Graduation and Board Certification 🎓✅

The last time I wrote, I mentioned that I was on the home stretch of preparing for and sitting the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) written examination <-- this is the exam taken as part of the process to becoming a board certified Orthodontist. I am very pleased to announce that all my hard work and studying paid off. I passed!!!

I have taken many standardized exams in my time but this one was by far the one I was most nervous about. When the email popped in my inbox I remember being overcome by a flood of emotions; my heart felt like it would literally bust through my chest, my palms got sweaty and I could barely breathe lol! My co-resident had to open the email for me and deliver the good news, phew!! 

I've also since graduated!! 🎓🎓and I had the great fortune of sitting exactly 5 rows away from President Barack Obama, as he delivered our commencement speech.

Graduation Day! Ticket in-hand eagerly awaiting the arrival
of President Barack Obama

Howard University 2016 Commencement Speech (in case you missed it)

This was a historic day and I will never ever forget it. His speech was very inspiring  and a strong reminder that your Passion must be matched with Strategy.

I was this close to the President

Howard University Orthodontics, class of 2016!

From job/contract negotiations, apartment hunting, board exams, several research presentations, graduation and lots of other residency related things and... just life in general, the last couple weeks has been nothing shy of eventful and amazing (stressful too, at times). The only thing missing is the icing on the cake - my certificate to solidify my new title as Orthodontist. Stay tuned.

Orthodontics Board Exam

As many of my readers know, I was accepted into my dental school's Orthodontics Program in July 2014 and since it's a 2 year program, that leaves me with just about three (3) more months until I get the official title of Orthodontist. I'm very excited for this accomplishment and embracing the impending next steps of my life, ahem real world.

But before I graduate from my program and move on to bigger, brighter and better things, there are a couple hurdles to jump over - one of the biggest right now being the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) written examination, yes another national board exam.

With just about 2 more weeks remaining until I sit this exam, there's a lot of burning the midnight oil and exam anxiety at this time. You would think taking these standardized exams would be a breeze by now, but no. I still have to call up on all the things that I've done in the past to get through my studies and remain focused. There is a world of material to cover with only so much time left - so staying organized is key. I've been struggling this time around with the staying focused bit. I have a lot of things going on: employment contract negotiations, research and grand case preparations (finalizing my research and presentations for 3 research symposiums coming up within the next 3 weeks), chief resident duties, family...stuff, blogging over at The NEXT DDS, to name a few.
This is however, nothing new to me and I will be plummeting through like I always do!

Wish me luck!

Match Day Reflections

Today is Orthodontics residency Match Day!!

My, how time flies! Just a few short minutes ago match results were released and I have been hearing (from my friends and those who interviewed at my program) via text messaging, emails, social media, etc of the good news! I remember being in that position not so long ago. My match results were released on December 4, 2013 for a start date at my program in July 1, 2014. 

Today, as I listen to people sharing their news I can't help but reflect on the time when that was me:

I recall the nervous/anxious energy while I awaited the results. I could barely sleep the night before. I awoke at 6am ( even though results weren't slated to be released until around 8am). I remember sitting in front of my lap top, refreshing my email over and over until finally, at 8:25am the email came through:

I remember how ecstatic I was when I opened the email with the words Congratulations! 

I commend all who matched! Congratulations! Orthodontics is a very competitive program to get into. You are embarking on a very rewarding career. If any of my readers got matched today, See you on the other side!

Because Freakin' Awesome Isn't an official Job Title

My first year of Orthodontics residency is officially over! I have just one more year left before I become an Orthodontist, put on my big girl pants and step out into the working world.

The thought of it is very exciting, and at the same time a bit terrifying. No  longer will I have the shelter and cushion of school and my many professors and teachers there to guide me. It is all so bitter-sweet.

Needless to say, my first year was a bit challenging. Rest assured friends, that Orthodontics is not simply moving teeth around, neither are Orthodontists teeth technicians - as some people like to refer to us as. On the contrary, an Orthodontist's job can be quite arduous - we not only have the job of dealing with various malocclusions and fixing mis-aligned teeth, but we are the thinkers of the profession, the problem solvers, the mystery busters, the wire benders, the craniofiacial or denotofacial orthopedic specialists, the gate keeper to the oral surgeon, the smile perfecters, the confidence boosters, etc etc.

Shortly put, we're "freakin' awesome!"
Through the challenges, I've been enjoying every minute of Orthodontics residency life. I am truly looking forward to being one of the very best Orthodontists around.

Don't forget my referrals! :)