AAWD at the University of California San Francisco
President: Lili Szabo, Class of 2017
AAWD at the University of California San Francisco had an exciting fall quarter! The chapter kicked off the quarter by attending the annual AAWD session in Washington, DC. President, Lili Szabo and Vice president, Brittany Vacura spent three days in Washington, DC. attending the AAWD student session, several CE courses and exploring the city. The board members had a great time networking with other students and AAWD members and getting to learn from other student chapters across the country.
Back in San Francisco the chapter hosted a lunch and learn for school of dentistry students. Dr. Gwen Essex, a UCSF School of Dentistry faculty member spoke at the lunch and learn about her experience being a woman in a predominantly male profession and the importance of advocating for each other. Dr. Essex shared a powerful message about collegiality and teamwork.
In October the chapter participated in an event in San Francisco that encourages middle school aged girls to pursue careers in science and math. Chapter board members lead a 70 min interactive session for attendees that taught them about what it is like to be a dentist, the role science plays in dentistry and how to pursue a career in dentistry. The girls got the opportunity to learn about tooth morphology and participate in a tooth identification game, as well as place a composite restoration in a plastic tooth. Attendees remarked that they enjoyed the session
and some of them even said that they were now interested in pursuing a career in dentistry. In December the chapter raised money by coordinating a white coat embroidery fundraiser. The chapter collected white coats and scrub tops from students and faculty to be embroidered with their names.
The chapter is planning some exciting events for the new year, including a valentines day party for members, a dinner and learn with current female faculty and an outreach event with SafeHouse San Francisco to provide the program’s residents with oral heath education. The UCSF chapter is looking forward to an active and rewarding
new year.
Donna is the Chief Performance Officer (CPO) and Convention Services Director of International Association Management. Donna’s expert knowledge, experience with medical manufacturers and universities, and skills as a recognized leader make her an ideal choice to implement strategic initiatives and bring more value to our organization. She is a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) with experience in management, hotel contract negotiation, financial management, on-site event coordination, continuing medical education, site selection, sponsorship, enduring materials, web design and travel.
The OAWD met Friday evening, January 15, 2016, at the home of Dr. Sara Spurlock for their Annual Winter Party. The meeting was well attended, especially by students from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.
Happy New Year to all my friends and colleagues in dentistry. I hope you enjoyed your family and friends during our recent holiday time. I know I did. Some of you are probably feeling completely exhausted by all the activities and preparations for your family and office while others are feeling refreshed and ready to start a new year with all the excitement it holds. No matter what group you fall into, there is something stimulating and renewing about the beginning of a new year. We get to start over! A clean slate! Throw away those To Do Lists and begin others. Open a new calendar and vow to be organized this year. You are not alone. Your American Association of Women Dentists is doing the same thing!
On December 3rd, 2015 the Medical University of South Carolina’s chapter of AAWD hosted a Paint it Forward event to support Smiles for Success and the North Charleston Free Dental clinic, our local philanthropy. Members from the chapter were lead by an artist to paint a portrait of Rainbow Row, an historic landmark in Charleston.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
