On Thursday, June 12th, I traveled over to Durham to experience a portion of Dr. F. Vincent Allison‘s life as a dentist.
Considering that this was my first time shadowing in the program, I was excited for several reasons. For one, I was excited about being able to sit and observe the one-on-one interaction between doctor and patient as well witness some of the procedures associated with the job.
The first patient that I observed was a 9-year-old girl. Her father had brought her to the office for what appeared to be her first or second visit. She was terrified!!
As I sat and observed this challenge, I saw Dr. Allison do what I considered the impossible. How someone can take a squirming child and somehow ease them into comfort really shocked me. She appeared relaxed, much calmer and very cooperative throughout the rest of the procedures. I was somewhat puzzled because I didn’t think the girls visit would be so pleasant. I was expecting the young girl to experience something traumatic and down right terrifying, but Dr. Allison used the right touch to make the young girl feel at ease.
The other patients that came during my 2½ hour visit were three older patients who came in for some extractions, a root canal and a cavity filling, and a young woman who was experiencing excruciating pain. With each of these patients, I watched Dr. Allison care for them without a moment of hesitation. I can imagine that the hustle and bustle of owning your own practice can be difficult but Dr. Allison was able to cater to everyone’s needs accordingly. I really admire that!
The time that I found most valuable during my experience was the one-on-one attention that I received from Dr. Allison. There were a few breaks during the time that I was there and I was able to really find out what made Dr. Allison passionate about waking up in the morning. One of the things that I found most interesting was when Dr. Allison expressed his passion for helping others, especially children. He said that no matter how big or small a child’s situation, he would help in some way. I found that interesting because if you are passionate about something and you do it for a living, then you really can’t consider it “work”.
That’s where I want to be in my life! I tell people sometimes…“I don’t want to ‘work’ when I get older…I just want to wake up and do something I love.” By sharing the love I have for other people, a job really can’t be measured. Just imagine if a dentist had eight, nine of even ten patients a day like that little girl I mentioned earlier. You can imagine that someone who didn’t have that passion for caring for children, or the dental profession, may become increasingly tired of the same routine. I don’t want to ever have that feeling. I believe that when you have a strong feeling, desire or emotion for something, it can’t be measured in terms of hours, pay, or the amount of time spent. Dentistry is, I believe, passion-oriented. Without any sort of desire to help other people, you cannot be the type of health professional that people need.
Dr. Allison expressed that he had wanted to be a Dentist since he was about nine years old and that his journey in becoming a
dental professional was fostered throughout his childhood and in SEP. I find that extremely insightful considering that I’m continually trying to find that “hunger” in the SEP Program. Right when I think I have
it, other ideas begin to pop in my head and I’m stuck with reevaluating my reasons – never in terms of whether or not I want to be a Dentist, but in a deeper way such as “how” and “why”. There are so many questions out there that I want to find answers for.
Dentistry is something that I’m continually trying to search for. I know that the desire is there, but I need more time to really solidify what will make me a successful and passion-orientated professional. I think my shadowing experience really made me realize that. It may take more shadowing, more volunteering, clinical exposure and other dental-related activities to really find that piece of the puzzle that’ll make everything come together. Just know that I’m willing to find that piece no matter what it may take.
*Motivation and determination are key in finding out who you are and, more importantly, where the desires of your heart are.*
Overall, I enjoyed my time shadowing with Dr. Allison. I was finally able to visualize something that I had wanted to experience for quite some time. This is certainly not my last time shadowing and the opportunity was worth every moment spent. I’m looking forward to experiencing other community and shadowing opportunities in the dental field in the near future.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Gaining confidence
Last weekend we participated in the NC Health Professions Recruitment Seminar, held at Duke University. In collaboration with Duke’s summer enrichment program, SMDEP, the fair consisted of many different academic programs, most notably UNC’s own MED program.
The focus of the seminar was to allow us to receive information about specific health programs from recruiters from across the country. I came to the fair with some indication of the type of questions and information we would receive, and I left with a clearer understanding of what graduate schools are looking for. Seminars presented covered topics such as academic criteria, extracurricular activities, MCAT/DAT averages, personal statements and other informative insight. There was even a mock interview and admission committee discussion follow-up, which I found to be very helpful. I feel that the true focus of this weekend’s event was to allow students to find that extra “inch” during the application process. Finding the factor that can really separate you from the rest of the applicants is, I think, key in becoming the best overall applicant possible.
