Dr. James A. Englander
Dr. James Englander
Where did the year go? It is difficult for me to realize that my term as your Academy President has come to an end. When I took the oath of office, my thoughts for the Academy dealt primarily with two major goals: mentorship and fellowship recruitment and retention. To some extent, we have succeeded in developing the mentorship concept in several states and throughout Latin America. Mentorship may mean many things to many people. But, when you get right down to it, it is a way to share and prepare for the future. Mentorship means to counsel, to advise, to help, to support, to aid and to be a friend. Young dentists are the key to the future of organized dentistry. Under the leadership of Section Chair Terry Berwick, PFA Colorado, in cooperation with the University of Colorado Denver, School of Dental Medicine, an outstanding program has been created to better prepare young graduates. Past President Jim Long, with financial help from the Foundation, has been working closely with Dr. William Buchanan, Associate Dean, and with Dr. Karen Crews, University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Dentistry, to develop their PFA Mentoring DVD/CD. Having viewed this material, I can attest that it is a highly effective working tool for developing a mentorship program. During a recent visit to Montevideo, Uruguay, in addition to inducting 24 new Fellows, I met with six young people who recently graduated. They were definitely interested in becoming Fellows, but had not met the five-year time requirement for Fellowship. Section Chair Dr. Walter Lieber will continue to stay in touch with them, offering encouragement and guidance until they are eligible for induction. While visiting PFA Sections in Europe, I had the opportunity to discuss the concept of mentorship and how it can benefit our profession. Most dental professionals see the value of such a program, but need more time to establish the mechanism.
With the retirement of many senior Fellows from the profession of dentistry and their transition from active to life status, membership recruitment and retention continues to be a challenge for the future of the Academy. It should always be a top priority. As we all know, through our involvement in dentistry, the success of any organization depends on fresh ideas and enthusiasm generated by its younger members. We are all aware that there are many fine individuals in our great profession who have given back to their communities or have the potential to do so and should be recognized with Fellowship. During my travels, I have encouraged our members to seek out these noteworthy people and submit their names to their Section Chair or the central office as prospective inductees.
My heartfelt thanks go out to my fellow Officers, Trustees, Section Chairs and Fellows of the Academy who have helped me achieve my goals. I greatly appreciate your support and reinforcement during the past year. I have had the opportunity both domestically and internationally to develop good personal relationships through the Pierre Fauchard Academy. I cannot begin to tell you how vital it is for your President to visit Sections around the world to keep in touch and see our Fellows in action. My special thanks go to Editor James Brophy and Secretary General Richard and Judith Kozal for their continuing support--they are the backbone of the Academy.
Past President
11- L-R, New Vice President Hubert Ouvrard of France, Carole and immediate past President James Englander of Wisconsin, PFA President Charles Eller and wife Gloria of California, President-elect Steve Hedlund and his wife Chris of Iowa.