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District 2 News: Keynotes
May 2008 Issue
From Our Regent
I recall several years ago listing to a story that was titled "Acres of Diamonds." It was the account of a rich farmer in southern Africa. His farm covered several hundred acres of prime land. The farm was well managed, prosperous and successful. The farmer became unhappy despite all of his good fortune. He wanted to become a diamond miner. In order to begin his adventure, he sold his farm, left his family and began his quest to find diamonds.
For many years he searched for these precious stones. Eventually when the money from the sale of his farm was depleted and combined with being homeless and the long separation from his family, he became despondent and jumped of a cliff into a river, committing suicide. Meanwhile, the farmer that had purchased his farm was enjoying a afternoon walk along one of the streams on the property when he came across this beautiful stone in the water. The stone turned out to be one of the worlds largest diamonds. The farmer discovered that his property contained literally "acres of diamonds."
The storyteller said that the moral of this story is that before we try to find valuable treasures in other places we should first seek these things in our own backyards. I am asking you as Fellows of the International College of Dentists to look among your colleagues for candidates that could be invited to Fellowship into the worlds pre-eminent Honorary organization of outstanding dentists. It is very important that we identify and invite candidates for Fellowship into ICD. Each active fellow should look in their own backyard to invite into the College dentist that have distinguished themselves by their activities in the profession, their community and social arenas.
The easiest procedure is to simply go on line at www.icd-usa.org. Then click on "ICD FELLOWSHIP PROCESS," then click on "SPONSOR FORM." Complete this form and sign it. Instruct the candidate to also go on line and click on "CANDIDATE FORM," provide the information and return the completed form to you. Return both forms along with two letters of recommendation from two active ICD Fellows to me or your Deputy Regent. Have fun searching for diamonds in you own backyard.
James E. Spencer, DDS Regent,
2nd District of the USA Section of the ICD
From Our editor
A hearty congratulations to the thirteen individuals recently inducted into the International College of Dentists fellowship. This is one of the highest honors you will achieve during your professional career, one which is made even more special since it an acknowledgement made by your colleagues of your achievements in Dentistry. It confirms your position as a leader within the dental profession
Leadership. A very special term. One which means different things to different people. Whether it is a leader within one’s community organization, house of worship or profession; whether in government, school, fraternal organization or club, or whether domestically or internationally, leadership signifies the top of the group, the pinnacle.
By virtue of this fact, leadership carries with it enormous responsibility. A leader must first and foremost represent an ideal, or as close to an ideal as possible. He or she must possess a vision. A leader must be one to whom others look for guidance, an example to follow and to strive for. A mentor. It is a position based on both what an individual has achieved AND what others anticipate he or she will achieve in the future. The confidence shown by others in a leader’s potential is part of this awesome responsibility.
Generations ago one only had the ability to impact locally. As communication and travel improved, one’s impact could be considered over greater distances, even nationally. Today, with the world shrinking as it is, each and every leader’s actions have the potential to have a global effect. As leaders in Dentistry, we must constantly educate ourselves so that our impact is positive. Our legacy to our profession and to humankind must move us forward towards the elimination of dental disease and the ultimate realization of global oral health. In this way, through education, service and commitment we can be the foundation upon which future generations will continue to build.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!
Dr. Howard I. A. Lieb,
Editor ICD District 2 Newsletter
Archives
- 2008 May Keynotes Vol. 3, #1 PDF (447 KB)
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