Celebrating the Class of 2020
F
or graduates everywhere, the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled important events and formal ceremonies. No parties, no food, no hugs--only awkward elbow bumps.
In addition to a virtual graduation ceremony, many EIOH residency programs held their own, socially distant, CDC-compliant, and rather creative celebrations. Not even the masks could hide the joy and emotion from the graduates and their proud mentors. Like Maryam Habibzadeh, DMD, (Perio ’20), who was one of the 78 people from 30 countries finishing their EIOH advanced training this year. She started her journey four years ago as a preceptor, before being accepted into the Periodontics Residency program. “A girl from Iran who went to dental school in the Philippines, who then tried to find her way to the States,” she continued. “I am always grateful that you took your chances with me. From that day one, my life changed forever.” While the Covid 19 pandemic challenged everyone in unimaginable ways, GPR Program Director Dr. Maricelle Abayon wondered early on if fear of the unknown would cause some to shirk away from the responsibilities that they’ve sworn to do as oral health providers. “The GPR residents rose to the challenge and quickly adjusted to the new normal, their new schedules and continued to care for their patients in a way that captured the spirit of Meliora,” she said proudly. Top: Dr. Scott Koopman (GPR '20) Middle: Periodontics chair reflected on the challenging year.
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| university of rochester medical center
“This year has been a year not comparable to any year I have been a part of during my professional and academic career,” Advanced Education of General Dentistry Chair Dr. Hans Malmstrom said
