Dennis Agliano, MD '68, FACS
Profession Board-certified head, neck and cosmetic surgery. Currently in private practice in Tampa, Florida.
Accomplishments Established the expert witness program in Florida, which became the model that was adopted by the American Medical Association for a similiar national program. Distinguished alumnus, University of Miami. Hillsborough County, Florida (Tampa) Physician of the Year in 1998 and 2004. Currently president of the Florida Medical Association; past president of the Hillsborough County Medical Association, 1995. Received the Chair Award from the Board of Governors, American Academy of Otolaryngology, 2003.
Hobbies Golf and tennis.
Medical School Experience/Recollection I fondly remember my medical school days over at the Veterans Hospital, now The Biltmore Hotel. We had a great class with so many of my classmates going on to distinguish themselves in a variety of fields that it's impossible to name them all. A few that come to mind include John Clarkson, Tully Patrowicz, and Richard Ellenbogen.
George Paff was one of our favorite anatomists. He was a dynamic guy and an outstanding teacher. I was fortunate to have externships in orthopaedics with Dr. Augusto Sarmiento, radiology with Dr. Dave Parks, and plastic surgery with Dr. Gil Snyder. Each summer I would rotate and do my externships. A lot of guys would go to the Veterans' Administration Hospital and draw blood. I did that for one year, along with several other medical students. In exchange they gave you room and board.
Philosophy We in medicine are a professional family, and our purpose is to serve our patients, regardless of race, ethnicity, or whether you're rich or poor.
Why I Do What I Do I want to serve my fellow man. Physicians love their profession and truly enjoy taking care of people. However, we're in a period when that becomes difficult as medicine is under attack. Physicians are overseen by so many groups and must contend with the multiplicity of rules from Medicare, Medicaid, OSHA, HMOs. Doctors are fearful that they may inadvertently code something incorrectly and get accused of fraud. Despite these challenges, practicing medicine is a noble profession and I can't think of anything I'd rather do.
