GSDM Students Share International Elective Externship Experiences
On Thursday, April 30, 2015, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) students gave a well-attended presentation to the GSDM community about their International Elective Externship trips this past winter.
Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter opened the meeting by congratulating all students who participated in an International Elective Externship (IEE) and praised them for their dedication to serving those in need. Following Dean Hutter’s remarks, the presentation began with a slideshow showing GSDM students around the world providing much-needed dental care to underserved populations. Following the slideshow, students from each IEE gave a presentation describing their unforgettable trips and the cultural experiences they participated in. A total of 16 students discussed their experiences of 5 different externship trips to Guatemala, Panama, India, and Nicaragua. At the conclusion of the meeting, Dean Hutter presented each student with a certificate of recognition.
The DMD 15 students who participated in the IEEs this past winter were: Jasnoor Mann, Andrew Soule-Hinds, Anne Tran, and Josh Williams, who went to Guatemala January 8–19, 2015; Ingy Alhelawe, Justine Karanian, Emma Amal Lattouf, and Linda Linsinbigler who went to Guatemala January 15–26, 2015; Christopher Chan and Ramandeep Samra who went to Panama January 15–26, 2015; Sonal Chhanabhai, Amrita Patel, and Samita Sandhu who went to India January 18–February 2, 2015; and Michelle DaRocha, Stephanie Leung, and Keely Matheson who went to Nicaragua February 9–18, 2015. Dr. Thomas Kilgore was also recognized for his participation in the IEE to Guatemala.
Director of Global Initiatives Ms. Kathy Held said, “I’m so very proud of the international elective externship volunteers this year. It is hard to imagine the physical and emotional stresses such a mission can bring unless you have participated in one.” She added, “I have been fortunate to be a member of some of these teams in the past and have seen firsthand how dedicated and committed the GSDM students are to providing care.”
Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.