Henry Silver

Henry K. Silver

Name	Henry K. Silver
Birth name
Birth date	November 15, 1918
Birth place	New York City, New York, United States
Death date	January 25, 1991
Death place	Denver, Colorado, United States
Alma mater
Occupation	Pediatrician, Professor
Years active
Organization
Known for	Co-developing the Physician Assistant profession
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Henry K. Silver (November 15, 1918 – January 25, 1991) was an influential American pediatrician and professor known for his pioneering work in the development of the Physician Assistant (PA) profession. His contributions to medical education and healthcare delivery have had a lasting impact on the field.

Early Life and Education

Henry K. Silver was born in New York City, where he developed an early interest in medicine. He attended Columbia University, earning his undergraduate degree before pursuing a medical degree at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. After completing his medical degree, Silver specialized in pediatrics, a field in which he would make significant contributions.

Career

Silver began his career as a pediatrician, focusing on improving healthcare delivery to children. He joined the faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where he became a professor of pediatrics. His work in pediatrics was marked by a commitment to innovation and education.

Development of the Physician Assistant Profession

In the 1960s, Silver recognized the need for a new type of healthcare provider to address shortages in medical care, particularly in underserved areas. Along with Loretta Ford, a nurse educator, Silver co-developed the first Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Colorado. This program laid the groundwork for the development of the Physician Assistant profession.

In 1965, Silver and Ford established the first PA program at the University of Colorado, which was designed to train individuals to perform many of the tasks traditionally done by physicians. This program was instrumental in the creation of the PA profession, which has since become an integral part of the healthcare system in the United States and around the world.

Legacy

Henry K. Silver's work in developing the PA profession has had a profound impact on healthcare delivery. The PA model has been adopted globally, improving access to medical care and allowing for more efficient use of healthcare resources. Silver's contributions to medical education and his innovative approach to healthcare delivery continue to influence the field today.

Personal Life

Silver was married and had children. He was known for his dedication to his family and his profession. He passed away in Denver, Colorado in 1991.

Also see

• Physician Assistant
• Nurse Practitioner
• Loretta Ford
• University of Colorado School of Medicine