Dr. James A. Englander
Observing the Academy's Section Chair Caucus in San Francisco, it became obvious that each Section might take a different approach in addressing service projects and initiatives. President-elect Charles Eller, Trustees Karyn Stockwell and Daniel Castagna created a forum of twenty-four Academy leaders, including nine international Section Chairs, who participated in a give-and-take exchange of ideas. It was so successful, I strongly urge all Section Chairs to attend the San Antonio Caucus scheduled during the PFA/ADA Annual Meeting next year. A $300 reimbursement will be available to all Section Chairs who attend.
The Academy's President is given the opportunity to visit PFA Sections to observe our Fellows in action. On October 14, 2007, I attended the Colorado Section's Induction of twenty-four new Fellows and the recognition of Dr. Bonnie Ferrell for her service as Past Section Chair for Colorado. Those in attendance also received updates from Dr. Ed Leone, ADA Treasurer, and Dr. Jeff Hurst, Colorado Dental Association President-elect. Under Section Chair Terry Berwick, the Colorado Section is very active in their "Give Kids A Smile" Program as well as the "Mentor A Student--Careers in Dentistry Program."
Building on past President Bill Winspear's global efforts and thanks to the leadership of Region VII's Trustee Ernesto Acuna, recruitment of qualified new Fellows in Latin America has flourished. During a November 1 ceremony in Mexico City, ten new Fellows were inducted and the Foundation Student Scholarship was awarded. Following this ceremony, Professor Carlos Flores Marini presented a cultural program "The Maya Pyramid of Chichen, New Wonder of the World." Members of the Executive Council of the International College of Dentists also attended as guests of our Academy.
Last December in Quito, new Ecuador Section Chair Antonieta Swanson inducted seventeen dentists who exemplified high ethics and professionalism. The Ambassador of Ecuador to Mexico City served as Master of Ceremonies. A dinner reception followed, accompanied by a stunning performance by the Ecuador National Folkloric dancers.
Dr. Gilberto Henostroza, the Section Chair of Peru, inducted twenty-three outstanding candidates into Fellowship. These new Fellows also are notable members of our profession and many of them serve as faculty of the dental schools. The ceremony in Lima was opened with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem of Peru. It was most impressive.
As a result of the fine efforts of Trustee Ernesto Acuna, Ecuadorian Section Chair Antonieta Swanson, and Peruvian Section Chair Gilberto Henostroza, a once languishing PFA in Latin America is now alive and well. Our Section Chairs throughout the world are working hard to identify candidates deserving the recognition of PFA Fellows. I urge all Section Chairs to emulate the accomplishments we have seen recently in Latin America.
President