Morris Ruben Scholarship

Over his 40-plus-year tenure, Dr. Morris Ruben made countless contributions to GSDM, including helping create the oral biology department in 1979 and then serving as its first chair. He was known for his unselfish devotion to learning, high degrees of ethics and scholarship, as well as his commitment to periodontological research – publishing more than 150 professional publications. Since 1985, the Morris Ruben Scholarship, a merit-based award, has been given annually to a periodontology resident(s) in their second or third year at GSDM who has demonstrated excellence in their program.

When residents in a small program spend 11 to 12 hours days working together, it’s not surprising when they become close collaborators and friends. This year’s Ruben scholarship recipients, LAUREN FITZGERALD PERIO 23 and RYAN JOHNSON CAMED 17 DMD 21 PERIO 24 , are proof positive of this idea. Both said they were both “very excited” when they learned they were this year’s Ruben scholarship winners.

“[When I got the news], my wife gave me a big hug and my first reaction was ‘I think they sent this email to the wrong person,’” Johnson said.

Ruben scholarship recipients are chosen purely based on academic merit, so the pair said they felt reaffirmed in their dental pursuits.

“Dental education is a very big financial commitment, so any help is so appreciated, and especially when it’s something that you’ve earned from working hard,” Fitzgerald said.

Over the last couple months of her program, Fitzgerald said she is focused on soaking up as much knowledge as possible from the GSDM faculty and her co-residents. After graduating, she plans to stay in the Boston area and find a dental practice where she can keep strengthening her skills.

Before he graduates, Johnson wants to care for as many patients as possible over the next year, while learning as much as possible from faculty and his fellow residents.

Although they never personally worked with Ruben, Fitzgerald and Johnson said they recognized Ruben’s impact on the periodontology department and are honored to be connected to his legacy.

“[He is] a very big name, treated with a lot of respect,” Johnson said.