte is also a principal investigator on several federal grants.