I left the seminar very encouraged from the information gained this weekend. I learned a lot about the application process for graduate school and had the opportunity to network with several students and admissions recruiters. The recruitment fair allowed me to see what schools are really looking for. I gathered a lot of information pertaining to the basic admission standards and a little extra information that I didn’t know. I found the seminars to be extremely helpful, not only because many of my questions were answered, but because they were answered by the people I wanted to hear it from. I felt that the recruiters did a wonderful job answering the questions and really staying on topic. I am certainly going to take the advice that I gained from this event and use it when the time comes for me to apply.
After a weekend like this, I feel more confident about where I am in the applications process. I know what I need to work on to become a better and stronger applicant. I’ve even realized that it may require some extra time to develop into the applicant they are looking for, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to be the best applicant possible.
Continue to wish me luck in my future endeavors…
The focus of the seminar was to allow us to receive information about specific health programs from recruiters from across the country. I came to the fair with some indication of the type of questions and information we would receive, and I left with a clearer understanding of what graduate schools are looking for. Seminars presented covered topics such as academic criteria, extracurricular activities, MCAT/DAT averages, personal statements and other informative insight. There was even a mock interview and admission committee discussion follow-up, which I found to be very helpful. I feel that the true focus of this weekend’s event was to allow students to find that extra “inch” during the application process. Finding the factor that can really separate you from the rest of the applicants is, I think, key in becoming the best overall applicant possible.
I left the seminar very encouraged from the information gained this weekend. I learned a lot about the application process for graduate school and had the opportunity to network with several students and admissions recruiters. The recruitment fair allowed me to see what schools are really looking for. I gathered a lot of information pertaining to the basic admission standards and a little extra information that I didn’t know. I found the seminars to be extremely helpful, not only because many of my questions were answered, but because they were answered by the people I wanted to hear it from. I felt that the recruiters did a wonderful job answering the questions and really staying on topic. I am certainly going to take the advice that I gained from this event and use it when the time comes for me to apply.
After a weekend like this, I feel more confident about where I am in the applications process. I know what I need to work on to become a better and stronger applicant. I’ve even realized that it may require some extra time to develop into the applicant they are looking for, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to be the best applicant possible.
Continue to wish me luck in my future endeavors…
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
UNC School of Dentistry: My dream, my destiny
Last week was really hectic. On Tuesday, June 2nd, the SEP scholars visited the School of Dentistry at UNC. This visit was extremely informative and provided very valuable information to those of us aspiring to become dentists. This tour was important to me for obvious reasons.
The week prior to the tour, the would-be dental professionals in SEP were paired up with other MED program participants and first year dental school students who will serve as our mentors. They offered tours, advice, contact information and other valuable insight to the profession. For me, having the opportunity to tour the facility again, as well as hear words of wisdom from both Dr. Guckes and Dr. Morano, was incredibly valuable. The more I experience the opportunities that this university offers, the more I begin to think of myself sitting on the other side of the fence. The possibilities seem limitless! Hopefully, with the right tools, support and academic preparation, I too can experience what it is like to be a student at the UNC School of Dentistry.
SEP is continuously showing students different insights into various health professions and challenging us to further expand our knowledge. Already in the past three weeks, I have learned so much about the endless opportunities associated in health care. Every day in this program I have been challenged: either in the way I think academically or in the way I approach my desired health field. Each day SEP continually proves what it means to be a scholar in the program. I am looking forward to the upcoming weeks.
The week prior to the tour, the would-be dental professionals in SEP were paired up with other MED program participants and first year dental school students who will serve as our mentors. They offered tours, advice, contact information and other valuable insight to the profession. For me, having the opportunity to tour the facility again, as well as hear words of wisdom from both Dr. Guckes and Dr. Morano, was incredibly valuable. The more I experience the opportunities that this university offers, the more I begin to think of myself sitting on the other side of the fence. The possibilities seem limitless! Hopefully, with the right tools, support and academic preparation, I too can experience what it is like to be a student at the UNC School of Dentistry.
