Elaine M. Wallace, D.O. Named Dean of NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine

Elaine M. Wallace, D.O., new dean of NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) President and CEO George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., announced the appointment of Elaine M. Wallace, D.O., M.S., M.S., M.S., as dean of NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Wallace succeeds Anthony J. Silvagni, D.O., Pharm.D., M.Sc., FACOFP dist., who served as dean for the past 16 years and will continue as a professor in the college.

“Dr. Wallace’s record of distinguished service to Nova Southeastern University and its College of Osteopathic Medicine has prepared her to further NSU’s recognition and acclaim as a premier institution for medical education, research and innovation, and community service,” said President Hanbury.

Wallace has served in various capacities at the College during the past 15 years, most recently as executive associate dean (2009-15), professor of osteopathic principles and practice (2000-15), clinical professor for family medicine (2000-15) and staff physician for NSU’s Sanford L. Ziff Health Care Center (2000-15).

Prior to that, Wallace served as associate dean of academic administration (2008-09), chair of the Department of Osteopathic Principles and Practice and the Department of Sports Medicine (2000-08), liaison to international medicine (2000-08), and residency director for sports medicine and sports medicine fellowship (2000-09).

“I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Dr. Wallace during our mutual 15 1/2 years of service to NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine,” said Joseph S. De Gaetano, D.O., M.S.Ed., FAAFP, FACOFP, professor of family medicine and associate dean for clinical curriculum and graduate medical education at the college. “She is a consummate clinician, superb physician executive, and preeminent medical educator whose nationally recognized skills and vision will lead this College to new heights of accomplishment. The faculty, staff and students will thrive under her leadership, and I look forward to working closely with her for years to come.”

Wallace is an active scholar and researcher with a distinguished publication record. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her mentorship, teaching excellence and student engagement, including NSU’s Faculty Award for Community Service (2012) and the prestigious Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award (2013) awarded annually by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation to a select group of faculty from the nation’s medical schools who best demonstrate the ideals of outstanding compassion in the delivery of care; respect and empathy for patients, their families and health care colleagues; and clinical excellence.

She is fully engaged in the professional community serving in past and current leadership roles with the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), American Academy of Osteopathy, American Association of Osteopathic Directors and Medical Educators, and National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.

Wallace began her career in a private family medicine practice in Kansas City, Mo., and subsequently assumed faculty and leadership positions at the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City including department chair, medical director of the Family Care Center, associate dean of academic and clinical affairs, vice dean of academics and medical education, and acting dean while holding the rank of professor.

Wallace holds a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the University of Health Sciences, Kansas City, Mo.; a Master of Science in Higher Education & Leadership from the University of Health Sciences, Kansas City, Mo.; a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a Behavioral Science Specialization from NSU; a Master of Science in Brain Research (Brain Based Education) from NSU; and is currently enrolled in the Doctorate of Organizational Leadership Program at NSU.

Wallace is board certified in family medicine (AOA), neuromusculoskeletal medicine (AOA), sports medicine (AOA) and medical acupuncture (University of California Los Angeles – Helms Institute).