Japanese Orthodontists Learn BU Practice
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Continuing Education and Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics welcomed orthodontists from Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya, Japan on Thursday, September 19, 2013, for a mini-residency from September 20–24.
The visiting practitioners work in both academia and private practice. They were in Boston to learn about research and clinical practice at GSDM. The special residency was organized largely by former visiting faculty member Dr. Souichiro Oda.
Director of Continuing Education Dr. Zhimon Jacobson said, “We are delighted to have such a distinguished group of colleagues visiting from Japan for an exchange of knowledge and ideas. Dr. Will and the orthodontic faculty created a dynamic learning environment with multiple distinguished lecturers.”
The residency began with a Welcome Dinner at BU Castle on Thursday evening hosted by Dean and Mrs. Jeffrey W. Hutter and continued with presentations starting September 20. The lecturers included: Anthony A. Gianelly Professor and Chair, Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Dr. Leslie Will; Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor Dr. Paul Rigali; Clinical Instructor
Dr. John Walker; Adjunct Professor Dr. Sheldon Peck; Adjunct Associate Professor Dr. Alpdogan Kantarci; Clinical Associate Professor Dr. David Briss; Adjunct Professor Dr. R. Matthew Miner; Chair of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Associate Dean for Hospital Affairs Dr. Pushkar Mehra; and Clinical Instructor Dr. Negaar Sagafi.
The visiting orthodontists also toured local offices, attended a Red Sox game, and enjoyed local cuisine.
The trip ended with a farewell banquet at the St. Botolph Club, also hosted by Dean and Mrs. Hutter. Dr. Peck gave a history of the Club.
He said, “The St. Botolph Club was founded in 1880, a golden period in Boston, a time when art, literature, music, architecture, clubs and public affairs were all in bloom. Many of the eminent individuals in these fields were original members of our Club. As one of our Club historians has put it, ‘all the stars of the morning, the very early morning, sang together.’”
Dr. Will thanked the speakers, for their generous gift of time and knowledge; Drs. Sheldon and Leena Peck, for helping to arrange the lovely evening; Continuing Education, for their help; Dean and Mrs. Hutter, for their presence at the banquet; Dr. Souichiro Oda, for organizing the residency; and all the attendees.
“I have had a close and wonderful relationship with so many orthodontists from Japan and feel fortunate to be able to show them a little of Boston and share with them what we are doing at Boston University,” Dr. Will said.
Certificates were presented by Dean Hutter with Dr. Peck assisting. Dr. Oda read the name of each participant, and all came forward to receive their certificates and have their photos taken with Dean Hutter and Drs. Peck, Oda, and Will.