[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 62 (Thursday, April 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E707-E708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING DR. ADRIANA SELVAGGIO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 29, 2010

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor Adriana Selvaggio. A devoted mother and renowned physician, Dr. 
Selvaggio has committed the majority of her adult life to serving 
others.

[[Page E708]]

  Born to Italian immigrants, Dr. Selvaggio came from a modest 
upbringing. Her father was a baker and worked hard to support her and 
her five brothers and sisters.
  After graduating from Hampton High School, at the behest of her 
parents, Dr. Selvaggio postponed college to help support her family. 
However, she never lost sight of her desire to further her education. 
She eventually left home to pursue her degree at Penn State University. 
She completed her bachelor's degree in science in just two years.
  Completing her bachelor's degree in just two years was only the 
beginning of Dr. Selvaggio's long list of accolades and 
accomplishments. She applied that same work ethic and determination to 
her studies at Temple Medical School and Boston University Hospital. 
Highly regarded by her colleagues as one of the country's top doctors 
in the field of Nephrology, she has opened several dialysis centers in 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Recently, Dr. Selvaggio completed her eight-
year term as the president of UPMC Shadyside's medical staff. She was 
the first female to serve as president in the hospital's 135-year 
history. Dr. Selvaggio is married to Dr. Steven Heilbrunn. They are the 
proud parents of two remarkable children, Max and Evi.
  Dr. Adriana Selvaggio is truly a woman of great courage and 
perseverance. She has built a legacy that will be talked about in 
medical classes and passed down through generations. Her son, Max, said 
this of his mother's character, ``To this day, my mother is more proud 
of the strong willed character that her adversity has built than the 
accolades she has earned having overcome them. The profound content of 
my mother's character is something that I will praise and cherish for 
the rest of my life.''
  The medical world is lucky to have her as their colleague, her 
children are blessed to call her Mom and I am grateful to know her as a 
great friend.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me today in honoring the character 
and achievements of Dr. Adriana Selvaggio.

                          ____________________