RELEASE: MSDC Bemoans Passing of Beloved Past President Dr. Carlos Silva

MSDC Bemoans Passing of Beloved Past President Carlos Silva, MD

Washington, D.C., October 16, 2019 – Carlos Silva, MD, beloved father and husband and past president of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC), passed away peacefully on October 13, 2019. He was an esteemed surgeon at George Washington University Hospital and a dedicated physician leader who spent decades advocating for patients and physicians.

Born in Puerto Rico, he came to the nation’s capital for medical education and received his medical degree from The George Washington University in 1960. After completing residency and internship, he served his country as a captain in the U.S. Air Force in Newport News, Va. Upon his return to Washington, D.C., he entered private practice as a general surgeon, specializing in burn and trauma surgery. He practiced for over 40 years, and later in his career acted as medical director at George Washington University Hospital.  

A long-time physician leader, his peers describe him as “selfless” and “dedicated.” He was “the epitome of what all physicians should be” according to MSDC Past President Raymond Scalettar, MD. Dr. Silva served a one-year term as MSDC president in 1987, and he served Washington, DC patients as an MSDC board member for 25 years. He provided his expertise on national healthcare issues as a delegate to the American Medical Association for over 25 years. His commitment and excellence earned him many awards, including the Medical Society’s Distinguished Service Award and Certificate of Meritorious Service.

He was beloved by his family and is survived by his wife of 59 years, Maria; daughter, Cristina (Fran) Silva Muracca; son, Carlos Jr.; and four grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling to Puerto Rico, California, Maryland and other locales for pleasure and to visit friends and family.  Other joys included golf and cruises.

Visitation took place on October 15, 2019, at Joseph Gawler's Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM. Services were held on October 16, 2019, at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cath. 11 AM, 36th and Mass. Ave., NW Washington, DC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral or The George Washington University School of Medicine in Health Sciences Discovery Fund, SHS Development Office, 2600 Virginia Ave. NW Suite 355G, Washington, DC 20037.

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Media Contact:

Pia Duryea                                                                 

Medical Society of the District of Columbia               

duryea@msdc.org                                                       

(202) 355-9414                                                             

About the Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC)

With more than 2,900 members, the Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC) is the largest medical organization in the District of Columbia representing metropolitan Washington physicians. Founded in 1817, MSDC is the first medical society chartered by an Act of Congress, and it remains dedicated to ensuring the well-being of physicians and their patients in metropolitan Washington. Learn more at msdc.org.