Graduate Students Warned by Dr. Eliav: Maintain Perspective on Your Goals

The Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) recently held its graduation ceremony, honouring 77 students from 21 different countries. Dr. Eliav, the director of EIOH, addressed the graduates, acknowledging the challenges faced during the pandemic and in the dental profession.

Dr. Eliav emphasised the importance of seeing the big picture amid immediate challenges, using a personal story about a patient who had been shot during riots to highlight how small steps can make a significant impact on addressing big picture challenges.

The ceremony was a time to recognise the accomplishments of the faculty, staff, and residents as well. Dr. Elli Anna Kotsailidi received the prestigious Jack G. Caton Graduate Fellowship Award, while Dr. Nathan Cain was honoured with the Gerald Graser Fellowship in Implant Dentistry.

Dr. David Anderson, a part-time faculty member in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program since 2007, was celebrated for his exceptional commitment to resident education. Dr. Alexis Ghanem, the Clinic Director for General Dentistry, was recognised for his knowledge, skill in oral surgery, and patient-centred approach.

Dr. Konstantinos Chochlidakis, Associate Professor and Program Director for Prosthodontics, was praised for his high standards, research in prestigious journals, and mentorship. Dr. Louis Gallo, a part-time faculty member in Orthodontics since 2009, was appreciated for his Practice Management class and clinical supervision.

The Bejan Iranpour Award for Excellence in Clinical Education in 2022 was presented to Dr. Maria N. Brykova, an assistant professor at EIOH. Dr. Bejan Iranpour, a former chair of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, was extensively published.

In addition to individual awards, EIOH was recognised for its initiatives. The institution developed its own training program to address the dental assistant shortage and was awarded a multi-million-dollar federal grant to develop a unique faculty training program. EIOH has also increased partnerships and collaborations with universities around the world, including Meharry Medical College in Tennessee, universities in Italy, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Israel, India, Argentina, Poland, and China.

The operational efficiency and organisation in the Periodontics and Prosthodontics departments were greatly improved by Holly Soscia, University Dental Faculty Group Operations Administrator and Privacy Officer. She was especially helpful during the pandemic.

Karen Black, Public Relations Director, manages all EIOH social media content, website, and has secured features about EIOH in various publications.

The ceremony concluded with Dr. Eliav encouraging graduates to get involved in academics, professional associations, research, and volunteer work. The future of oral health looks bright with these dedicated professionals entering the field.