Dr. Silkman was born and raised in the small eastern Colorado farming community of Burlington. The love of agriculture and animal care lead to his first degree in Farm and Ranch Management and a seven-year career in production agriculture. Dr. Silkman returned to Colorado State University in 1984 intent on completing the requirements for admission to the DVM program at the University.

He graduated, Magna Cum Laude, in 1990 and began his veterinary medical career at Country Veterinary Clinic in Live Oak, CA. Through the several years of mixed animal veterinary practice, Dr. Silkman became more involved and more interested in companion animal medicine and surgery. The desire to do more to enhance the quality of life of pets and to pursue excellence in medicine lead to the move to Salt Lake City to join the staff of Cottonwood Animal Hospital in 1993. During the six years at Cottonwood, Dr. Silkman added joint replacement, endoscopy, and neurosurgery skills to the repertoire of services offered.

In 1999, Dr. Silkman opened Jordan River Animal Hospital as a 24 hour-a-day pet care facility. He built a practice of total medical, surgical, behavioral, and emergency care capability, as well as laser therapy and stem cell therapy. Veterinary Centers of America purchased Jordan River Animal Hospital in 2015; however, Dr. Silkman stayed on board and served as Medical Director until June 2018.

Dr. Silkman and his wife Cris have moved to Arizona to fulfill his promise of a warmer climate to her. They enjoy time with their 3 sons and daughters-in-law, 8 grandchildren, and a variety of family pets, traveling, philanthropy, reading, networking, and time with each other.