Silvia M. Ferret t i, D.O.
First In Leadership
Provost, Senior Vice president & Dean of Academic Affairs
S
urvivors often become leaders. Perhaps this transformation occurs as a result of an innate ability to overcome a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, or perhaps there are countless reasons known only to more providential designs how those who have triumphed over adversity find the ability to answer the call of leadership. Such is the case with Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O., who many know as the Provost, Senior Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pa. As a young girl who overcame serious head trauma, Dr. Silvia found herself drawn to the underlying philosophy of restoring the body. Her early experiences with rehabilitation ignited within her a firm desire to heal broken bodies and to revive fractured spirits. After receiving her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa., and completing her internship at the Hospital of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine with a residency in Physical Medicine Rehabilitation at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Dr. Silvia established a thriving practice in rehabilitative medicine and physical therapy. Her calling centered on helping those afflicted with disabilities and life-changing injuries by restoring a sense of normalcy to their lives. The philosophy of that mission would come to underscore the focus of her life’s work. Dr. Silvia readily admits that she had no desire, plans nor grand designs to become the first woman dean of an osteopathic medical college. She did not seek the positions she now holds as provost and dean. Shortly after opening the College, the first group of LECOM leaders — (L-R) Michael J. Visnosky, Dr. Dennis Agostini, Dr. John M. Ferretti, Mary Eckert and Dr. Silvia Ferretti — meet to discuss its progress.
1993
1996 In honor of National Osteopathic Medicine (NOM) week, Dr. Silvia gets a snap shot with an actor dressed as Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, the ‘father’ of osteopathic medicine.
6 | LECOM CONNECTION | SUMMER 2011
Though her great success as an active- and renowned-leader of osteopathic medical education have ensued, Dr. Silvia was immensely content in operating her rehabilitation practice. In the grand scheme of things, Dr. Silvia had a much bigger calling. Life, in many ways, is about roots — from where one starts and from where one learns, to the way that knowledge can be carried forth to others. Dr. Silvia brought to LECOM her vast understanding of the substantive philosophies of rehabilitative therapies, and she began to apply those theories to the practical application of educating physicians. She examined the ways that her work in rehabilitation completely centered on the patient. With that paradigm in mind, Dr. Silvia determined that the same application should be brought into practice with the student as the focus, thus defining the lynch pin of student-centered pathways. This concept remains unchanged as Dr. Silvia remains ever true to that principle. Her undying passion to provide students with all of the “tools” needed to succeed in the field of medicine paralleled her mission in rehabilitative training to restore the whole person. Such passions are observed throughout LECOM campuses as Dr. Silvia seeks to blend the harmonies of mind, body and spirit into a unified influence to advance the success of each student. To that end, visual amenities throughout each campus reveal Dr. Silvia’s love of art and artifacts. Tributes to local and community history permeate the buildings, reflecting her desire to create a museum of memorabilia honoring both Erie Mayor Joyce Savocchio presents Dr. Silvia and Mary Eckert, president and CEO of Millcreek Community Hospital, with a City of Erie Proclamation, announcing National Osteopathic Medicine week in the city.
1997
2000 Dr. John M. Ferretti and Dr. Silvia welcome Congressman Phil English, who stopped by LECOM in support of medical education in Pennsylvania.