Dr. James A. Englander
As I have observed in my visits to PFA Sections in Colorado, Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru, each of our Fellows is connected by a common bond--quality, ethical service to our patients through continuing education, and the desire to provide dental care to the underserved. This spirit was strongly evident when I participated in a wonderful weekend of camaraderie with the PFA Georgia Section at the beautiful Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia.
The weekend began when more than 25 Georgia dentists and auxiliary personnel gave back to the Eatonton and Greensboro student communities by sponsoring "Give Kids a Smile" day, providing much needed dental care to 147 underserved children. Fellow Shirley Fisher organized the service project and Fellow Mark Shurett was kind enough, once again, to provide four fully equipped dental vans and supplies. Following this day of service, the evening was capped off with a delicious Italian buffet served at the lakeside home of Fellow Robin Reich.
The next day began with a hearty Ritz-Carlton breakfast buffet and a fine continuing education program by Dr. Doug Clepper on restorative dentistry with and without implants. Georgia General Chairwoman Dr. Jane Puskas and her committee offered many activities for an afternoon of leisure, but the highlight of the weekend was the black tie gala convocation and awards dinner. Fifteen new Fellows were inducted, and everyone agreed the Georgia PFA Section scored again! Trustee Karyn Stockwell, Section Chair Jay Harrington, and Conference Chair Jane Puskas have put together a great team and everyone involved in the 6th Annual PFA Leadership Conference and Convocation is to be congratulated for a job well done. Now I realize why PFA Presidents come back from Georgia so pumped!
Dr. Chris Baboulos, Chair of the Illinois Section, also organized a fine PFA/International College of Dentists/American College of Dentists function during the Chicago Mid-Winter Meeting. It was my pleasure to address Fellows from the ICD, an organization that stresses quality of dental care through continuing education; the ACD, which stresses ethical and moral practice to our patients; and the PIERRE FAUCHARD ACADEMY, which through our Foundation encourages providing dental care to the underserved. Dr. Franklin S. Weine received the Distinguished Service Award from the Illinois Section for his continuing dedication to the dental profession. Also in attendance were Trustees Ernesto Acuna, Joseph Harris, Daniel Castagna, PFA Secretary General Richard Kozal, and Editor James Brophy.
It never ceases to amaze and excite me, having now attended both U.S. and International PFA functions, to observe the high level of dedication, commitment, and camaraderie among all our Fellows. Interest in the Mentorship Program continues to grow, special projects flourish, and volunteerism is at an all time high. I am proud to serve as your President.
President