September 22, 2023
Everybody Loves a Baby!
The week began with a bang when MDA Professional Affairs Director, Halie Payne, came into the office to show off little Monroe Payne who is right at a month old. Of course all the mothers in the office flocked to cuddle the little scrumptious wonder but in a real display of trust and kindness, they even gave me a turn. The visit was a welcome break from the maddening deadlines. Halie is doing very well and enjoying her maternity leave although we all quietly begged her to come back soon.
New Grad Action in St. Louis
Last night the Greater St. Louis Dental Society held a special welcoming event for new grads. Sadly I was unable to attend, but I was told attendance was good and there was no shortage of good connections and fun prizes. That’s how it should be at every dental event. I did receive a few photos of the frivolity.
MDA Foundation Board On the Grounds
Today we held the fall board meeting for the MDA Foundation right here in the office. Along the way, we re-elected Chair, Dr. Darren Mahaffey, Vice Chair, Dr. Kirk Opdahl, and Treasurer, Dr. Jeremy Bowen. We also bid farewell to Dr. Elwood Rice after 14 years on the board, including three terms as Chair. Dr. Rice has been a big part of my time at the MDA serving in many roles. We drove to scholarship dinners together and served side by side at MOMOMs. He always gave great attention and care to the work, and he will be missed. In other business we passed the 2024 budget and continued discussion on how to best approach access to care events. At the end, I was able to gather the board for a group shot with Drs. Caitlin Rosemann, Chloe Stuck, Emily Hahn, Danielle Riordan, Elwood Rice and Lynne Barbour up front and Drs. Jeremy Bowen, Rob Renger, Tom Stone, Darren Mahaffey and Kirk Opdahl in the second row. I sure appreciate these folks and the volunteer time and passion they put into leading the Foundation.
The Week Ahead
Doesn’t look too sexy unless you think Zoom meetings are the best thing ever, but don’t let the uneventful schedule fool you, we have work to do!
Quote of the Week
“A baby is a wishing well. Everyone puts their hopes, their fears, their pasts, their two cents in.” – Elizabeth Bard