SEP is continuously showing students different insights into various health professions and challenging us to further expand our knowledge. Already in the past three weeks, I have learned so much about the endless opportunities associated in health care. Every day in this program I have been challenged: either in the way I think academically or in the way I approach my desired health field. Each day SEP continually proves what it means to be a scholar in the program. I am looking forward to the upcoming weeks.
Looking down the path to success
June 2, 2008
This past week in the program has been pretty exciting. On Thursday, we visited the UNC School of Pharmacy where we were given a tour of the facility and given valuable information about the field of pharmacy. We discussed basic information about applying for professional schools as well as what we can do to become stronger applicants.
I learned a great deal of information that afternoon. I honestly didn’t know all the duties of a pharmacist prior to the tour last week. I think there are 3 or 4 scholars currently interested pursuing pharmacy, but after that others may decide to pursue this profession. Touring the School of Pharmacy was very insightful and well worth my time. It allowed me to become more aware of the profession and gave me a greater appreciation and respect for individuals who pursue this field.
On Saturday, May 31st, the SEP Scholars ventured down to Greenville, North Carolina for NC-HCAP’s ISIS lecture, held at East Carolina University. The keynote speaker was Mr. Clyde Johnson, the Assistant Dean of Diversity and Intercultural Development at Old Dominion University. His humorous and rather stern deliverance grabbed the attention of everyone in the building that night. He was a tremendous inspirational voice for all of us in attendance that evening. For me, he helped water the seed of “opportunity” that has been planted inside of me. It was his voice that further helped me understand what it truly means to be an aspiring health professional.
Along with the keynote presentation, there was a brief period of discussion with a panel of current health professional students. We were encouraged to ask questions pertaining to health professions, minority representation in health care, and successfully applying to professional school Corey Caldwell, a second year dental student at UNC, provided wonderful advice pertaining to individual preparation before and during one’s undergraduate career. He also discussed the importance of maintaining good academic standards, time management skills and becoming well involved within your chosen field. The importance of summer enrichment programs, research opportunities, shadowing and volunteering/clinical experiences was heavily emphasized by the panelists since they can provide you with a clear advantage over other applicants
This past week has been very hectic. Between full days of classes and two tests in both Organic Chemistry and Physics, I definitely had my work cut out for me. I think that this past weekend’s event was motivation and exactly what I needed. I’ll admit, I do wonder sometimes if I am cut out to be a Dental Professional…I feel like little obstacles may test my desire…but I have the passion, and like many great things in life, there is almost always a set of obstacles that may come between you and your path. I am still excited about being here and embracing this opportunity...I am continuously looking forward to the coming weeks!
This past week in the program has been pretty exciting. On Thursday, we visited the UNC School of Pharmacy where we were given a tour of the facility and given valuable information about the field of pharmacy. We discussed basic information about applying for professional schools as well as what we can do to become stronger applicants.
I learned a great deal of information that afternoon. I honestly didn’t know all the duties of a pharmacist prior to the tour last week. I think there are 3 or 4 scholars currently interested pursuing pharmacy, but after that others may decide to pursue this profession. Touring the School of Pharmacy was very insightful and well worth my time. It allowed me to become more aware of the profession and gave me a greater appreciation and respect for individuals who pursue this field.
On Saturday, May 31st, the SEP Scholars ventured down to Greenville, North Carolina for NC-HCAP’s ISIS lecture, held at East Carolina University. The keynote speaker was Mr. Clyde Johnson, the Assistant Dean of Diversity and Intercultural Development at Old Dominion University. His humorous and rather stern deliverance grabbed the attention of everyone in the building that night. He was a tremendous inspirational voice for all of us in attendance that evening. For me, he helped water the seed of “opportunity” that has been planted inside of me. It was his voice that further helped me understand what it truly means to be an aspiring health professional.
