FLORIDA FELLOWS INDUCTED IN HOUSTON
Reza Azari – Jacksonville Franklin Reese Harrison – Inlet Beach
Sudhanshu Desai – Cape Coral
Nidal S. Elias – Jacksonville
Bassel Paul Gebrael – Boca Raton
Simon M. Ghattas – West Palm Beach
Nicholas E. Goetz – Delray Beach
Lee Anne Keogh - Ocala
Oscar Menendez – Palm Harbor
Stephen Thomas Perez - Clearwater
Cecil White, Jr. – Atlantic Beach
Stephen J. Zuknick - Brandon
MISSIONS CAN MAKE A LEADER. FLY RIGHT AND BE ONE.
A series of decisions led us to choose our new leader. At one point, we even flipped a coin.
It was his decision to fly out that day. And since he was a pilot, and a gray-haired dentist familiar with this part of the world, we followed.
Our mission in Southern Africa had diverted us to Linkwasha. The obscuring fog and morning mist made the air heavy and wet. I could only hear the sputtery engine of the landing plane, in which we were to depart.
The African plains looked much different than the viny foliage in the Tarzan movies. The “runway” –anywhere there wasn’t a tree or a herd of wildebeests – was typical for this part of Zimbabwe. The “tarmac” was an area of flattened grass that a sleeping elephant had abandoned – a great natural crop circle. I finally made out the blue-gray shape of a Cessna 172. It likely was the exact plane I’d soloed in 30 years ago.
We were about to take off, with zero visibility, in a dubious, overloaded plane. What could be worse?
The ground was soft and muddy from a night of rain, so it was impossible to land hard and run out long. The well-named elephant grass quickly wrapped around the wheel struts, bringing the plane to a stop just inside our circle of trampled grass.
“Better get in before it gets worse,” our leader commanded.
We were in a muddy field in the middle of Zimbabwe, surrounded by unseen animals and termite mounds the size of sport utility vehicles. We were about to take off, with zero visibility, in a dubious, overloaded plane. What could be worse?
The pelting rain pointed the direction of the wind and our departure. I could hear the dim, sporadic buzz of the stall-warning horn as the grass released its tangled grip and the airplane ached for altitude. The window was of no value – the view indicated we were wrapped in a bale of cotton – but the altimeter said our situation was improving. My new concern was flying into something, so I scanned the only thing I could see – the instrument panel.
“Where’s the transponder? How do we keep from flying into other aircraft?” I quizzed.
“Don’t have one,” the pilot said, pointing to a cheese sandwich stuffed into a pigeonhole in the panel. “It’s no problem,” he continued. “Who else would be stupid enough to be flying around in this?”
This was our leader.
Gray hair no longer is a prerequisite. Experience always will be an asset. But we need a process to get the right people for the right jobs at the right times. We can do better than flipping a coin.
Any of you could serve in an ICD leadership role. That way, the ICD does not have to fly around in the fog, if it ever sets in.
ICD/ACD/PFA ANNUAL BREAKFAST MEETING REGISTRATION
WHO: ICD/ACD/PFA Florida Fellows
WHAT: Annual ICD breakfast meeting and fellowship
WHEN: June 30, 2023, 6:30am during FDC
WHERE: Orange Blossom Room, Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee, Florida
WHY: Fellowship and launching a program to provide grants to approved Florida humanitarian projects and missions.
RSVP: This free meal is provided to Florida Fellows but you must register by contacting ICD Treasurer, Dr. Paul Miller at molar01@msn.com. Please include your name and any dietary restrictions.
NOMINATE A FELLOW BY MAY 31, 2023
The International College of Dentists is a leading honorary dental organization dedicated to the recognition of outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service, and the continued progress of the profession of dentistry for the benefit of all humankind. Any member in good standing may "Sponsor" a dentist within the USA Section for Fellowship through the Constituent Chapter/State in which the candidate resides.
Per our Bylaws, prerequisites to Fellowship are:
• Membership in a national dental organization recognized by the USA Section Board of Regents
• Must have been at least 5 years in his/her dental career
• Must be a graduate of a recognized dental school
• Must be recognized as an active contributor to the dental profession and/or community
• Must have high integrity and character NOMINATE A
ICD DISTRICT 17 LEADERSHIP
Regent: Dr. Rodrigo Romano, 7701 SW 62 Avenue, Suite A-1, Miami, FL 33143; (305) 403-3682; Fax: (305) 403-4222; C: (305) 781-0410; drromano@romanoperio.com
Vice/Deputy Regent (Central): Dr. Reza Iranmanesh, 2814 W. Waters Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614, (813) 933-6705, iranmaneshdmd@gmail.com
Deputy Regent (North): Dr. Jeffrey C. Ottley, 5908 Berryhill Road, Milton, FL 32570-8294; (850) 623-0137; C: (850) 293-8302; dmdottley@yahoo.com
Deputy Regent (South): Dr. Jason Portnof, Surgical Arts of Boca Raton, 9980 North Central Park Boulevard, #113, Boca Raton, FL 33428, (561) 717-3660, C: (954) 952-4153, jeportnof@gmail.com
Treasurer: Dr. Paul R. Miller, 5045 Westshore Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34652; (727) 514-9886; molar01@msn.com
Editor: Dr. Hugh T. Wunderlich, 6100 Seaside Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34652; (727) 534-5381 htwdds@gmail.com
Please send District 17 articles and news to the ICD/ Florida Key Editorial committee to htwdds@gmail.com.
FELLOW
INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF DENTISTS
Honoring the World's Leading Dentists Since 1920™
Endorse a deserving U.S. dental school student to receive an education scholarship.
The ICD-WUDAA Scholarship Program is now accepting applications
Dear Fellow Wunderlich,
Applications are now being accepted by the International College of Dentists (ICD)Washington University Dental Alumni Association (WUDAA) Scholarship Program for the 2023-2024 school year. Six $2,500 scholarships will be awarded. ICD Fellows and WUDAA members are invited to submit letters of endorsement for student applicants. Application deadline is June 1st.
Download the 2023 Application
The ICD-WUDAA Scholarship Program awards annual scholarships to help overcome the impact that the high cost of dental education and heavy student debt are having on the career choices of our new graduates.
Support the ICD-WUDAA Scholarship Program
Your tax-deductible contribution to the Scholarship Program will help more dental students achieve their goals. Please click on the 'Donate' button below.
DONATE NOW
Last year, support from the ICD Global Visionary Fund, USA Section Foundation, and Leon Aronson Endowment enabled six inspiring dental students to receive awards.
G L O B A L H E A D Q U A R T E R S
