KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) graduate Plato E. Varidin, D.O., was selected as one of the American Osteopathic Association’s (AOA) Great Pioneers in Osteopathic Medicine.
As part of the AOA’s Greatness Campaign, AOA members nominated D.O.s, basic scientists, and laymen who have pioneered new frontiers for the osteopathic profession. Dr. Varidin, a 1954 KCOM graduate, was nominated by his peers for this honor that encompasses his career body of work.
“I had no previous knowledge of the award. This is the third year AOA is giving it out and to my knowledge, I am the only practical physician to win the award.” Dr. Varidin said. “They want to mimic pioneers like A.T. Still with this award. That is one hell of an honor.”
Dr. Varidin co-founded Warren General Hospital in Warren, Ohio, in 1956 and served as chief of staff in 1968. In 1972, he founded the Florida Society of American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, which continues to be the largest and most active family medicine society in America. Dr. Varidin also founded the Lake Eerie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton Branch in 2000. He has graduated more than 900 students, interns, and residents since 1984 as director of medical education at Northside Hospital/Heart Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla., and University General Hospital in Seminole, Fla.
Dr. Varidin served as a member of the KCOM Board of Trustees from 1983-88 and KCOM Alumni Board from 1978-85, where he served as president from 1983-84.
Dr. Varidin’s late son, Mark Varidin, graduated from KCOM in 1984, and his grandson Anthony De Lucia is a 2008 KCOM graduate.
Dr. Varidin continues to practice part-time and lives in Seminole, Fla.
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