Along with the keynote presentation, there was a brief period of discussion with a panel of current health professional students. We were encouraged to ask questions pertaining to health professions, minority representation in health care, and successfully applying to professional school Corey Caldwell, a second year dental student at UNC, provided wonderful advice pertaining to individual preparation before and during one’s undergraduate career. He also discussed the importance of maintaining good academic standards, time management skills and becoming well involved within your chosen field. The importance of summer enrichment programs, research opportunities, shadowing and volunteering/clinical experiences was heavily emphasized by the panelists since they can provide you with a clear advantage over other applicants
This past week has been very hectic. Between full days of classes and two tests in both Organic Chemistry and Physics, I definitely had my work cut out for me. I think that this past weekend’s event was motivation and exactly what I needed. I’ll admit, I do wonder sometimes if I am cut out to be a Dental Professional…I feel like little obstacles may test my desire…but I have the passion, and like many great things in life, there is almost always a set of obstacles that may come between you and your path. I am still excited about being here and embracing this opportunity...I am continuously looking forward to the coming weeks!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
A Challenging First Week
I have just finished my first week of the SEP Program. It’s been an extremely stressful one for both me and the other scholars, and I’ve found a few of the classes difficult, especially Physics. There’s something about the class that just isn’t “clicking” for me, yet. Although it could be easy to get discouraged, the program contains too many resources for us to fail. I’ve gained help from other students in the program, and am already taking advantage of the Supplemental Instruction that the program provides.
I’m starting to get used to the intensity of the program. I came to SEP expecting all of the students to only have the basic concepts of the sciences, but many of them have taken these classes and have a stronger foundation in the courses than I do. For students like me, this means that the amount of time spent studying and preparing for exams needs to be far greater than what other students may need to put in. I’m trying not to stress about grasping the information at the same rate as other students. My goal is to focus on ways to grasp the conceptual information and utilize it to better develop a concrete foundation for future course work.
Next Wednesday, we (the pre-dental students) will be shadowing our first dentist. I’m looking forward to this opportunity because it will be my first time working one-on-one with a dental professional. I hope that through this shadowing opportunity, I’ll be able to find the underlying passion for dentistry. I’m “hungry” for what fuels a dentist to walk into his/her office every morning and say, “I’m ready to make a difference in someone’s life”. I want to experience that passion of one day waking up knowing that I can spend another day doing something that I love! That’s one of the many reasons why I am in the program this summer – exposure that I don’t think I could have gained anywhere else.
Overall, this first week has been challenging. The rigor of SEP has been an eye opener for me and other SEP scholars. I know that when I go back to NC State, not only will I have a stronger foundation in these courses, but I feel that I’ll be able to be a stronger student, and more knowledgeable about the heath care field as a whole.
I’m looking forward to the upcoming weeks.
I’m starting to get used to the intensity of the program. I came to SEP expecting all of the students to only have the basic concepts of the sciences, but many of them have taken these classes and have a stronger foundation in the courses than I do. For students like me, this means that the amount of time spent studying and preparing for exams needs to be far greater than what other students may need to put in. I’m trying not to stress about grasping the information at the same rate as other students. My goal is to focus on ways to grasp the conceptual information and utilize it to better develop a concrete foundation for future course work.
Next Wednesday, we (the pre-dental students) will be shadowing our first dentist. I’m looking forward to this opportunity because it will be my first time working one-on-one with a dental professional. I hope that through this shadowing opportunity, I’ll be able to find the underlying passion for dentistry. I’m “hungry” for what fuels a dentist to walk into his/her office every morning and say, “I’m ready to make a difference in someone’s life”. I want to experience that passion of one day waking up knowing that I can spend another day doing something that I love! That’s one of the many reasons why I am in the program this summer – exposure that I don’t think I could have gained anywhere else.
Overall, this first week has been challenging. The rigor of SEP has been an eye opener for me and other SEP scholars. I know that when I go back to NC State, not only will I have a stronger foundation in these courses, but I feel that I’ll be able to be a stronger student, and more knowledgeable about the heath care field as a whole.
I’m looking forward to the upcoming weeks.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Embracing opportunity
I came to the SEP program with one goal in mind: “Opportunity”.
The opportunity in which this program can offer the young minds of future health professionals is truly remarkable. We moved into Horton Hall on Saturday, May 17th 2008 and shortly after that, we had orientation. As I sat through the orientation, I began to think about being considered one of the “chosen few”.
As I listened to both Ms. Benton and Ms. Borden, I began to think about the next 8 weeks. Sure, I could spend my summer relaxing, watching television or even working a part time job, but to me, that would not be the “opportunity” that I am so thankfully embracing right now. I just don't feel that I would have been utilizing the best that I have to offer.
