AGpO MEMBERSHIP NEWS The Next 30 Years At the end of my third term and the Academy’s third decade, I’ve been thinking about the Academy’s next 30 years. Here’s three pieces of advice for the future. It’s worth about as much as you paid for it. 1. Stay on Target Our founder Dr. Charles Yates wanted General and Pediatric dentists to be able to learn and incorporate orthodontics into their practices. He accomplished this through top of the line education and a hands – on experience while sharing his knowledge with humor and warmth. When I think of Dr. Yates and the time I spent learning from him my hope is that we continue to chart the Academy’s course in light of his legacy. This is what has distinguished us from other organiza-tions. May it continue to be so. 2. Reach for the One While Not Letting Go of the Other I am excited to witness the Academy expanding into new areas of the United States and Canada. My hope is that we continue to grow but still remember the dentists in the areas where our base is strong. But wait, we should Drew Ellenwood, DDS not be so intent on serving present AGpO President members to the detriment of growth. Therefore, reach for the one while not letting go of the other. It isn’t easy but it’s doable. 3. Remember Who We Serve Who does the Academy serve? The member dentists? The student dentists? A particular orthodon-tic system? Who the Academy ultimately serves are our patients, just as we serve them. The Academy trains us to serve our patients effectively, not out of greed or to gouge and not for a patch on our jacket for all to admire. As you care for your patient, so the Academy does through you. It has been an honor to serve you as Academy Presi-dent. Godspeed. Drew Ellenwood, DDS www.orthodontics.com Fall 2018 43
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society Fall 2018: Page 43
