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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.
Dr. Anderson, 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., Dr. 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
Dr. Cyril Blavo, 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, Dr. 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, Dr. 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, Dr. 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 Dr. Blavo's genuine spirit of unity and service.
Blavo Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Louisa Burns, D.O.
Dr. Louisa Burns, 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, Dr. Burns joined the faculty of Pacific College, where she imparted
knowledge on physiology and served as a clinician for the subsequent eight years.</p>
<p>As her career evolved, Dr. 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
Dr. Gary Cohen 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,
Dr. 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. Dr. Cohen tragically lost his life in the Surfside condominium collapse in
2021, alongside his brother, Dr. 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 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.</p> <p>Before his presidency,
Dr. 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.</p> <p>Dr.
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.
Dr. James Howell, 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, Dr. 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, Dr. 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.
Dr. Kenneth and Dr. Michelle Johnson are proud alumni of Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. 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. Dr. 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, Drs. Kenneth and Michelle Johnson 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 health care standards for all.
Johnson Society Leader, Advisers, and Faculty Members
Faculty Leader
Faculty
Robert Klein, D.O.
Dr. Robert Klein, 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, Dr. 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.
Dr. Lippman has made significant contributions to the osteopathic medical profession
and the broader health care 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 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 health care 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 health care 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.
Dr. Sandhouse, 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, Dr. 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, Dr. 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.
Dr. Silverman, 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, Dr. 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, Dr. Silvagni
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 Dr. Terry 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, Dr.
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.
Dr. Turner, 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. Dr. 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 Dr. 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., M.S., M.S., M.S., M.S.
Dr. Elaine Wallace 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.
Dr. 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 Dr. Zafonte 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.
Dr. 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 & rehabilitation at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Zafonte is also a principal investigator on several federal grants.