In today's world, you have to be resourceful, and sitting around at home is not the best use of my time nor my talents. This is an OPPORTUNITY, I can't stress that enough. It is something that many applied for, yet only a FEW were admitted. To me, that speaks volumes.
Overall, I felt that the first day was very informative. There was a lot of information thrown at us, and much of it I did not know. I sat in orientation getting more and more excited as the day went by. I knew that there would be plenty of work, and was even warned that this would be a true “summer to remember”.
Despite all of that, I, along with the other scholars, feel that we are very capable and ready to embrace this journey.
The first day of class was interesting. I have NEVER had organic chemistry in my life, so everything that we were taught Monday was new to me. I went into the class with an open mind, but as the class went on, I became slightly overwhelmed. I think the best thing about this program is that we really are a family. Unlike our individual universities where students may feel the need to compete, the SEP Program embodies a solid family foundation of both friendly and like-minded students who are willing to help each other. I have found students over the last couple of days who have tutored me in both Organic and Physics (the two classes that I have never taken before).
This is such a remarkable experience for anyone who is granted this opportunity. The administration and faculty are very approachable and truly have an invested interest in the future and success of the participants.
The opportunity in which this program can offer the young minds of future health professionals is truly remarkable. We moved into Horton Hall on Saturday, May 17th 2008 and shortly after that, we had orientation. As I sat through the orientation, I began to think about being considered one of the “chosen few”.
As I listened to both Ms. Benton and Ms. Borden, I began to think about the next 8 weeks. Sure, I could spend my summer relaxing, watching television or even working a part time job, but to me, that would not be the “opportunity” that I am so thankfully embracing right now. I just don't feel that I would have been utilizing the best that I have to offer.
In today's world, you have to be resourceful, and sitting around at home is not the best use of my time nor my talents. This is an OPPORTUNITY, I can't stress that enough. It is something that many applied for, yet only a FEW were admitted. To me, that speaks volumes.
Overall, I felt that the first day was very informative. There was a lot of information thrown at us, and much of it I did not know. I sat in orientation getting more and more excited as the day went by. I knew that there would be plenty of work, and was even warned that this would be a true “summer to remember”.
Despite all of that, I, along with the other scholars, feel that we are very capable and ready to embrace this journey.
The first day of class was interesting. I have NEVER had organic chemistry in my life, so everything that we were taught Monday was new to me. I went into the class with an open mind, but as the class went on, I became slightly overwhelmed. I think the best thing about this program is that we really are a family. Unlike our individual universities where students may feel the need to compete, the SEP Program embodies a solid family foundation of both friendly and like-minded students who are willing to help each other. I have found students over the last couple of days who have tutored me in both Organic and Physics (the two classes that I have never taken before).
This is such a remarkable experience for anyone who is granted this opportunity. The administration and faculty are very approachable and truly have an invested interest in the future and success of the participants.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
A passion and a purpose
I believe that the fundamental purpose of the dental profession is to provide others with adequate oral health care through the evaluation, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders in order to promote an individual's overall health. At the root of these ideals, one must posses an unwavering desire to help other people from various social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
It was not until my junior year in college that I realized that many people don't understand the importance of good oral hygiene nor do they have access to it. The only way I know to change this is to become actively involved in providing affordable and adequate health care to others. It is my desire to become a dentist and eventually open a practice in an under-served community. I believe that I not only posses the necessary work ethic and cognitive capacity to pursue a career in dentistry, but I also maintain a deep regard for helping people.
I know that a career in dentistry will be challenging, but my participation in the SEP Program will provide the foundation necessary to launch a career in public service and dentistry. As an African American male in the dental profession, I believe that I would not only add diversity to the field but also serve as a mentor and example for future generations.
It was not until my junior year in college that I realized that many people don't understand the importance of good oral hygiene nor do they have access to it. The only way I know to change this is to become actively involved in providing affordable and adequate health care to others. It is my desire to become a dentist and eventually open a practice in an under-served community. I believe that I not only posses the necessary work ethic and cognitive capacity to pursue a career in dentistry, but I also maintain a deep regard for helping people.
I know that a career in dentistry will be challenging, but my participation in the SEP Program will provide the foundation necessary to launch a career in public service and dentistry. As an African American male in the dental profession, I believe that I would not only add diversity to the field but also serve as a mentor and example for future generations.
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