Denton County Living Well Magazine September/October 2017 | Page 46

From page 43 “ During my training , I fell in love with the spine ,” says Dr . Silver , whose time at The University of Tünbingen , School of Medicine , Katharinen Hospital in Stuttgart , Germany , led to a general surgery internship at McGill University and a neurosurgery residency at the University of Toronto , both in Canada . After that , Dr . Silver completed a Spinal Fellowship for the management of complex spine disorders and minimally invasive spine surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin .
After 14 years in practice with complex cases and four years working in the Texoma area , Dr . Silver followed in his father ’ s entrepreneurial footsteps by opening up his own center , Silver Spine & Neurological Center .
“ Throughout my life , I ’ ve always developed a business for somebody else . One of my initial jobs was at the University of Florida , where I developed the Comprehensive Spine Center for the University of Florida . Following that , I helped develop a trauma center and surgical program …” explains Dr . Silver , who felt it was time to develop his own institute in the Lone Star State .
He chose it for a number of reasons . “ I think Texas is one of the greatest states in the country ,” says Dr . Silver . “ It ’ s a very fertile ground for hardworking people ,” he says .
Armed with his vast academic knowledge and extensive hands-on experience , he opened Silver Spine & Neurological Center to meet the needs of the Texas community he now calls home . “ My goal is to apply the extensive experience and academic training that I have and bring the highest level of care to the communities of Texoma and Collin counties with cutting-edge technologies ,” says Dr . Silver . through a step-by-step academic approach . It is only when the non-surgical options fail do they become surgical candidates .”
Recently , Dr . Silver handled the case of a 65-year-old female who ’ d been to see a number of neurosurgeons and spinal surgeons . “ She had a relatively simple problem of a lumbar disc herniation , which was never really diagnosed properly ,” describes Dr . Silver . After seeing the patient in his office and personally analyzing her MRI scans , he was able to correlate that with the patient ’ s clinical symptoms .
“ I was able to diagnose a symptomatic disc herniation that was overlooked . We did a very successful outpatient surgery that had a complete resolution of her pain ,” says Dr . Silver .
“ I had another case , a very complex spinal case , where the patient was turned back by every spine surgeon and I was able to apply minimally invasive spinal techniques using the latest technologies and the patient had a complete resolution of the spinal pain ,” he details .
“ I ’ m able to build a trust bond with patients that is unique , while delivering the best surgical results ,” describes Dr . Silver . “ The primary objective is to understand the patient ’ s symptoms and signs in the context of a comprehensive diagnosis , to then lay the groundwork for treatment .”
He firmly believes that his patients deserve an accurate diagnosis and realistic treatment and recovery plans .
“ I take a very conservative route , as if I were seeing patients at the university . I give them the non-surgical options first ,” explains Dr . Silver . “ I treat patients in a comprehensive way , coordinating the care with pain management doctors , chiropractors , and physical therapy clinics . Every patient goes
44 DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017