|
Return to the Spring 2023 Newsletter A Personal Story: “Oral medicine specialists don’t just change lives; we save lives.”
I graduated with honors from California State University, Northridge, and then attended the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where I received my Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. I learned so much about oral medicine from Dr. Sol Silverman during my dental school years. Following my dental education, I expanded my horizons through a General Practice Residency at the VA San Francisco and learned a lot from my mentor, Dr. Michael Jacobs. The unique nature of oral medicine and the profound influence of oral health on individuals' overall well-being and quality of life has been the driving force behind my decision to pursue a career in oral medicine. It was an honor to train with some of the most renowned experts in oral medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). In addition, the knowledge and skills imparted by my mentors at UPenn have been invaluable in shaping my expertise in oral medicine. Oral medicine specialists can integrate oral health care into the medical health care model with their specialized expertise and training. We play crucial roles in bridging the gap between medical and oral health care for individuals enduring the challenges of oral and maxillofacial diseases, often for years. It is through our expertise and compassion that we have the power not only to change lives positively but also to save lives. In 2020, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, I had the privilege of participating in the AAOM mentorship program, where I was paired with Dr. Craig Miller. Meeting monthly with Dr. Miller has been a transformative experience, empowering me with enhanced career insights and honing my leadership skills. I am immensely grateful to all my mentors, the esteemed faculty at UPenn, and Dr. Miller, for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my journey in oral medicine. Their mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping my professional growth and development. Currently, I am a full-time faculty and the Co-Coordinator of the Advanced Oral Diagnosis Workgroup at the Western University of Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine (WesternU CDM). The highlight of my career has been serving my patients with their oral medicine service needs and educating the next generation of oral healthcare providers. Since 2021, through a collaborative project at the WesternU CDM, we have received an extramural grant from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation (DDCCF) for direct patient care services and oral diagnostic equipment. The DDCCF's biopsy grant aims to provide oral medicine specialty services to uninsured and underserved populations. Qualified patients receive a range of services at no cost. The grant includes diagnostic evaluation, imaging studies, biopsies, and laboratory testing analysis. Prompt biopsy results are crucial as they can potentially save lives by enabling early detection and timely treatment. One of the main objectives of the grant is to create opportunities for interprofessional collaborations between dental and medical providers and to continue bridging the gap between these two fields, as the grant promotes comprehensive health care for underserved patients with oral health concerns. The patients' needs for oral medicine services and experts are undeniable and growing. By supporting the American Academy of Oral Medicine, we continue to have positive impacts on our patients’ lives, educate our medical healthcare providers, create interprofessional learning opportunities, and become ambassadors of collaborative interprofessional healthcare. We have the ability and are driving change in interprofessional education and improved patient outcomes. By actively supporting the American Academy of Oral Medicine, we can contribute to the advancement of oral medicine, research, building successful practices, and establishing ourselves as advocates for integrated healthcare. Through education and collaboration, we can work towards a healthcare system where oral health is valued and integrated with overall health.
Sahar Mirfarsi, DDS Diplomate, American Board of Oral Medicine
|
