1- Dr. James A. Englander
Presidential visits around the globe offer views and insights that are invaluable in assessing the growth of our Academy. With visits to Colorado (Terry Berwick's Section), Georgia (Jay Harrington's Section), Ontario, Canada (Aldo Boccia's Section), Ecuador (Antonieta Swanson's Section), Peru (Gilberto Henostroza's Section), Mexico (Ernesto Acuna's Section), and Ron Stifter and Gene Schoemaker in my own Wisconsin Section, it's refreshing to see the creative projects pursued in the name of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
I have only just returned weary, yet energized, from a highly successful visit to our European Sections in France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Pierre Fauchard Academy in Europe is definitely on the move, thanks to the efforts of Trustee Hubert Ouvrard and Trustee Emeritus Pierre Marois. In Paris, in addition to inducting new Fellows, I was privileged to present an Honorary Fellowship in the Academy to Dr. Christian Couzinou, President of the National Council of Surgeon-Dentists. Also Dr. Rafiuddin Ahmed's plaque was added to the PFA Wall of Fame to honor his contributions to the profession of dentistry in India. Section Chair Marie Laure Boy-LeFevre, Dean of the Dental School, presented scholarships to three outstanding students and the PFA Foundation grant for the Dental Service Bus was announced. Dr. Couzinou surprised me by presenting to me, as PFA President, the Medal of Vermeil of the National Council, an honor of which I am truly proud.
Belgium/Luxembourg Section Chair Jose Dahan organized an evening of Continuing Education with guest speaker Dr. Christian Colpaert. His topic was "Oral Hygiene in Europe." Dr. Colpaert stressed the responsibility of health professionals to prevent dental diseases through dental education and motivation, rather than provide treatment. Although this was not an induction ceremony, we did have the opportunity, over dinner, to discuss the Pierre Fauchard Academy and its mission to those assembled.
Dr. Roland Soellner, Switzerland's Section Chair, arranged an outstanding afternoon, including 14 new Fellows and honoring Dr. Carlo Marinello with the Elmer S. Best Memorial Award, PFA's highest international honor. Dr. Marinello, highly regarded and well known, is an educator in the fields of prosthodontics and periodontics at the Dental School, University of Basel. Throughout his career, which encompasses research, writing, and lecturing, he has received numerous awards and recognition worldwide.
On each occasion, I had the opportunity to discuss the concept of mentorship and how it profits the mentor as well as the student and young practitioner. In all three cities we were warmly received and the new Fellows showed pride at being recognized with this honor. They truly appreciate the PFA President's attendance at their induction ceremony and I encourage future Presidents to participate whenever and wherever possible.
President