By Robin Gallardi, DDS, MS, FRCDC, Dip ABOMS
I was trained as a microbiologist and geneticist. Long hours in the research lab were grueling but exciting. There was something about being a part of a scientific discovery that I found exhilarating. When I shifted my studies to dentistry and then oral surgery, I wondered if my scientific interests would be satisfied. In the 20 years I have been practicing, I have seen an enormous amount of progress and change in our field.
Research and development are the backbone of all of our surgical advancements. Scientific discoveries have translated into updated health care interventions that have enhanced our day-to-day operations. Improved patient outcomes, better treatment options, and increased access to care are just a few of many advances I have seen. Economists have found that medical research has an enormous impact on human health and longevity which in turn contributes greatly to our national economy (Murphy and Topel, 1999).
What I have learned is that participating in health care advances does not have to just involve grassroots research and development. It also involves the daily implementation of new techniques and technologies in our own clinics and hospitals. The feedback we can provide from real-world clinical experiences is crucial for improving techniques, drugs, devices, and diagnostics. The documentation of our individual patient outcomes and the effective sharing of this information leads to validation of medical innovations in our specialty. Science today is changing so rapidly and is so complex that no single researcher or lab can be responsible for the application of a new discovery. It takes a village as they say to ensure effective and safe patient results. I find it exciting to be a part of this so-called implementation phase of research and development where true patient outcomes can be seen and measured.
Staying current can be challenging, daunting, and costly. Knowing when and how new technology should be used in our practices can be confusing. Recognizing a fad from a realistic advancement can also be difficult. Despite these challenges, we cannot be afraid to try something new. Knowing that our tried and true techniques are dependable and predictable does not negate the need for surgical advancement. Being open to new developments is essential if we are to provide an improved quality of care for every one of our patients.
I personally have always found the discovery and implementation of new innovations to be inspiring. This has kept me challenged and interested in our profession. Embracing progress can help prevent that feeling of being obsolete as we mature in our careers. Connecting and engaging younger surgeons and being open to reverse mentoring also makes embracing new discoveries much easier. Choose to be part of a network of progressive colleagues who are willing to share their experiences and techniques. This can make the addition of new advancements and technologies less intimidating.
While sadly my pipetting days are long over, I am proud to be part of a specialty that has always placed a great emphasis on research, development, and advancement. I cannot wait to see what new discoveries we will have in my next 20 years of practice.
Sincerely,
Robin Gallardi, DDS, MS, FRCDC, Dip ABOMS
ACOMS Review Editor