between health, disease, orthodontics and mind-body, and use this awareness in their clinical and educa-tional endeavors. Those enrolled came from countries throughout the Middle East and as far away as Malaysia and Brazil (but practicing in Lebanon.). Obvious was their pride in being dentists, practicing orthodontics and being members of AOS and the rare opportunity to learn from the largest GP orthodontic education organiza-tion in the United States. All the doctors speak English, but are most comfortable with their native languages, Arabic and Farsi. Dr. Rahmani, with his amazing atten-tion to excellence, had arranged for Dr. Baker’s lectures to be simultane-ously translated so that the doctors could listen either in English, or in translation with their earphone. It was an almost seamless process, given the skill of Marzieh, our trans-lator, and to the attention and focus of the doctors. The follow-up to the first session has been strong with numerous emails and professional questions, patient questions, and even invitations to visit the doctor’s homes to meet their families. It is an immense honor for Dr. Baker to be the course instruc-tor for these wonderful doctors. “The experience of traveling to the other side of the world was also an opportunity for me and my family to expand our world, to understand what we can learn from the other side of the world. It is a privilege to connect with these precious, wonderful people,” said Dr. Baker. When asked about challenges in the AOS Master-ship Orthodontic Course in Dubai, Dr. Baker said, “First let me say that the elements of our lives that require us to work hard and think hard and do better, bring us growth and happiness. Our greatest strengths are our greatest weaknesses in another moment. In other words, as I consider the chal-“It is an honor to work with these doctors, our newest members, in the beautiful, cultured and gracious United Arab Emirates, and we look forward to taking your AOS back for the remainder of the four-session course,” said AOS President Dr. Chris Baker.” lenges in teaching orthodontics on the other side of the world, I know immediately that the word “chal-lenge” represents pathways to greater happiness. Indeed. The challenges, then? It is fascinating and amazing to lecture with simul-taneous translation. It is incredible that Marzieh was able to carry my communication so purely. And, it is challenging to speak and enunciate carefully, so as to communicate well and not use jargon or phraseology that might not “compute.” (See –“compute” probably would not express clearly that I needed to use elevated and almost poetic language to communicate well.) Even during a webinar by my friend, Paul Ganges, we worked together to commu-nicate with clarity. During the six straight days of lecturing and teach-ing, the doctors wanted constant feedback. Their hunger for learning and their commit-ment and motivation to work hard in the course made it chal-lenging not to spend every possible moment working with them. To end the day’s education and still have all seminarians sitting with pen in hand, ready for more is ever so motivating to the teacher. (But then, after we dismissed, the evenings were full of fun and collegiality, wonderful food, and friendships.) Dr. Baker further explained that there was the challenge of handling and fielding question after ques-tion, all thought out and very intelligent, based on solid clinical experiences and all bursting with poten-tial for progress and real learning. Talk about making me grow! As AOS’s reach expands to the other side of the globe, we know our strength is our people – our membership – YOU. Thank you for being part of an organization that reaches out to other doctors, making it possible to change each of our lives, and through our membership, change many patients lives. Experience the hero’s jour-ney of never-ending improvement in your AOS! www.orthodontics.com May/June 2011 41
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society May-June 2011: Page 41
