Dr. Herb Silverstein, the recipient of the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award from a committee of physician leaders at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, is not only a brilliant physician but also much more.

What does it take to earn such a prestigious award? Dr. Silverstein began his career after graduating from Temple University, training at the Harvard Teaching Hospital- Mass Eye and Ear in Boston. After being in academic medicine at MEEI and U of Penn. for 10 years he took a bold leap to relocate in private practice in Sarasota in1973. Arriving on the Gulf Coast in a used Corvette with only one suitcase and no money, he faced initial skepticism from local physicians who advised him there was no market for otolaryngology in the area. However, Dr. Silverstein was unwavering in his determination. He renovated a small 1000 ft closet in the office of orthopedist Dr. Robert Greenwood and initiated a humble practice for ten years. As he steadily built a robust patient roster, he began referring the less complex patients to other ENT specialists requesting in return they send him the most complicated cases. His commitment and competence quickly won the respect of his peers, and his practice grew from there. After ten years he established an office on 1961 Floyd St., covering 5,000 sq. ft. where he practiced for 20 years. Subsequently, he expanded to a third location at 1901 Floyd St., this time spanning 30,000 sq. ft. where he practiced another 2 decades before selling the building and his practice to SMH’s First Physicians Group. He is still seeing patients.

Throughout his career, Dr. Silverstein has focused on research and development of innovative surgical and diagnostic procedures as well as educating the next generations of Ear, Nose and Throat physicians through a Fellowship program in Otology/Neurotology. He provides treatment for patients with various ear issues such as Meniere’s disease, dizziness, hearing loss, tinnitus, otosclerosis, balance disorders, hyperacusis and more. Ten years ago he developed a minor surgical procedure to help patients with noise intolerance(hyperacusis). As the founder of The Ear Research Foundation in 1979 he has trained 50 fellows who are scattered throughout the the USA in practice or academic medicine. The mission of the Ear Research foundation is research, education and community service. Dr. Silverstein will be celebrating next year his 50 year practice milestone in Sarasota where he has shared with his fellows the research and innovative techniques he has developed. A 50:50 celebration is planned for April 6, 2024 at the Westin hotel. Furthermore, Dr. Silverstein will be honored at the 200th anniversary of Mass Eye/Ear at Harvard on July 19th, 2024 where he has an endowed in Chair in Otology/Neurotology.

When asked about his free time, Dr. Silverstein laughs. He professes his love for Sarasota and his commitment to giving back through his medical work. He’s also deeply passionate about jazz music and his Havanese dog, Aspen Rose. Aspen Rose is a service dog that he personally trained and, coincidentally, became the inspiration behind Dr. Silverstein’s latest music album (he has 17 in total) titled “Aspen Rose Live at the Opera House”. He has written 68 songs. To listen to any of Dr. Silverstein’s music, you can look on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon music or www.herbsilversteinjazz.com  

Dr. Silverstein has demonstrated a lifelong dedication of research and consistently strived to enhance patient care and quality of life at every step of his journey. His advice for fellow doctors, and indeed anyone pursuing their passions is simple: do what you love, and do it to the best of your abilities. It is this unwavering commitment to his calling that has earned him the esteemed SMH Lifetime Achievement Award.