Excellence begets recognition
The talent, knowledge and professionalism of faculty at Texas A&M College of Dentistry is a source of pride for the dental school. Each year, there are a select few who go above and beyond their duties, not in pursuit of recognition but simply out of dedication to students. The annual Faculty Retreat offers the opportunity to honor those who make our college a better place to learn and grow. Here’s more from the faculty who were presented with awards during the Jan. 3 professional development day.
Dr. Danette McNew
Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: 1992
Most rewarding part of her work: “The students do want the ‘how to’ knowledge, but they also want to know where they go after the education. Many questions are directed to me from the students. They are varied, such as, ‘Is there a future? Can I pay off my debt in a relative time period? How do I make a living for my family?’ I have been in solo practice for thirty years and still enjoy the teaching experience. My perspective is unique to the students.”
Why it’s important: “I believe to be effective in this world we need a combination of skills, compassion, ethics and persistence. All of these cannot be taught specifically, but they can be modeled.”
Dr. Bruno Ruest
Distinguished Teaching Award
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: 2006
Most rewarding part of his work: “To see students succeed, and the friendship. Success can occur at different moments. It could be when a student finally understands something after working one on one, when a student sees their exam result or final grade for a course, when a student tells me they passed the Board part I, or when a student graduates or gets into a specialty program. These moments are often accompanied with a ‘thank you’ that lets me know I played a role in that success.”
Why it’s important: “We are forming more than just dentists; we are forming health professionals. We want them to be proficient and successful and be able to communicate with other health professionals. What we teach has often a broader and more profound impact on people’s lives than we think. I want students to remember that they are treating the oral cavity, but the mouth is attached to a body. Thinking outside the proverbial box is often necessary and may save a patient life.”
Dr. Amal Noureldin
Clinical Faculty Research Award
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: 2011
Most rewarding part of her work: “Interaction with my mentees — undergrad and grad students — has been priceless, with teaching them and learning from them over the years. All my research is clinically relevant and targeted to answer the daily problems and challenges we encounter as clinicians. It is highly rewarding.”
Why it’s important: “Professors in academia have to be well-rounded to be able to enrich their students. One way is research. It is hard; it is a burden, but it is highly rewarding.”
Dr. Faizan Kabani
Teaching Excellence Award
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: 2016
Most rewarding part of his work: “Facilitating students’ critical thinking skills and helping them apply their skills in a competent, compassionate, and ethical manner.”
Why it’s important: “In my opinion, it is imperative to attach upmost significance to these aspects in our work, particularly as we prepare the next generation of health care professionals with the tools to be responsible caretakers of our societies.”
Dr. Xiaofang Wang
Basic Science Faculty Research Award
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: 2008
Most rewarding part of his work: “My productivity of extramural grants, publication, mentoring and national services.”
Why it’s important: “It helps shape the research of the college and enhances our national and international impact.”
Dr. Amp Miller
Distinguished Achievement Award, College Level, Texas A&M Association of Former Students
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: 1975
Most rewarding part of his work: “Working with the students and watching them develop into capable young professionals is very rewarding.”
Why it’s important: “It’s important for their future success and happiness and the long-term well-being of the profession.”
Dr. Stephen McDonald
Distinguished Achievement Award, College Level, Texas A&M Association of Former Students
Teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since: 2013
Most rewarding part of his work: “I truly enjoy watching the evolution from students to professionals. They arrive wide-eyed and unsure of what to expect and graduate with the knowledge, skills and confidence to be leaders in our field. It is really rewarding to be a part of that process.”
Why it’s important: “They are the next generation of dentists and will be the dentists caring for us in the future. So selfishly, I want to make sure that they are the best.”
